IFST Professionals was established in 2007 to provide exceptional management consulting and investment systems expertise to the investment management industry. Our principal expertise is to put technology in the context of business and business in the context of technology.
Whether it is strategy, business analysis, project management, implementation or development, we distinguish ourselves by:
- Staying focused on the investment management space. While some consider this area a "niche market", it is easy to appreciate how complex and unique our space can be. By staying true to our client base, we add value from the first moment of our engagements.
- Taking a collaborative approach to our consulting assignments. Our business model emphasizes knowledge sharing and engagement management. We offer the value of a full-service consulting firm for the cost of independent contractors.
- Being selective about our clients and our projects. We insist on quality over quantity and deliberate growth of our firm and our client base. Our business is largely driven by repeat business and referrals, and we will not jeopardize our existing client relationships by moving briskly to the next big opportunity.
- Protecting our independence. While IFST Professionals maintains respectful and transparent relationships with a number of service providers within the community, we work for our clients, and only our clients. Often our service providers recommend us to clients because of our objectivity and independence, and because our quality of service reflects well on all parties involved.
Based in Toronto, we work with clients locally, across Canada and the United States, and around the globe. Our consultants bring diversity, experience, integrity and energy to our client relationships, with the goal of complete client satisfaction. Talk to us about how we can help you improve your operation, become more efficient, and transform your business.
Ken Rahl
Principal Consultant and Founder
Ken has been an investment management consultant for 15 years, focused exclusively in the institutional investment management business. He has worked with many of the largest and most distinguished institutional investment managers, public pension funds and outsourcing providers in the world. His experience extends across a broad range of disciplines, with a focus on investment accounting and investment accounting system implementation. This diversity has allowed Ken to gain a broad sense of best practices across the spectrum of institutional investors, including investment advisors, mutual fund companies, banks, corporate treasury departments, public pension funds and insurance companies.
Mr. Rahl has experience with a number of systems in the investment management process, including projects to select, assess and/or implement systems for investment accounting, trade/order management, performance measurement, and custom reporting. He has a deep understanding of the business of investment management, accounting and reporting, including how data flows through investment management firms and how business processes support the organization. Ken has project management experience across a broad spectrum, ranging from large-scale project management infrastructures to small-firm, infrastructure-free environments.
Ken is a graduate of Miami University, with a BS in Accounting. Ken is a Certified Public Accountant (Ohio), and has passed Level II of the CFA Examination.
David Bailey
Senior Consultant
Dave has more than 15 years experience in a variety of investment accounting consulting and technology roles, principally focused in the field of investment management technology. As a Certified Public Accountant with an MS in Information Systems, Dave has an ideal blend of business and technology expertise, which has enabled him to provide exemplary professional services to an elite group of insurance companies, public pension funds and other investment advisors.
Mr. Bailey has expertise in reporting, requirements documentation, process flow diagrams and system support. Other core competencies include application design using object-oriented software methodology, system implementation, conversion and quality assurance testing. On past projects, Dave has fulfilled lead roles providing project management, business domain knowledge and technical expertise. Dave has a wealth of experience in investment accounting and investment reporting data management.