Cornerstone Investment Partners, an Atlanta-based registered investment advisor, has chosen Ridgeline’s cloud-based platform to modernize its operations and enhance efficiency. This transition marks a significant shift from legacy technology to a more agile and integrated solution.
Ridgeline offers a comprehensive, front-to-back office platform designed specifically for the investment management industry. For Cornerstone, this move addresses the challenges associated with disparate legacy systems, providing a unified solution for improved data management, reporting, and operational workflows. Prior to implementing Ridgeline, Cornerstone faced common issues related to data errors, duplication, and limitations in reporting capabilities, stemming from working across multiple systems. According to Teri Ambrus, Cornerstone’s Operations Manager, these issues created ongoing operational headaches.
The decision to adopt Ridgeline was driven by the need for a consolidated platform that could streamline operations and reduce reliance on outdated technology. “We weren’t actively looking to change,” explains Head Trader Russell Brown, but Ridgeline presented a compelling alternative to their existing systems which required frequent and disruptive upgrades. Ridgeline’s cloud-native architecture eliminates the need for traditional upgrades, providing continuous and seamless updates.
A key benefit of the Ridgeline platform is its user-friendly interface and enhanced data visibility. Tom Builder, Director of Marketing and Client Service at Cornerstone, emphasizes the significant improvement in accessibility and ease of use. “Everything’s at the tip of your fingers now,” he states, adding that the transition has been a refreshing change, likening the experience to “being a kid in a candy store on a daily basis.” Features such as global search and configurable data have significantly improved efficiency and workflow. The single, unified system allows for greater transparency and collaboration across the entire firm.
The implementation process was remarkably smooth, according to Brown. He credits Ridgeline’s expertise and thorough preparation for the seamless transition. Builder echoes this sentiment, highlighting the knowledge and responsiveness of the Ridgeline team throughout the process. This collaborative approach instilled confidence in Cornerstone, ensuring a successful implementation.
By adopting Ridgeline, Cornerstone anticipates significant cost and time savings. Brown explains that the platform allows for faster execution, improved data accuracy, and reduced vendor, error, and time costs across the organization. Ambrus confirms that Ridgeline has delivered on its promises, providing a tangible return on investment. The efficiency gains achieved through streamlined workflows and reduced manual processes contribute to these savings.
The partnership between Cornerstone and Ridgeline extends beyond a simple vendor-client relationship. Dave Blair, Co-CEO of Ridgeline, acknowledges Cornerstone’s valuable contributions as an early adopter, providing feedback that has informed the development of key features such as broker algorithms and external execution for separately managed accounts (SMAs). Brown reciprocates this sentiment, emphasizing the productive nature of the partnership.
Ultimately, Cornerstone Investment Partners’ decision to leverage Ridgeline’s platform reflects a commitment to innovation and operational excellence within the investment management industry. The transition exemplifies the growing trend among investment firms to embrace modern technology solutions for enhanced efficiency, improved decision-making, and a more competitive edge in the market. This strategic move positions Cornerstone for continued success and growth in the evolving financial landscape.
