Focused Programs

Focused Programs

 ............Targeted at specific areas of concern

Windward has developed a suite of solutions that are targeted at specific functional elements of your office. These are very focused programs that are aimed at the building blocks of your organization. They complement our more transformative Consulting Services. Generally, they:

• are concentrated in which the fix can be isolated
• are low risk and high payback
• have the potential of affecting the performance of the entire organization.

They are based upon Windward's experience in solving similar problems within Family Offices and are designed for quick and ready implementation. The programs are built on a framework of pre-built components and tool sets, yet each program can be customized to your specific needs, implemented separately or in conjunction with one another - depending upon your organization's needs.

• Windward Technology Programs 
• Windward Benchmark Programs

Windward Technology Programs

• Excel Impact Program

  Upgrade the Excel structure to fix today's environment and create a building block for future growth and development. The key components of the program are:

• Evaluating how your organization protects your investment in Excel and assisting in implementing a Control Framework for managing and controlling your spreadsheet library.

• Assisting your organization in developing appropriate standards for spreadsheet development, including guidelines for ensuring that spreadsheets are easy to use and modify, as well as techniques for guaranteeing that spreadsheets are controlled and accurate.

• Educating your office staff on advanced concepts which will help them develop more robust and powerful applications in a fraction of the time as would be otherwise possible. 
  

• Upgrading and enhancing the office's spreadsheet library, either as an outsourced assignment or through collaboration with your staff.

• Customized development to improve integration,data collection and reporting.

• Join our Excel TuneUp Webinar on December 8th.
  
• Check out Hugh Bagatelle's recent article on Excel in Private Wealth magazine
  

• Specialized applications
  

We offer specialized applications that are focused on filling specific functional gaps that are missing from traditional Family Office technology programs.

• Custom development

Depending upon your needs, Windward can development solutions geared directly for your business need or problem. This could include data integration and aggregation, Excel development or specific applications to solve a unique business requirement.

Windward Benchmark Programs

Windward Benchmark Programs address the critical components of the private wealth management operation. They are focused on upgrading the hidden infrastructure of the organization and should provide a foundation for organizational efficiency, compliance and growth. The programs are built on templates to expedite delivery and minimize cost. Some programs have available technology to facilitate the ongoing operation. Windward will assist in integrating these programs and develop a practical and maintainable process.

The available programs are:

• Policies and Procedures

• Security, Privacy and Confidentiality

• Operations Risk Management and Internal Control
  

• Policies and procedures development

Windward has developed a comprehensive program to help Family Offices gain control of their policies and procedures.  The program consists of:

• Developing comprehensive Operating Policies to ensure that all aspects of operations are guided by principles to reduce risk and promote efficiency.
  

• Developing Control Procedures to ensure adherence to Operating Policies.

• Interviewing operating personnel and developing detailed documentation of mission critical business procedures.

• Recommending process improvements to promote efficiency and improved control.
  

• Implementing our proprietary Online Process Control Center, a browser based application that houses all of your documents and support materials.   This application provides for complete transparency of all company procedures that can be used to monitor and control key business activities.

• Security, Privacy and Confidentiality

Protecting the privacy and confidentiality of UHNW families is more important than ever. Windward's Wealth Management Security Review Process, which entails a comprehensive review and enhancement process of key areas of vulnerability of the Family Office, is based on industry standards and Windward's experience in a regulatory environment.

• Check out Jim Campbell's article on Safeguarding Client Privacy in Private Wealth Magazine

• Operational Risk Management
  

As the gate keepers of the complex needs and issues surrounding UHNW investors, wealth management firms provide highly specialized and customized services. The risks need to be understood and managed and a sound framework of internal controls is essential. Focused on Wealth Management operations, the Operational Risk Management program offers a comprehensive review of capabilities including: 

• Risk Profile

• Risk Identification

• Risk Measurement and Quantification

• Internal Control Testing

• Cost/benefit Analysis and Recommendations