Round up of 2022

Our flagship application goes to the cloud

We had already started our digitalisation programme prior to covid and shifted to cloud-based infrastructure and technologies. But this year we were able to roll out our flagship withholding tax reclaim application Global Tax Reclamation Solution (GTRS) as a digital, cloud-based version with an annual subscription option to our existing clients. Goal becomes the first company to offer withholding tax reclaim services on both an outsourced and insourced, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) basis. My special thanks to Charlotte Baker, Sarah Kohne and Debbie Hickey for all your hard work on this project.

Treaty Rate Manager (TRM)

Further to our digitalization initiative, we were proud to launch Treaty Rate Manager (TRM), the powerhouse behind GTRS as another standalone cloud-based application. As a one stop shop for all your withholding tax needs, TRM gives you access to treaty rates, market processes, statutes of limitation and much more. With a modern design and incredibly easy to use, there are many reasons we are the global leading fintech in withholding tax and class action recovery services.

Bringing back the handshake

After Covid we have been rebuilding our social?connectivity?by attending in-person conferences such as SIFMA and ISITC and further expanding our presence by joining other industry leading groups such as The Network Forum (TNF) and International Securities Services Association (ISSA).

TNF

TNF's activities cover largely post trade and security services on a global remit and hold an established annual programme of meetings throughout the year in Europe, US, Asia and Africa. Simon Cleary has already presented at their recent Asia forum in November, which was the first significant first in-person gathering of our industry in Singapore since Covid, he enjoyed the vibe where familiar faces were reunited, and new contacts made. Next, we are looking forward to joining their panel discussions, roundtables and providing significant contributions to their journals.

ISSA

This year we also became a member of ISSA who support the securities services industry.?Their members include CSDs, custodians, technology companies and other firms who are actively involved in all aspects of the securities services value chain. They connect securities services leaders and stakeholders, who all collaborate on key themes that impact the securities services industry, and look how to change the industry through the development and delivery of forward-looking solutions. We will be involved in their working groups where around 15 industry recognized members take part and collectively identify key challenges and potential solutions to the tax relief and recovery Process.?Members who actively participate, ensure that their ideas are incorporated in best practice guidance and introduce new ideas to positively impact both their own clients as well as the overall industry.

Equality, diversity & inclusion initiatives

At Goal, we recognise the importance and significance, to provide an equal, diverse, and inclusive working environment. Since adopting a remote working model across the organisation our team has set up a diversity and inclusivity group.?Our appointed regional diversity champions are volunteers in each of our global regions, and they have been busy creating an internal support network to ensure everyone has the facilities they may need.?The group has identified topics to encourage discussions and connect with each other on a deeper level, which is so important for the mental health and wellbeing of our valued team.

Growing client base

Since establishing Vicky Dean as our global head of client services, she and the global client service team have been incredibly busy implementing new policies and procedures as well as deepening our connections with our clients to ensure they remain satisfied. Through quarterly global meetings in which they explore trends and client needs, they have identified opportunities which have led to the development and implementation of enhanced service offerings to further support our clients. Not only is this important from a client satisfaction level but these initiatives have also enabled us to secure further business through recommendations and word of mouth. We are incredibly proud of the excellent client service we provide, so much so, we pride ourselves on it being one of the three cornerstones of our business. My thanks to Vicky Dean and the team for all their hard work this last year.

From potter to banker and now the winner of the AST Industry Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award, 2022!

I left school with nothing but a pottery O Level, so all I can say about winning this award is, wow! Thanks to the many great teams I have had the privilege of working with, over the years.?It simply would not have been possible without the support, guidance, and wisdom of all the people in Citi global custody, the team at?Bank of America?and the fantastic group I am proud to call my team here at?Goal. Winning this award is a highlight in my 40-year asset servicing career.

Onwards and upwards…