Istaque Faisal

• Analyse and optimise business workflows across departments to boost efficiency and cut operational costs.
• Design and implement scalable operational processes and performance metrics.
• Collect, clean, and analyse large datasets from various sources to generate actionable insights.
• Build dashboards and reports using tools like Excel, Power BI, or Tableau for strategic decision-making.
• Monitor KPIs to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for the business.
• Assist the finance team with preparing budgets, forecasts, and variance analyses.
• Conduct cost-benefit and profitability analyses for projects, products, or departments.
• Reconcile data between finance and operational systems, recommending financial process improvements.
• Maintain and support business systems (Salesforce/databases) and assist with scripting or automation tasks (Excel macros, SQL queries).

• Collected, processed, and integrated data from various sources.
• Conducted data cleaning and preparation to maintain dataset integrity.
• Created and fine-tuned machine learning models to produce valuable insights.
• Developed interactive visualisations for stakeholder presentations.
• Delivered technical insights clearly and impactfully to non-technical stakeholders.
• Worked with diverse teams to comprehend business needs and provide customised, data-driven solutions.
• Utilized Visual Studio, MSSQL, Azure, and Python to develop comprehensive data solutions.
• Proficient in Python and SQL for scripting, data manipulation, and solving complex problems.
• Showcased problem-solving skills by enhancing models and processes.
• Adaptable and proactive, excelling in time management to meet project deadlines.

• Supported client onboarding, liaised with managers, and the compliance team, and maintained client records.
• Assisted in CRM platform data management, prepared ad-hoc reports, and generated performance reports for intermediaries.
• Assisted with trade execution, ensuring compliance with custodian processes.
• Monitored timely trade settlements, corporate actions, and proxy voting for investment managers.
• Monitored daily reports, updated pricing for non-liquid securities, and ensured accurate setup with custodians.
• Performed MiFID II transaction reporting and served as the operations contact for funds.
• Collaborated with internal teams to resolve data discrepancies, ensure reporting accuracy.

Completed a 12-week intensive program in Data Technology to strengthen data capabilities and complement existing analytical expertise.
Covered key areas including:

• Data structures, data governance, and big data concepts
• Tableau and Power BI for interactive reporting
• Database fundamentals (Access, non-relational data in Azure).
• Core Azure data concepts and cloud fundamentals
• Learned Python for data manipulation, transformation, and exploratory analysis
• Built a capstone project using Python, SQL, and Power BI to solve a real-world reporting problem
• Practiced data modeling and governance through structured exercises and versioned workflows

• Performed multiple data analyses to support the annual Value Assessment reports for investment funds
• Conducted quality of service analysis by evaluating data from investment managers to rate services based on both quantitative and qualitative criteria
• Led performance analysis using Morningstar, calculating statistical measures (e.g., mean, median, standard deviation) to assess fund performance
• Delivered cost analysis by assessing Ongoing Charges Figures (OCF) and benchmarking them against comparable funds
• Executed share class analysis to identify investors eligible for lower-cost share classes
• Presented findings to the Value Assessment Committee and effectively defended ratings when challenged

• Transfer of client accounts (in & out) including nominee, ISAs, pensions, Internal transfers/APS
• Transfer of all asset classes including, but not limited to equities, bonds, funds, CREST
• Process & monitor electronic transfers using Altus (auto re-registration system) and facilitate the trade and settlement process
• Handled transfer discrepancies and liaised with counterparties to ensure timely resolution and accurate settlement of client assets.
• Liaised with a Wealth Manager's office, reviewing transfer reports weekly and providing updates
• Ensured all documentation met regulatory standards and internal compliance requirements before initiating asset transfers.

• Thorough check of regulatory documentation received for in-specie transfer out application
• Verification of valuation created for the receiving scheme and liaison with different parties to request outstanding documents
• Provide support to SIPP cash transfer out team by verifying and processing transfer out requests both on paper and Online