WEST CHESTER, PA — STP Investment Services has been designated the premier fund services partner for Lightspeed Data Solutions’ Trade Data Management System, a move aimed at helping investment firms manage increasingly compressed securities settlement timelines and growing post-trade operational demands.
The expanded partnership formalizes a relationship that began in 2019 and positions STP as the preferred operational services provider for firms using the Lightspeed TDMS platform for trade settlement, reconciliation, compliance support, and middle- and back-office functions.
The designation comes as global markets continue to shorten settlement cycles. The United States transitioned to T+1 settlement in May 2024, while the United Kingdom and European Union are scheduled to adopt T+1 settlement in October 2027. Shorter settlement windows reduce the time available to resolve trade exceptions and increase the operational consequences of failed transactions.
Under the arrangement, STP will provide operational support around the Lightspeed TDMS platform, allowing investment managers and fund operators to outsource selected post-trade functions or adopt broader managed-service models.
The partnership also incorporates SmartSettle AI, a predictive analytics tool within the TDMS platform designed to identify potential settlement failures before they occur. The companies said the technology is intended to help firms intervene earlier in the settlement process and reduce exposure to penalties associated with failed trades.
“We have worked alongside STP for years, and the depth of their operational expertise is what makes this partnership meaningful,” Lightspeed Data Solutions Chief Executive Officer Mark Uicker said. “STP’s operational fluency, combined with their responsiveness and commitment to client outcomes, is exactly why we chose to designate STP as our Premier Partner for Fund Services.”
Emmy Bernard, president of STP Investment Services, framed the partnership around the industry’s evolving regulatory environment.
“With Lightspeed TDMS as the technology foundation and STP’s team running it day-to-day, clients get a proven operating model that is purpose-built for post-trade complexity,” Bernard said. “As settlement timelines continue to compress and regulatory demands increase, having experienced operators embedded in the right technology infrastructure is essential.”
The companies currently share 18 investment management and fund services clients. According to the firms, the partnership builds on more than seven years of collaboration supporting clients through major settlement and regulatory changes.
STP provides technology-enabled investment operations, fund administration, and compliance services to investment firms globally.
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