A Tech-First Approach to Fund Administration—Without Building In-House
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In the evolving landscape of European private markets, fund administrators face mounting pressures: increasing regulatory complexities, heightened investor expectations, and the imperative for operational efficiency.
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While some firms embark on extensive internal tech development, Brightpoint Group charts a different course—leveraging specialized external platforms to enhance their services without the overhead of building in-house solutions.
Benjamin Bellmann, Head of Business Development at Brightpoint Group, doesn't mince words when discussing the state of fund administration:
The fund administration industry is still operating like it's the 1990s. Many firms are entrenched in outdated processes, relying heavily on spreadsheets and manual data entry. This isn't just inefficient; it's a liability in today's fast-paced financial environment.
This sentiment echoes broader industry observations. According to a report by FundGuard, the fund management industry is burdened by legacy technology, much of it more than 30 years old, that simply can't meet today's demands.
Benjamin emphasizes that true innovation requires a top-down approach:
Innovation must start from leadership. It's not enough to implement new tools; leaders need to foster a culture that embraces change and encourages the adoption of modern solutions.
By challenging the status quo and advocating for a leadership-driven transformation, Brightpoint Group positions itself at the forefront of modern fund administration, ready to meet the evolving needs of the industry.
Rethinking the Tech Build Paradigm
Benjamin offers a compelling analogy:
We see ourselves as orchestrators of a complex supply chain. Our role is to ensure that each component—be it compliance, reporting, or investor onboarding—is handled by the best specialist. Building everything in-house would be like manufacturing every part of a car ourselves; it's neither efficient nor practical.
This philosophy allows Brightpoint to remain agile and responsive, integrating best-in-class solutions to enhance their services without the overhead of in-house development.
The Case for Modular Integration
Brightpoint's approach aligns with a broader industry trend towards modular ecosystems.
According to PwC's Private Equity Trend Report 2025, 83% of private equity firms consider digital transformation important or very important for future profitability, and 72% plan to invest in digital transformation in 2025, either for themselves or their portfolio companies.
By collaborating with specialized platforms, Brightpoint can offer clients cutting-edge solutions without the delays and costs associated with internal development.
Delivering a Superior Investor Experience
Investor expectations are evolving, with a growing demand for seamless digital experiences. By integrating specialized platforms, Brightpoint can offer investors a streamlined onboarding process, real-time updates, and enhanced transparency—key factors in attracting and retaining clients in a competitive market.
Explore how Vestlane can improve the fund operations for your clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Brightpoint prefer external platforms over in-house development?
Brightpoint believes in leveraging specialized expertise to enhance efficiency and adaptability, avoiding the resource-intensive process of building and maintaining own systems. All external tech solutions are integrated into our data warehouse.
How does this approach benefit clients?
Clients receive best-in-class services that are agile, compliant, and tailored to their needs, without the delays often associated with in-house development cycles.
Is this model scalable for other fund administrators?
Yes, adopting a modular, partner-driven approach allows fund administrators to scale operations efficiently while maintaining high standards of compliance and client service.