More About Finix

Contact Us

Jeff Musgrove
443.957.2070
jmusgrove@finixps.com
Finix Professional Services, LLC
111 S. Calvert Street
Suite 1500
Baltimore, Maryland 21202

Finix Partners

Finix Partners

Mike Abbaei - Managing Partner

Mike Abbaei Mike Abbaei is the Managing Partner for Finix Business Strategies, guiding Finix's unique advisory model. He also works directly with asset managers, brokerage firms, financial institutions and Fortune 2000 companies to advise them on their most significant business challenges.

Mr. Abbaei has an extraordinary track record of delivering services and high-quality products, on time and within budget, to leading global companies. As Executive Vice President and Chief Information and Operations Officer for Legg Mason Inc. for thirteen years, Mr. Abbaei played a key role in transforming the firm from a small regional brokerage to a major global asset manager. Prior to his tenure at Legg Mason, Mr. Abbaei held positions at Kidder Peabody, Lehman Brothers, CS First Boston and Bell Laboratories.

Throughout his career, Mr. Abbaei has been involved in a number of major transformation, integration and conversion efforts. As a result, he is highly regarded by both his peers and leading service providers. He has his Masters in Industrial Management and his Bachelors in Computer Science.

Stuart Bowers - Partner

Stuart Bowers Stuart Bowers joined Finix Business Strategies as a Partner in July 2009. Mr. Bowers brings extensive operational expertise and oversight to Finix. He also provides senior level relationship management to the firm's mutual fund, board, broker/dealer, and regulator clients.

Mr. Bowers has been an industry leader in both mutual fund and brokerage operations. Before joining Finix, Mr. Bowers was a Managing Director at Legg Mason, leading their Fund Services business around the globe. He led efforts to rationalize mutual fund transfer agent and shareholder service functions in the US and Ireland, and to provide vendor oversight for transfer agent services in numerous countries.

Mr. Bowers was the Director of Operations for Legg Mason Wood Walker, and has served on numerous committees for the Investment Company Institute, the Securities and Financial Markets Industry Association, FINRA, and DTCC. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park, and also attended the Securities Industry Institute.

Jeff Musgrove - Partner

Jeff Musgrove Jeff Musgrove joined Finix Business Strategies as a Partner in July 2009. Mr. Musgrove offers Finix clients a deep and strategic knowledge of both technology and operations, and how the two intersect. He also provides senior level relationship management to our broker/dealer, asset management, and M&A clients.

Mr. Musgrove has a proven track record of assisting his clients to define and implement new strategic initiatives. Before joining Finix, Mr. Musgrove was a Director at Legg Mason, where he held leadership roles in several crucial and technology-intensive operational functions, such as cash management, back-office operations, securities lending, prime brokerage, and correspondent clearing. Mr. Musgrove led Legg Mason's Private Client Group Technology efforts, and was instrumental in developing and executing a strategic technology plan to support the firm's growth. He was also responsible for the management of the Transitional Services Agreements related to the company's acquisitions.

Mr. Musgrove is valued by his clients for his ability to place individual business challenges into a larger, holistic view that cuts across business segments. He is a graduate of the Sellinger School of Business at Loyola University of Maryland.

Mike VanderVat - Partner

Mike VanderVat Mike VanderVat joined Finix Business Strategies as a Partner in July 2009. Mr. VanderVat oversees technical initiatives for Finix, and is responsible for day-to-day management of several key client relationships.

In addition to his strong credentials in the technology field, Mr. VanderVat also has a deep background in business strategy, technical development and management and corporate communications. Prior to joining Finix, he served as Director of Investment Technology Services for Legg Mason, where he was responsible for the planning, development and management of all core investment management systems. From 2000-2004, Mr. VanderVat co-founded and served as President of Veneratio, a software development consulting firm. Prior to that, he held roles as Chief Operating Officer for Eye Street Software, and worked for Accenture from 1992-1995.

Mr. VanderVat holds a B.S. in Accounting/Information Systems from University of Maryland, College Park.

Clients and Partners

Corporate News

April 28, 2011 - DST Systems to acquire assets of Finix Business Strategies and Finix Converge

Kansas City, MO - DST Systems, Inc. (NYSE: DST) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire, through a newly formed subsidiary, the assets of Finix Business Strategies, LLC, a financial services consulting firm with extensive brokerage and technology expertise. A DST subsidiary will also acquire the assets of Finix Converge, a technology firm that develops and distributes an enterprise social networking and media platform to enable firms to connect and collaborate with their constituents more effectively online. The transaction is expected to close on April 29, 2011. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

In connection with this acquisition, DST has created DST Brokerage Solutions, a technology service company committed to fundamentally impacting the way the brokerage market conducts business. By combining Finix Business Strategies' extensive knowledge and brokerage expertise with DST Systems' breadth and depth of technology and services, DST will address broker-dealers' unique challenges through an expanded suite of products and solutions. This move further emphasizes DST's commitment to the brokerage marketplace and reinforces the strategic position of DST's subaccounting business.

Mike Abbaei, managing partner of Finix, will head the new organization as president, reporting directly to Stephen C. Hooley, president and chief operating officer of DST Systems. Abbaei is a recognized thought leader in the asset management and brokerage industry. Prior to Finix, he served as an executive vice president and chief information and operations officer at Legg Mason, where he supported the broker-dealer operations of more than 140 branches as well as the company's main headquarters and its asset management affiliates. In his new role at DST Brokerage Solutions, Abbaei will lead the vision and development of integrated products, services and solutions tailor-made for the broker-dealer market.

"Under Mike Abbaei's leadership, our expanded offering of specialized resources represents a strengthening of the existing DST TASS subaccounting organization, a continued commitment to servicing broker-dealers, and an investment in a broader suite of integrated offerings for this market segment," said Hooley.

"Our vision is to provide seamless integration between the applications broker-dealers need to conduct their businesses and to create efficient connectivity between all parties throughout the lifecycle of a financial product," said Abbaei. "I am excited about working with the DST team to deliver integrated solutions designed specifically for the broker-dealer market."

Joining Abbaei from the Finix leadership team is Stuart Bowers, who will serve as chief operating officer of DST Brokerage Solutions. Bowers is known as an industry leader in both brokerage and mutual fund operations. Prior to Finix, Bowers was a managing director at Legg Mason, and has served on numerous committees for the Investment Company Institute (ICI), the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC). In his new role, Bowers will apply his extensive brokerage operations expertise and management oversight toward the successful delivery and implementation of DST Brokerage Solutions' subaccounting services and solutions.

Mike Duffy, a 37-year industry veteran who has led DST TASS since 2008, will continue in his role and will report to Stuart Bowers. Prior to joining DST, Duffy held leadership positions with Piper Jaffray, acting as chief information officer, director of operations and a member of the management committee.

DST Brokerage Solutions will deliver an expanded suite of solutions designed to fit the needs of brokerdealers, enabling fully integrated, seamless communications between fellow broker-dealer desktops, back offices and asset management platforms. The following solutions will be available through DST Brokerage Solutions:
  • Business Strategy, Technology, and Operations Consulting
  • Brokerage Subaccounting
  • Business Process Management and Workflow
  • Broker/Advisor Portal
  • Portfolio Aggregation, Management, and Reporting for Advisors
  • Print and Electronic Customer Communications and Output
  • Enterprise Social Networking Platform
As part of DST Brokerage Solutions, Finix Business Strategies' existing buy- and sell-side advisory services will now be delivered through a newly formed DST entity, Finix Professional Services, and Finix Converge's flagship social networking efforts will continue to expand under a newly formed DST entity, Converge Systems.

About DST Systems, Inc.
DST Systems, Inc. provides sophisticated information processing and computer software products and services to support the mutual fund, investment management, insurance and healthcare industries. In addition to technology products and services, DST provides integrated print and electronic statement and billing output solutions through a wholly owned subsidiary. DST's world-class data centers provide technology infrastructure support for mutual fund companies, healthcare providers, banks, mortgage bankers and insurance companies around the globe. DST is headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., and is a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange.

The information and comments above may include forward-looking statements respecting DST and its businesses. Such information and comments are based on DST's views as of today, and actual actions or results could differ. There could be a number of factors affecting future actions or results, including those set forth in DST's latest periodic financial report (Form 10-K or 10-Q) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All such factors should be considered in evaluating any forward-looking comment. The Company will not update any forward-looking statements in this press release to reflect future events.

February 1, 2011 - Finix Appoints Business Development Principal

Baltimore, MD - Finix Business Strategies announced today the hiring of Wayne Gilpin. In his role as Principal and Senior Advisor, Mr. Gilpin will have several responsibilities in the firm including a major role in the development and delivery of a new brokerage platform.

"Finix Business Strategies has become a strong partner and valued resource for a number of firms in the financial services industry. I look forward to helping enhance Finix's existing practices by bringing my years of experience in working in various capacities in the Broker/Dealer and independent advisor market." said Gilpin.

Mr. Gilpin comes to Finix Business Strategies as an accomplished business management leader with 25+-year portfolio of success driving financial services growth efforts. Instrumental in developing high-performance sales and operations teams, implementing new technology systems, incorporating social collaboration venues, and marketing to attract new clients. Mr. Gilpin most recently served as a Senior Managing Director for Ziegler, a Chicago based regional broker/dealer.

"Finix Business Strategies continues to experience a very high level of growth and client engagement and we are confident that Wayne will be a significant contributor to the future success of Finix Business Strategies," said Mike Abbaei, Managing Partner of Finix Business Strategies.

November 12, 2010 - Finix Business Strategies Launches Professional Services Practice

Baltimore, MD - Finix Business Strategies, LLC announces the launch of a new practice, Finix Professional Services, to meet clients' growing demand for securing high quality workforce talent. As a lack of key resources, training costs, lost time and rehiring can be extremely expensive for any business, the ability to quickly recruit the right staff is critical. Led by Jeff Musgrove and Diana Giglio, Finix Professional Services help clients save time and money, reduce staffing risks and efficiently acquire highly qualified permanent, temporary-to-permanent and contract personnel into their organization.

A complement to Finix Business Strategies' advisory services, Finix Professional Services identifies and recruits the most qualified candidates for clients. The practice delivers committed client service and draws on the deep financial services and combined 125+ years of hands-on operations, information technology, management and sales experience of its managing partners. Finix Professional Services has the expertise to understand the unique and critical skills required in a successful candidate and an extensive professional network for locating hard-to-find talent. These assets allow Finix to conduct a more refined search, reduce search times and provide a cost-effective way for clients to acquire the most highly qualified candidates.

"The creation of our Professional Services practice was a logical step in the evolution of relationships with our clients. Providing workforce placement services builds on the momentum of our advisory business and allows us to further our reputation for delivering high-quality, cost-effective services. With our knowledge, network and commitment to service, I believe our clients will find our professional services to be very thorough and effective," said Mike Abbaei, Finix Business Strategies Managing Partner.

November 1, 2010 - Finix Appoints Business Development Principal

Baltimore, MD - Finix Business Strategies announced today the appointment of Harold Westervelt to head Business Development for the firm. In this role, Mr. Westervelt will have responsibility for coordination and development of the sales and marketing efforts of the organization. In addition to these responsibilities he will also be the head of Finix's Sales & Marketing consulting practice.

"Finix Business Strategies has become a strong partner and valued resource for a number of firms in the financial services industry and I look forward to helping enhance Finix's existing practices as well as expanding into new areas within the financial services market," said Westervelt.

Mr. Westervelt comes to Finix Business Strategies with years of proven experience in the financial services industry providing solutions for both large and small firms. Included in Mr. Westervelt's background is over 12 years of Sales Management experience with Thomson Reuters and Standard & Poor's.

"Finix Business Strategies continues to experience a very high level of growth and client engagement and we are confident that Harold will be a significant contributor to the future success of Finix Business Strategies," said Mike Abbaei, Managing Partner of Finix Business Strategies.

June 2010 - Finix has partnered with Thomson Reuters to produce a White Paper titled, "Catch the Wave: Component Outsourcing."

Today, many asset managers are exploring component outsourcing in an effort to boost their bottom line. Component outsourcing is an increasingly more common option for firms to be able to align costs with their overall revenues. Finix Partners Mike VanderVat and Jeff Musgrove provide their insights and research in this White Paper. Managing Partner Mike Abbaei commented, "We are seeing a trend with companies choosing to focus on their core competencies while relying on others for noncore subject matter expertise and support, and component outsourcing is a low risk option to get started." To catch the wave, please click here.

May 2010 - Consumers, Clients, Businesses, and the Evolution of Corporate Communication

The "net generation", as defined by PriceWaterhouseCoopers, refers to "16- to 29-year-olds who were first to grow up immersed and fluent in mobile and interactive technologies that allow individuals to connect to a global community." As the "net generation" enters the workforce in the next 1-8 years, consumers, clients and businesses alike will be introduced to newer forms of instantaneous communication. This workforce and its expertise in these emerging forms of communication will create a new standard of contact between consumers, clients, and businesses. This report aims to investigate that assumption. learn more...

January 2010 - Dana Jackson joins Finix Business Strategies

Dana Jackson joins Finix Business Strategies, LLC as a Practice Partner, extending Finix's industry leading technology expertise. "Dana is a proven technology leader, adept at leveraging technology to improve business processes and decision making for client firms. Dana brings with him a track record of highly successful project management and a strong reputation for developing a talented team," announces Mike Abbaei, Finix Business Strategies' Managing Partner.

January 2010 - Finix Business Strategies Launches Business Intelligence Practice

Finix Business Strategies, LLC announces the formation of a new practice group focused on Business Intelligence. In today's information world, many firms struggle to manage large volumes of data and then leverage it so that it can be used strategically to manage the business.

Finix's Business Intelligence Practice focuses on establishing the processes, technologies, and practices needed to support business decisions. We work with our clients to develop a data management strategy, and an implementation plan that incorporates the right mix of technologies and operations. Our practice experts have a history of providing data to business leaders with tool sets that allow them to analyze and review information, leading to well informed decision making and quicker response to emerging trends.

"The challenge today is turning data into actionable information," said Mike Abbaei, Finix Business Strategies' Managing Partner. "We have found that firms of any size can realize tangible benefits from mining their data efficiently to make prudent and timely decisions."

About Finix
Finix Business Strategies is a management consulting firm offering both advisory and implementation services. Our partners have a deep knowledge of best practices and a total commitment to improving our clients' business functions and bottom line. Finix offers complete end-to-end advisory services with an emphasis on experience, relationships and customization.

November 2009 - Firm prepares for New Levels of Growth and Opportunity with Ian Mahaney

Baltimore, MD - Converge, a Maryland-based company, announced that it has hired Ian Mahaney as its new Chief Technology Officer. In his new role Mr. Mahaney will be responsible for all aspects of technology, product development and professional services for Converge. "We are seeing a very positive response and interest in our technology from many entities in different markets" said Mike Abbaei, Chief Executive Officer of Converge. "As a new company we are very encouraged to see our vision crystallizing in a short period and we are thrilled that Ian will be joining the Converge team as we continue to expand our offerings."

Mr. Mahaney brings more than a decade of Information Technology and internet management to Converge. Most recently as Technical Services Director of Millennial Media, he built and managed the technology organization from the ground up including Engineering, Management Information Services and Quality Assurance. Prior to that, he worked with Tribeca Tables as the Director of Information Technology. He also played a key role in the sale of Tribeca Tables prior to his departure. In addition, Mr. Mahaney spent more than 5 years with Advertising.com as a Senior Systems Engineer.

About Converge
Converge is an enterprise social media solution company that offers a function rich, sophisticated platform that allows users to interact seamlessly, exchange ideas, and share information in a secure, web-based environment. Our team has significant knowledge of diverse industries such as Financial Services, Education, Human Resources, and Insurance. Converge has created a flexible, functional, highly intuitive tool with specialized product platforms designed to meet the unique business objectives of any organization. For more information about Converge, go to www.whyconverge.com.

Converge Media Contact
Mr. Davis Rodericks
410.400.8525
media@whyconverge.com

August 2009 - Finix Converge, an affiliate of Finix Business Strategies, launches website

Converge, a function rich, sophisticated platform that allows users to interact seamlessly, exchange ideas, and share information in a secure, web-based environment, today launched its website. "Converge is Finix's first venture company and we are excited about this first step in what is a very bright future," announces Mike Abbaei, Finix Business Strategies' Managing Partner. Visit www.whyconverge.com for more information.

July 2009 - Stuart Bowers joins Finix Business Strategies

Stuart Bowers joins Finix Business Strategies, LLC as one of the newest partners, extending Finix's reach well into Mutual Funds Industry. "Stuart is a well respected industry expert and brings in a new breath of experience into our framework that is unprecedented," announces Mike Abbaei, Finix Business Strategies' Managing Partner.

July 2009 - Jeff Musgrove joins Finix Business Strategies

Jeff Musgrove joins Finix Business Strategies, LLC as one of the newest partners, where he brings in highly seasoned project management skills with a diverse industry background. "With Jeff on board, we now have all the pieces to provide the strongest level of service to our clients in all aspects of their business," announces Mike Abbaei, Finix Business Strategies' Managing Partner.

July 2009 - Michael VanderVat joins Finix Business Strategies

Michael VanderVat joins Finix Business Strategies, LLC as one of the newest partners, adding his proven experience supporting the asset management business as a senior technologist. "Mike truly understands the intersection of the asset management business and technology, and has a proven history of architecting and building advanced technology platforms in the asset management arena," announces Mike Abbaei, Finix Business Strategies' Managing Partner.

July 2009 - Finix Business Strategies launches its website

History

Finix was founded by a few colleagues who worked together side-by-side for many years on a number of large and small initiatives. We collectively represent close to 100 years of detailed, senior-level business and technology experience. Our vast expertise is extended to a number of industries and disciplines within those industries. We have worked within the Financial Services industry (Brokerage, Investment Management, Mutual Funds, etc.) managing and advising in all aspects of the business, technology, M&A and operations. We played a significant role in the successful business expansion of our clients and were able to make a difference.

The foundation for Finix is based on a value-add proposition for our clients. We only take on assignments where we believe we can add value and make an impact. Our approach is to fully understand our clients' needs and challenges, study their businesses, examine their internal and external environments, and then work with the management to devise appropriate strategies and plans to address their needs and challenges.

Furthermore, with our superior management skills and a disciplined approach to Project Management, we can assist our clients to execute their plans and strategies, large or small, on-time and on-budget. We have access to the best Subject Matter Experts to ensure maximum quality, best approach and successful results.

We serve CEOs, COOs, CIOs, CCOs, Fund Boards, and Private Equity firms operating in the intersection between the finance and technology sectors. Finix focuses on business strategy, operational restructuring, due diligence, Mutual Funds Advisory and technology strategy for our clients.

Careers

If you have high-tech skills or related industry and project experience, and are exploring, seeking a change or advancement, please contact us. We represent a variety of permanent, contract-to-hire and contract IT and related positions. Even if you are not actively looking, you never know, we may connect you with that perfectly-appealing next contract or career opportunity.


When we discover an opportunity you like and are qualified for, we present you and your abilities to our clients accurately and professionally. We guide you through the interview and hiring processes. We even assist with salary negotiations and help you resign a current position. There is not a charge to you for any of these services


You should also know that we fully respect confidentiality and care to develop solid, trusted relationships. Our team does not earn commission for candidate placements of any type. We work to make a qualified and best fit without interest, motivation nor pressure to "just fill a position." Finix, its clients and candidates all benefit from true relationship-based service.