Challenge
The financial services sector has undergone radical transformation due to advancements in technology, reshaping operations and the customer experience. To keep pace, Standard Chartered initiated several programmes to modernise and harness opportunities in digitally enabled products and services.
In collaboration with Finastra, CCQ was commissioned to support Standard Chartered in leveraging two critical software solutions:
1. Opics
A front-to-back multi-asset-class and cross-border derivatives system that handles foreign exchange, money market instruments, market-standard derivatives, and retail-structured products.
2. OpicsPlus
A market-leading treasury system that covers all aspects of a financial institution’s treasury operations, including foreign exchange and money markets—from deal inception through to settlement and accounting.
Standard Chartered, listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and part of the FTSE 100 index, tasked CCQ with integrating the Opics solutions into their existing systems and infrastructure while addressing and resolving all aspects of business-critical regulatory compliance.
Solution
CCQ conducted a comprehensive health check of Standard Chartered’s systems, identifying potential failure points and opportunities for enhanced performance. We assessed existing workflows and anticipated future needs to develop a roadmap for integration, onboarding, and return on investment (ROI).
Our deep expertise in financial services software enabled us to implement complex financial algorithms and combine them with user-friendly interfaces to challenge traditional finance systems. Through strategic consultancy, we helped Standard Chartered resolve uncertainties surrounding feasibility, benefits, and risks.
Bespoke software solutions were developed to meet the unique requirements of the bank’s large-scale rollout of Opics for derivatives and treasury operations. This included resolving compatibility challenges with Opics, SQL, and Sybase.
Taking a holistic approach, we maximised the value of the Opics software by creating and delivering end-user and technical training programmes. By onboarding the bank’s technology teams, we empowered them to extend the benefits of the Opics architecture and ensure its ongoing success.
Technologies
OpicsPlus
Opics
SQL
Sybase
XML
MS Access
Visual Basic
C#
.NET
The Work
Technology Selection
Opics Integration
Installation
Customisation
Bespoke Extensions and Feature Additions
Training and Onboarding
Software Development
Results
CCQ resolved numerous pre-existing technical issues, delivering substantial improvements to Standard Chartered’s treasury and derivatives operations.
Our work enhanced operational efficiency, maximised the utility of data, and modernised the bank’s customer-facing services—significantly advancing its digital transformation efforts.