ATR Asset Management (ATRAM) Group, a top-tier asset and wealth management firm in the Philippines, has recently improved their services through digital technology by integrating Azure API Management and Azure Synapse Analytics into their operations. This significant investment marks a huge step in digital transformation for the entire ATRAM organization and the country. With Microsoft’s support services and multi-cloud management platform, ATRAM has been able to expand its capabilities and extend the scope of its services and products to multiple partners and customers.
ATRAM’s goal is to enable all Filipinos to become investors by providing more accessible investment opportunities, particularly to retail investors, and disrupting the industry practice of accessing portfolios through relationship managers. In 2022, ATRAM launched an app that makes it easier for current clients to access data and for new clients to set up accounts in under 10 minutes.
Cyrus Salvador, Head of Digital Solutions at ATRAM, stated, “When we started implementing our digital strategy, we focused on improving accessibility and client experience. Now we need to focus on elevating that client experience that sets us apart from competitors.”
To elevate the client experience, ATRAM needed to provide customized solutions and advice tailored to the needs of clients across different segments, with the aim of improving go-to-market time. ATRAM recognized that access to data was not enough, particularly when the data was scattered and siloed. “We encountered data quality issues and were looking for data governance,” said Bea Charmelyn Lambitco, Head of Data and Analytics at ATRAM. “We needed to bring technology that could help us deliver the desired end-to-end experience, both internally and as we move to integrating our partners,” added Salvador.
Enhanced data processing, analytics, and management
By integrating Azure Synapse Analytics, ATRAM was able to create a single platform that efficiently and safely processes sensitive data while remaining cost-effective. This integration also allowed ATRAM to expand its reporting capabilities, providing faster turnaround times for reporting with the use of Power BI. The predictive and prescriptive capabilities of Azure Synapse Analytics also enable ATRAM to forecast future events and optimize actions, beyond just descriptive functions.
Apart from data analytics and reporting, ATRAM is also enhancing data warehousing. With the Azure data warehouse, ATRAM can now manage various types of data from clients, investment products, and markets, which is crucial for providing appropriate product advice to clients. Deanno Basas, Chief Executive Officer of Digital at ATRAM, emphasized the importance of data management in enhancing the value given to customers. For ATRAM, data management is critical in providing appropriate advice to clients on investment products.
Seamless connectivity through API management
ATRAM has integrated Azure API Management into its operations to enhance connectivity within its digital ecosystem. By utilizing this solution, ATRAM has enabled seamless processes between its APIs and built connectivity with business partners, making ATRAM funds readily available on their platforms. Moreover, wealth and institutional clients can view their accounts and portfolios through an API-powered platform.
Azure API Management also secures and monitors ATRAM’s APIs and their usage, creating new business models for the asset manager. ATRAM aims to achieve a microservice or a service-oriented architecture that aligns with the open finance framework. This framework seeks to make services, client, and product information available to multiple partners or parties.
Transforming the investment landscape for Filipinos
ATRAM has commenced a new phase of its digital transformation journey to enhance the efficiency of its operations and systems. Their goal is to become the leading digital investment management player in the Philippines, achieved by utilizing evolving technologies and partnering with Microsoft.
The firm’s vision is built on three pillars: providing an elevated and accessible experience to all clients across all segments, delivering scalable and efficient products and services, and utilizing new technologies to deliver the desired engagement and experience for clients.
Microsoft Philippines CEO, Peter Maquera, explained that the partnership with ATRAM is an opportunity to showcase the potential of data optimization in the financial landscape. With the right solutions, ATRAM can scale its operations efficiently, while also enhancing its services.
