Summary
We managed the setup of an offshore captive for a leading US-based hedge fund, including the selection of a bridging vendor, and transition of staff roles from onsite to offshore.
Situation
Our client was a leading US-based hedge fund with presence in major overseas markets. Having grown organically, a large proportion of the technology and back-office teams were based in the high-cost tri-state region of the US.
A strategic analysis had already concluded that there were benefits in moving some technology and back-office functions to Poland. We were brought in to assist with detailed planning and execution of the office setup.
Satori Solution
We worked in utmost secrecy with business leaders and human resources to identify short-term transitioning roles in Technology, Finance, and Operations. Transition planning included establishing retention bonuses for critical staff. We also led a RFP process to identify the vendor that would perform bridging through the transition. Meanwhile, facilities and management worked to identify appropriate office space in Poland. We worked closely with the client’s recruitment team and the bridging vendor to staff the required roles. Weekly management meetings were held to track recruitment progress against targets.
Additionally, we developed and managed the underlying statistics that drove the detailed cost-benefit model through the transition. The model needed to be flexible to address Poland’s wage inflation as the project progressed.
Results
During our engagement, the client successfully established its Poland captive office. Hiring targets were hit with a mixture of bridging and direct hires. Cost benefits were also largely met despite some wage inflation during the period. US-based transition staff were released on schedule.
The client is now on-track to grow its Poland office to about 300 people by the two-year anniversary.