Charles River Development (Charles River), a provider of financial software and services to the global investment management community, has launched its Japan user group, an executive forum for Charles River’s domestic and international Japanese clients. The group provides a forum for clients to discuss how Charles River can support critical Japanese business and regulatory issues, particularly Japan's Financial Instruments and Exchange Law (J- SOX), which comes into effect on 1 April, 2008. Over 30 representatives from 15 Japanese financial institutions participated in the inaugural meeting, held on 29 August in Tokyo.
"This new user forum reflects Charles River's commitment to giving Japanese clients a voice in how Charles River's products and services are developed to best meet Japan's unique business and investment requirements," comments Mr. Atsuo Tachikawa, deputy general manager, IT, Daiwa SB Investments. "The Japanese users of the Charles River Investment Management System (Charles River IMS) not only serve as advisors at the forum but are also brought together as peers. It is an opportunity to discuss the Japanese market, gain consensus, provide open feedback and validate the workflow of each function of Charles River IMS across all asset classes, including Japan's equity instruments."
At the inaugural meeting, Charles River's clients openly shared their views on Charles River IMS' portfolio management, pre-trade, post-execution and end-of-day compliance monitoring capabilities, says the firm. Discussions also focused on the growing interest in Asia-Pacific for global electronic trading of Japanese equities via FIX, the impending J-SOX regulations and Charles River's ability to meet these demands.
"Launching the Japan user group forum was given high priority as we value our clients' feedback. It is part of our client-focused strategy in helping them grow in new markets by integrating best practices and unique requirements into Charles River's products and services," comments Cameron Field, managing director, Asia-Pacific, Charles River.