Since Simon Carlstedt entered Permian one year ago, the company has initiated large investments in platforms and projects related to IT. The Head of IT explains why you should consider doing the same.

"As the business has grown fast and is still expanding, we had to update the roadmap and strategy for Permian's technical infrastructure. My first task was to examine technical setups and structures which already existed", says Simon Carlstedt.

Since Permian started its journey to become the leading Nordic Fund administrator in 2015, the company has grown from 10 to nearly 70 employees. As the business grows, the needs and priorities also change.

Simon has more than 20 years of experience from various roles working for system suppliers, selling and implementing systems to customers, but also from the customer side, where he was head of operation at a fund company. One year ago, he entered the role as Head of IT at Permian to improve digitalization and technical infrastructure.

"The reason I wanted to join Permian was the opportunity to utilize my knowledge of system integration from the supplier's side as well as from the customer's side. My background as COO at another fund company has also given me useful experience from the users' perspective", says Simon.

Since he entered the role as Head of IT, his main focus has been to secure good systems for the team members at Permian. This has led to large investments in new platforms and projects related to IT.

Simon explains why this is a must as the company evolves and why you should look into the same:

1. Security

There’s a risk that your company, at some point, will be affected by cybercrime. This needs to be prevented as far as possible. The security landscape is also changing rapidly.

"Therefore, we have to regularly undertake a risk analysis to identify new issues and continually invest to mitigate them”, Simon says.

Simon and his team have teamed up with a strategic IT partner. Together, they work to identify areas where Permian can improve and how they can succeed in this.

“Cyber security has to be our number one concern always. This includes the security of our organization, but also our investors and clients”, Simon says.

2. Greater efficiency and productivity

While examining the technical infrastructure at Permian, Simon also saw the potential in more efficient systems. His goal is to make daily work easier for everyone at Permian. 

"The level of technology within a business affects morale. If you think about it, the IT environment is where the majority of office-based workers spend their days. It matters to each team member”.

In addition to improving the work environment, more efficient working tools increase productivity. One example of how Permian works to secure good systems for the team members is a newly implemented "Know Your Customer" system.

The system boosts efficiency and the Permian team gets to know their clients faster and smoother than before. But also, increases the quality of the work, which leads us to bullet point three: 

3. Improve the experience for customers and investors

"We depend on systems where information, reports, and daily information can be shared in a user-friendly way. Our team needs to have platforms to communicate with clients and investors quickly and easily”, the Head of IT says.

Examples of ways to communicate, may be through various portals. These also lead to more effective onboarding of new clients and investors. But equally as important as user-friendliness, is the security of the platform, according to Simon:

“As already mentioned, security must always be our number one priority. But if you actively invest in other IT systems as well, the quality of your deliveries will be improved and you will also see increased productivity. Last but not least, your team colleagues will enjoy their tasks more which in the end leads to happier clients” says Simon.