Managing complex financial entities requires standardization- Alice Allegrini demonstrates this through UniCredit’s successful transition.
This guest article was written by Alice Allegrini, Sales Director at Tagetik, a visionary leader in global performance management software solutions.
The finance function is undergoing massive change. Shifting business models, rising tax complexities, expanding global operations and evolving Regulation are putting a strain on finance departments. The rise of big data, the growing influence of social and digital media, and new technologies have completely changed the way finance departments operate.
Take the case of UniCredit, a leading European banking group operating in 50 countries globally, with a total of more than 7,000 branches and over 126,000 employees. Following a series of big acquisitions, the company now runs the largest international banking network in Central and Eastern Europe, with over 1,300 branches (as of 30 September 2015).
The rise of big data and the growing influence of social and digital media, and new technologies have completely changed the way finance departments operate
Managing such a complex entity requires standardisation. In 2005, the company therefore started looking for a unified solution that would provide financial consolidation and budgeting in the first phase, then in time provide planning, reporting (including segment) and multi-year forecasting.
Too Many Systems
The solution was implemented within the CFO function in 2009. Till then, the company had been utilising a solution for financial consolidation and budgeting combined with in-house systems. At that time, a total of 8 different consolidation applications were used and there were more planning than accounting solutions.
Roberto Monachino, now Group Chief Data Officer, but then working in the CFO function, collaborated in finding a solution.
This led to UniCredit agreeing to invest medium to long term in CPM technology. “We were already using a platform for financial consolidation and budgeting and we therefore felt that CPM was the obvious next step to continue our journey”, says Monachino.
The main objective at this stage was to replace the company’s fragmented legacy solutions with a stand-alone CPM suite to modernise and unify key financial processes, as well as comply with the impending International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) accounting standards.
Fundamental to UniCredit’s approach to CPM in support of its expansion plans was the implementation of a new solution that would meet the Group's financial consolidation and regulatory reporting needs, but also simplify and rationalise the data collected for budgeting, planning, reporting, including segment and FRS 8 (Related Party Disclosures), and multi-year plan forecasting.
New Opportunities
Implementation happened over 10 months, with the initial 6 months dedicated exclusively to project planning and to the analysis of service models, semantics and the chart of accounts. It was decided that the company should go into the new without shutting down the old completely. At least initially, the old systems would run in parallel with the new solution.
By the end of September 2009, financial consolidation (starting with the actual vs budget comparison) was implemented and the first budgeting process, the full year-end balance sheet and the first segment reporting launched. During the final phase of the overall plan at the end of 2009, UniCredit was ready to execute the long-term vision of unifying all CPM applications and the CFO processes.
This latest stage of the implemented financial consolidation solution focused on the rebuilding of the previous year’s statutory reporting and on building the current year’s budgeting model. It also brought to the adoption of a single solution for the end-to-end CPM needs.
Fundamental to UniCredit’s approach to CPM in support of its expansion plans was the implementation of a new solution that would meet the Group's financial reporting needs
UniCredit has since made enhancements to the CPM solution that have enabled different approaches and created opportunities both at legal entity and at holding level.
These include cost allocations and transfer pricing for UniCredit Business Integrated Solutions (the Group global services company, launched in 2012); profitability analysis by customer/channel/product in Fineco Bank (the Group’s direct multichannel bank, launched in 1999); regulatory reporting for EBA (European Banking Authority); weekly KPI monitoring and processing (to provide top management with relevant data); credit risk consolidation (to collect all risk data in one single place at aggregated level); regional planning for Italy (to collect all numbers/accounts for Italy in one place for reporting) and finally risk assessment - at both group and at subsidiary level (to comply with UniCredit’s golden rules of profitability).
Measurable, Transparent Results
Ultimately, implementing a stand-alone CPM solution provided multiple results:
Single definitions for the identification of UniCredit’s perimeter of consolidation (legal entities active in both euro and non-euro markets which means the added complexity of foreign exchange issues).
A unified product catalogue: in terms of planning, a stand-alone CPM enables UniCredit to analyse and explain processes more easily and in line with top management requirements.
Full group consolidation of all legal entities and regulatory compliance with Italian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and support for Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) required by the Italian central bank.
Sub-consolidation: thanks to CPM technology, different regional legal entities, which are obliged by law to submit sub holding budgets, can open a sub-consolidation within the same platform. UniCredit currently has 8 different and simultaneous sub holding consolidation scenarios.
Adaptation to high organisational change.
Reduction of the time needed for the entire consolidation process.
Delivery of statutory, financial, planning and management reporting via dashboards and subsequent reduction of the overall costs.
The Journey Continues
Monachino underlined that UniCredit has benefited from the use of CPM technology in terms of implementation processes, which have been shortened, and reduction of third parties for Execution. The journey continues.
This guest article was written by Alice Allegrini, Sales Director at Tagetik, a visionary leader in global performance management software solutions.
The finance function is undergoing massive change. Shifting business models, rising tax complexities, expanding global operations and evolving Regulation are putting a strain on finance departments. The rise of big data, the growing influence of social and digital media, and new technologies have completely changed the way finance departments operate.
Take the case of UniCredit, a leading European banking group operating in 50 countries globally, with a total of more than 7,000 branches and over 126,000 employees. Following a series of big acquisitions, the company now runs the largest international banking network in Central and Eastern Europe, with over 1,300 branches (as of 30 September 2015).
The rise of big data and the growing influence of social and digital media, and new technologies have completely changed the way finance departments operate
Managing such a complex entity requires standardisation. In 2005, the company therefore started looking for a unified solution that would provide financial consolidation and budgeting in the first phase, then in time provide planning, reporting (including segment) and multi-year forecasting.
Too Many Systems
The solution was implemented within the CFO function in 2009. Till then, the company had been utilising a solution for financial consolidation and budgeting combined with in-house systems. At that time, a total of 8 different consolidation applications were used and there were more planning than accounting solutions.
Roberto Monachino, now Group Chief Data Officer, but then working in the CFO function, collaborated in finding a solution.
This led to UniCredit agreeing to invest medium to long term in CPM technology. “We were already using a platform for financial consolidation and budgeting and we therefore felt that CPM was the obvious next step to continue our journey”, says Monachino.
The main objective at this stage was to replace the company’s fragmented legacy solutions with a stand-alone CPM suite to modernise and unify key financial processes, as well as comply with the impending International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) accounting standards.
Fundamental to UniCredit’s approach to CPM in support of its expansion plans was the implementation of a new solution that would meet the Group's financial consolidation and regulatory reporting needs, but also simplify and rationalise the data collected for budgeting, planning, reporting, including segment and FRS 8 (Related Party Disclosures), and multi-year plan forecasting.
New Opportunities
Implementation happened over 10 months, with the initial 6 months dedicated exclusively to project planning and to the analysis of service models, semantics and the chart of accounts. It was decided that the company should go into the new without shutting down the old completely. At least initially, the old systems would run in parallel with the new solution.
By the end of September 2009, financial consolidation (starting with the actual vs budget comparison) was implemented and the first budgeting process, the full year-end balance sheet and the first segment reporting launched. During the final phase of the overall plan at the end of 2009, UniCredit was ready to execute the long-term vision of unifying all CPM applications and the CFO processes.
This latest stage of the implemented financial consolidation solution focused on the rebuilding of the previous year’s statutory reporting and on building the current year’s budgeting model. It also brought to the adoption of a single solution for the end-to-end CPM needs.
Fundamental to UniCredit’s approach to CPM in support of its expansion plans was the implementation of a new solution that would meet the Group's financial reporting needs
UniCredit has since made enhancements to the CPM solution that have enabled different approaches and created opportunities both at legal entity and at holding level.
These include cost allocations and transfer pricing for UniCredit Business Integrated Solutions (the Group global services company, launched in 2012); profitability analysis by customer/channel/product in Fineco Bank (the Group’s direct multichannel bank, launched in 1999); regulatory reporting for EBA (European Banking Authority); weekly KPI monitoring and processing (to provide top management with relevant data); credit risk consolidation (to collect all risk data in one single place at aggregated level); regional planning for Italy (to collect all numbers/accounts for Italy in one place for reporting) and finally risk assessment - at both group and at subsidiary level (to comply with UniCredit’s golden rules of profitability).
Measurable, Transparent Results
Ultimately, implementing a stand-alone CPM solution provided multiple results:
Single definitions for the identification of UniCredit’s perimeter of consolidation (legal entities active in both euro and non-euro markets which means the added complexity of foreign exchange issues).
A unified product catalogue: in terms of planning, a stand-alone CPM enables UniCredit to analyse and explain processes more easily and in line with top management requirements.
Full group consolidation of all legal entities and regulatory compliance with Italian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and support for Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) required by the Italian central bank.
Sub-consolidation: thanks to CPM technology, different regional legal entities, which are obliged by law to submit sub holding budgets, can open a sub-consolidation within the same platform. UniCredit currently has 8 different and simultaneous sub holding consolidation scenarios.
Adaptation to high organisational change.
Reduction of the time needed for the entire consolidation process.
Delivery of statutory, financial, planning and management reporting via dashboards and subsequent reduction of the overall costs.
The Journey Continues
Monachino underlined that UniCredit has benefited from the use of CPM technology in terms of implementation processes, which have been shortened, and reduction of third parties for Execution. The journey continues.
Devexperts Teams Up with nuam Exchange to Boost Equity and Derivatives Trading
Network, Learn, Grow | FMAS:24
Network, Learn, Grow | FMAS:24
Get ready to mark your calendars for FMAS:24, returning this May! Take a quick glimpse of what awaits at the Sandton Convention Centre in Sandton, South Africa from May 20-22, 2024.
Don't miss out on this 5-second invite packed with energy and urgency!
Secure your free ticket now 🔗 https://events.financemagnates.com/yQx0l?utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=fmas-is-back&utm_medium=video&RefId=FMAS24+Video+Ad+%5B1%5D
#fmas24 #fmas #fmevents #financeinafrica #traders #investors #affiliates #forexTraders #investmentOpportunities #B2BNetworking #finTech #Innovations #TradingCommunity #BusinessOpportunities #AfricanBusiness #Johannesburg #southafrica
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Get ready to mark your calendars for FMAS:24, returning this May! Take a quick glimpse of what awaits at the Sandton Convention Centre in Sandton, South Africa from May 20-22, 2024.
Don't miss out on this 5-second invite packed with energy and urgency!
Secure your free ticket now 🔗 https://events.financemagnates.com/yQx0l?utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=fmas-is-back&utm_medium=video&RefId=FMAS24+Video+Ad+%5B1%5D
#fmas24 #fmas #fmevents #financeinafrica #traders #investors #affiliates #forexTraders #investmentOpportunities #B2BNetworking #finTech #Innovations #TradingCommunity #BusinessOpportunities #AfricanBusiness #Johannesburg #southafrica
📣 Stay updated with the latest in finance and trading!
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Here's a sneak peek into the FMAS:24 vibrant atmosphere! Join us at Africa’s premium financial event for a transformative experience that combines the best of finance and technology.
From May 20-22, 2024, the Sandton Convention Centre in Sandton, South Africa, will be the hub for over 3,500 attendees to engage in unparalleled networking opportunities, learn from over 150 industry-leading speakers, and explore innovations from 120+ exhibitors.
Secure your free ticket now 🔗 https://events.financemagnates.com/yQx0l?utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=fmas-is-back&utm_medium=video&RefId=FMAS24+Video+Ad+%5B1%5D
#fmas24 #fmas #fmevents #financeinafrica #traders #investors #affiliates #forexTraders #investmentOpportunities #B2BNetworking #finTech #Innovations #TradingCommunity #BusinessOpportunities #AfricanBusiness #Johannesburg #southafrica
📣 Stay updated with the latest in finance and trading!
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Here's a sneak peek into the FMAS:24 vibrant atmosphere! Join us at Africa’s premium financial event for a transformative experience that combines the best of finance and technology.
From May 20-22, 2024, the Sandton Convention Centre in Sandton, South Africa, will be the hub for over 3,500 attendees to engage in unparalleled networking opportunities, learn from over 150 industry-leading speakers, and explore innovations from 120+ exhibitors.
Secure your free ticket now 🔗 https://events.financemagnates.com/yQx0l?utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=fmas-is-back&utm_medium=video&RefId=FMAS24+Video+Ad+%5B1%5D
#fmas24 #fmas #fmevents #financeinafrica #traders #investors #affiliates #forexTraders #investmentOpportunities #B2BNetworking #finTech #Innovations #TradingCommunity #BusinessOpportunities #AfricanBusiness #Johannesburg #southafrica
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Join 3500+ Attendees at FMAS:24 | Africa's Premium Financial Event
Join 3500+ Attendees at FMAS:24 | Africa's Premium Financial Event
Looking to expand your network in #Africa? Join 3500+ attendees at FMAS:24, where online trading, fintech, payments, and crypto meet! Connect with industry leaders and innovators for an unmatched networking experience.
20-22 MAY 2024
Sandton Convention Center, Sandton, South Africa
Register now to secure your spot: https://bit.ly/3JbUpCK
#fmas #fmas24 #fmevents #networking #finance #africa
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Looking to expand your network in #Africa? Join 3500+ attendees at FMAS:24, where online trading, fintech, payments, and crypto meet! Connect with industry leaders and innovators for an unmatched networking experience.
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Join 3500+ Attendees at FMAS:24 - Africa's Premium Financial Event
Join 3500+ Attendees at FMAS:24 - Africa's Premium Financial Event
Looking to expand your network in #Africa?
Join 3500+ attendees at FMAS:24, where online trading, fintech, payments, and crypto meet! Connect with industry leaders and innovators for an unmatched networking experience.
20-22 MAY 2024
Sandton Convention Center, Sandton, South Africa
Register now to secure your spot: https://bit.ly/3JbUpCK
#fmas #fmas24 #fmevents #networking #finance #africa
Looking to expand your network in #Africa?
Join 3500+ attendees at FMAS:24, where online trading, fintech, payments, and crypto meet! Connect with industry leaders and innovators for an unmatched networking experience.
20-22 MAY 2024
Sandton Convention Center, Sandton, South Africa
Register now to secure your spot: https://bit.ly/3JbUpCK
#fmas #fmas24 #fmevents #networking #finance #africa
Where the Prop Trading Industry Goes from Here | Finance Magnates Podcast
Where the Prop Trading Industry Goes from Here | Finance Magnates Podcast
Explore the tumultuous world of prop trading in this Finance Magnates podcast episode, featuring insights from Head of Axi Select, Greg Rubin.
We're discussing the challenges and shifts caused by MetaQuotes' pivotal decisions affecting MT4 and MT5 users, and how Axi Select offers a unique, realistic path to professional trading, steering clear of traditional prop firm pitfalls.
Tune in for expert analysis on the future of trading and innovative funding models.
The Axi Select programme is only available to clients of AxiTrader Limited. CFDs carry a high risk of investment loss. In our dealings with you, we will act as a principal counterparty to all of your positions. This content is not available for AU, NZ, EU and UK residents. For more information, refer to our Terms of Service. Standard trading fees apply.
This content is provided solely for general informational purposes and should not be construed as financial product advice or an investment recommendation. It has been prepared without considering your personal circumstances.
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Explore the tumultuous world of prop trading in this Finance Magnates podcast episode, featuring insights from Head of Axi Select, Greg Rubin.
We're discussing the challenges and shifts caused by MetaQuotes' pivotal decisions affecting MT4 and MT5 users, and how Axi Select offers a unique, realistic path to professional trading, steering clear of traditional prop firm pitfalls.
Tune in for expert analysis on the future of trading and innovative funding models.
The Axi Select programme is only available to clients of AxiTrader Limited. CFDs carry a high risk of investment loss. In our dealings with you, we will act as a principal counterparty to all of your positions. This content is not available for AU, NZ, EU and UK residents. For more information, refer to our Terms of Service. Standard trading fees apply.
This content is provided solely for general informational purposes and should not be construed as financial product advice or an investment recommendation. It has been prepared without considering your personal circumstances.
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