In these days of Market Turmoil, Regulators and Boards of Directors are looking to Broker-Dealers to demonstrate that they have an effective program to identify their high level risks (HLR), that they have a comprehensive and systematic process to perform a Risk and Control Self Analysis (R&CSA), and that they have implemented a program to establish controls, a monitoring system and a mitigation plan to deal with their high level risks (HLR). Investment Analytics has the proper mix of talent and experience to assist in the initiation of this process for Broker-Dealers of any size and complexity. The goal is to assist in identifying the HLRs, to assist and guide the BD through the R&CSA process to review or implement monitoring and testing systems, evaluation of existing controls and potential enhancements, discuss mitigation strategies, review arbitration, litigation and arbitration issues, and review the adequacy of E&O and fidelity insurance coverage. The benefits/ value added of this high level risk assessment (HLRA) and the R&CSA consultation include:

• Demonstrates management initiative to reduce risk exposure in volatile markets
• Create atmosphere of objective analysis between functional disciplines, reduce turf issues and antipathy between ORM, Compliance, Legal, Audit, Operations, Due Diligence, etc.
• Create an environment conducive to an integrated ORM strategy
• Take a fresh look at Heat Maps and Risk Assessments with a goal of providing concrete recommendations
• Evaluate operating, legal, compliance, insurance strategies and adequacy
• Implementations of findings, reduction of uncovered losses, regulatory issues, and costs of litigation, insurance and ineffective operating systems.