A single gateway for the full asset servicing lifecycle

By Larry Bajek, Vice President, Strategic Wealth Solutions

The asset servicing imperative

Asset servicing operations are facing growing pressure. Legacy infrastructure, fragmented systems, and manual workarounds create inefficiencies that are increasingly unsustainable in a real-time world shaped by T+1 settlement, 24/7 trading, and rising client expectations. These outdated models contribute to delays, errors, and inconsistent visibility—impacting both operational efficiency and client experience. As corporate actions grow in volume and complexity, simplifying and modernizing asset servicing is becoming a critical step toward maintaining resilience, accuracy, and competitive relevance.

The complexity firms can no longer afford

For many institutions, asset servicing has evolved into a patchwork of disconnected systems and siloed processes—each with its own data, workflows, and risk exposure. These fragmented models are costly to maintain and difficult to change. Even well-intentioned modernization efforts have often been narrow in scope, reinforcing operational silos instead of resolving them. As regulatory demands intensify and firms prepare for T+0 and beyond, the case for a unified approach to transformation is more urgent than ever.

A smarter, simpler path forward

A new model is emerging—one that eliminates fragmentation and complexity through a modular platform powered by a single, real-time data set. This approach allows firms to integrate one component to start—such as corporate actions, tax, or proxy voting—and expand over time. Each new module connects seamlessly to the same foundation, streamlining workflows and reducing friction across the asset servicing lifecycle.

A unified platform improves consistency across lines of business—capital markets, custody, wealth, and asset management—while enabling automation, exception handling, and straight-through processing. Over time, firms build a centralized data source that strengthens reporting, reduces manual intervention, and improves readiness for a real-time environment.

Just as important as the technology is the partner behind it. Successful transformation requires deep domain expertise, global scale, and a track record of delivery in complex operating environments. The right partner helps simplify integration through robust APIs and a clear path to value—while supporting firms in aligning transformation with business priorities.

How to get started: choose your entry point

Getting started doesn’t require an enterprise-wide overhaul. In fact, the most effective journeys begin with a single high-impact area that addresses an immediate pain point.

Start by identifying a critical area in need of improvement:

• Is your corporate actions process too manual and error-prone?
• Are tax reporting and reconciliation draining resources?
• Do proxy operations lack transparency or cost efficiency?

Once the priority is clear, integration can begin with one API-enabled module. From there, firms can expand as needed—adding class actions, income processing, cost basis, and more. Each addition contributes to a unified data environment, delivering greater visibility and operational efficiency.

This modular approach enables firms to capture early wins while building toward long-term transformation at a pace that matches their strategy and resources.

Beyond the fix: the long-term gains of platform thinking

What starts as a tactical solution quickly scales into a strategic advantage. A unified data model reduces duplication, eliminates reconciliation headaches, and powers real-time reporting. This single source of truth strengthens risk controls and simplifies operations across the business.

It also opens the door to next-generation capabilities. A harmonized data foundation is essential for effective AI deployment—enabling everything from automated exception handling to predictive analytics and proactive tax planning. Over time, firms can shift from reactive processing to forward-looking decision-making, enhancing both advisor productivity and client outcomes.

This transformation extends beyond cost and compliance. It positions firms to scale more efficiently, deliver better service, and attract the next generation of talent who expect modern tools and meaningful work.

Simplicity that scales with you

Modernizing asset servicing doesn’t have to mean pausing operations or replacing everything at once. With the right foundation, firms can start small, move fast, and scale with confidence.

It doesn’t have to start with everything. It just has to start.

Discover how Broadridge can help you simplify, scale, and transform your asset servicing.