Santa Eugene via Snapchat
It’s not logical to say but 2021 feels as if it flew by.
We had a constant flow of major news events from the January 6 attack upon Capitol Hill to severe weather events and new COVID-19 variants that disrupted plans for a return to a new normal. In fact, the new normal turns out to be a mix of the old, the new, and moments of complete chaos. Fun times!
However, those working in the securities industry — and particularly operations and IT management staffs — have had to show an ongoing resiliency and an eagerness to adapt that is helping their firms prosper at a very stressful time.
In addition, adversity is spurring innovation in ways that few would have predicted. Manual systems, silos, and other perennial barriers to progress are beginning to buckle under the strain of a very fast and demanding new digital world. Firms are seizing upon this opportunity and are seeing that they need to shore up their middle and back offices as far as IT, workflows, and resource management. The old rules are falling away faster than political promises and have to be replaced with better practices and rules.
So, despite a very challenging environment, I hope we can find solace, hope, and joy in the fact that these tough times are compelling operations teams and others to truly deal with systemic securities transaction problems that should have been resolved years ago. There is also the distinct possibility that new coalitions may emerge within securities firms to ease the way forward.
In the meantime, FTF wishes everyone a very safe, tranquil, and inspiring holiday break. We will be reviewing some of our bigger stories and content offerings from 2021 and taking a little break before the New Year begins.
So, we wish you Happy Holidays and sincerely thank you for all of your support in 2021.
We will be seeing you in 2022.
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