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[ CASE STUDIES ]

Aladdin Optimisation

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The Aladdin Optimisation Program run by CORSA fundamentally changed our relationship with the system—and with BlackRock. They brought clarity, structure, and pace to a situation that had been broken for years. 

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Client Overview

The client, the investment arm of a global reinsurer, had implemented BlackRock Aladdin remotely during the COVID pandemic without any internal Aladdin SMEs or external consultancy support. With limited experience in investment system implementations and insufficient understanding of investment products and processes, the client struggled for years following the go-live.

 

Post-implementation, the firm faced numerous operational issues, including poor data quality, vendor service challenges, and widespread user dissatisfaction. The Aladdin system was not being used as designed. Instead, teams built manual workarounds, implemented data overrides, and developed two separate internal data warehouses—widening the gap between intended and actual system use.

 

Recognising the systemic nature of the issues, the client engaged CORSA to lead a standalone optimisation program.

The Challenge

01
Poor system adoption and misalignment with Aladdin’s best practices. Fragmented issue resolution with no structured relationship with BlackRock Solutions.
02
Dual data warehouses with inconsistent outputs and increasing operational risk.
03
Lack of system optimisation and underuse of core Aladdin functionality. Portfolio compliance rules failing or misaligned with the investment mandate.
04
Strategic disconnection between the technology, operations, and investment teams.

Our Solution

CORSA designed and ran a formal Aladdin Optimisation Program to stabilise, streamline, and realign the client’s use of the platform:

Service Model Redesign

Reviewed and reset the Aladdin Services Agreement.

System and Data Evaluation

Conducted comprehensive reviews of security data management.

Compliance Re-Implementation

Identified and remediated failing portfolio compliance rules, redesigned the framework.

Outsourcing Enablement

Built and delivered a new model to outsource security data management and trade support for managed portfolios.

Functional Enhancements

Defined business requirements and delivered tactical and strategic solutions across the full investment lifecycle.

The Result

01
A structured and transparent service model now embedded and run by internal product owners. Drastic reduction in unresolved issues and open tickets with BlackRock Solutions.
02
Improved user experience and increased adoption of core Aladdin workflows.
03
Full remediation of compliance functionality with greater accuracy and operational confidence.
04
Realigned data architecture and reduced reliance on shadow systems. A clearer roadmap for future-state operations and data management across all portfolios.
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[ Client Testimonial ]

“The Aladdin Optimisation Program run by CORSA fundamentally changed our relationship with the system—and with BlackRock. They brought clarity, structure, and pace to a situation that had been broken for years.

 

Their deep system knowledge, coupled with a business-first approach, allowed us to fix both foundational problems and ongoing operational frustrations.”

What happened next

Following the success of the optimisation program, CORSA was retained to oversee follow-on projects including the TSS Implementation, entity vs. retained risk model enhancements, and the design of an internal performance function.

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