Predictions 2024: The Future of Post-Trade Operations

By Ian Bessarabia

As we enter 2024, the financial services industry faces a crucial turning point. Rapid technological advancements, evolving regulations, and changing customer expectations combine to disrupt post-trade operations. In this time of uncertainty, it is essential to strengthen the core of our businesses by enhancing operational capacity to thrive.

Three major trends will shape post-trade operations in 2024:

The Acceleration of AI and Automation

Artificial intelligence and automation will continue to advance, enabling computers to handle repetitive, rule-based processes. This will free up operations teams to focus on higher-value tasks that require emotional intelligence, creativity, and complex problem-solving skills. AI will also generate valuable analytics, providing actionable insights to optimise operations.

The Rise of Predictive Technologies

Advancements in predictive analytics and exception management will allow teams to anticipate and prevent issues before they arise. By leveraging large datasets and self-learning algorithms, predictive systems can alert teams to potential failures, enabling proactive resolution and minimising costly disruptions.

An Increased Focus on Hybrid Work Environments

Operations will need to support seamless collaboration between in-office and remote employees. There will be a greater emphasis on technologies that bridge communication gaps and unite hybrid teams. Operations leaders must foster company culture and social connections to engage a distributed workforce.

To remain relevant in this rapidly changing landscape, operational practitioners should prioritise the development of future-ready skills such as:

• Build emotional intelligence to lead increasingly automated teams. Practice empathy, resilience, adaptation, and communication.
• Hone analytical and critical thinking skills to extract insights from AI. Learn to distinguish valuable information from noise and determine appropriate actions.
• Strengthen creative problem-solving abilities to tackle new challenges. Embrace innovative approaches by synthesising diverse perspectives.
• Emphasise the human touch. Advocate for the unique human skills that technology cannot replicate.

The future may appear uncertain, but by combining our humanity with technology, operations teams will continue to drive our businesses forward. The next era of financial services is here. Are you ready to shape it?

Financial institutions will have a firm requirement and expectation to demonstrate operational resilience. The industry must be actively and collaboratively working towards ensuring the effectiveness of this legislation. Operational resilience is increasingly critical in an evolving digital world.