As the year comes to a close, we had the opportunity to sit down with Lee Godfrey, our CEO, to reflect on 2024’s most notable achievements and challenges, and to explore the vision driving our growth as we look ahead to 2025.
Major achievements: Client-centric product development
This year, a pivotal shift has been our transition towards a product-led approach, with a renewed focus on client experience. “We’re now placing clients’ needs at the heart of our product evolution,” Lee explains. This approach prioritises user-friendly design and functionality, tailored specifically for different client personas. By introducing a choice between self-service and full-service options, we’re empowering clients to control their own experience, supported by skills assessments and tailored training.
This shift has already borne fruit. One client managed to build and implement their own APIs and content within just 10 days in a test environment, with no training—a testament to the flexibility and user empowerment built into our product and online training material.
Especially younger investors expect a seamless digital experience—something beyond the traditional PDF.
Lee Godfrey
CEO at Kurtosys
Overcoming challenges: Streamlining processes and accountability
Conflicting priorities are a common challenge, and this year was no exception. To address this, we undertook a comprehensive review of incoming workload, refining processes and reducing the average response time in first-line support from several days to less than one. A significant redefinition of our change request process now ensures that requests are visible, prioritised, and managed more efficiently, enabling teams to deliver on client expectations with increased speed and accuracy.
Data security: A commitment to excellence
As cyber threats continue to grow, data security remains paramount. Our robust measures have not only earned praise from external auditors, but from clients as well. Achieving SOC 2 status this year, preparing ourselves and clients for DORA, and adhering to ISA standards has further solidified our position as a trusted partner in data security. “Our clients can rest assured that we’re vigilant and prepared” Lee affirms, adding that cybersecurity is now embedded into every layer of our operations.
Our purpose is to provide investors with dynamic and detailed data, insights, and reporting formats, and to ensure our platform evolves in tandem with these industry changes.
Lee Godfrey
CEO at Kurtosys
Stories of client success
Our approach to client engagement has evolved, transforming conversations and encouraging clients to think bigger. For example, when a client initially adopted our platform for ETF portals, they soon realised they could streamline multiple outputs—including fact sheets and client reporting—through a single platform. This shift not only consolidates numerous reporting tools but also reduces costs significantly. The ability to adapt to clients’ expanding needs demonstrates the platform’s versatility and scalability.
Looking to 2025: Embracing AI and data-driven Innovation
Our commitment to innovation means we’re constantly exploring new technologies. This year, we prioritised equipping every team member with access to AI-powered tools, from enhancing daily tasks with Microsoft Copilot to improving engineering processes. The next step is to look at whether integrating AI into the product itself, would help our clients to better engage with their investors.
Data will play a vital role in the coming year. A new data product specialist is already on board to enhance data handling and integrations with modern cloud data ecosystems like Snowflake, Teradata and Databricks, allowing clients to gain more insights and drive even greater efficiencies.
Enhancing user experience: Tailored journeys
Our approach to user experience continues to evolve, with a focus on the unique needs of each client persona. From operations managers to distribution heads, we’re tailoring the user journey to reflect their roles and goals. This client-centred approach extends beyond product design; it’s a guiding principle in everything we do, as we work to deliver a seamless, enjoyable experience for each user.
A vision for the future
As we look to the future, we remain committed to truly understanding the evolving needs of the end user, empowering them with the tools and insights they need to succeed. In the investment landscape, we’re witnessing a major shift, with a proliferation of products aimed at generating returns beyond traditional, long-only funds. This shift means we’re seeing more interest in alternative assets which historically were available only to institutional investors. Now, however, these assets are moving into the realm of retail investors—making them more accessible and adding a whole new dimension to what retail clients can achieve.
For these retail investors, who may be working with limited amounts, the expectation for reporting and transparency is evolving. With this shift, there’s a need for more dynamic, detailed reporting that fits their unique positions. We’ve already seen tremendous growth in ETFs over the past decade, but the next frontier is likely in tokenisation and crypto assets. This trend is expected to appeal especially to younger investors who want a seamless digital experience—something beyond the traditional PDF.
As our industry continues to diversify its products and attract a broader, more varied investor base, we’re committed to responding with flexibility and agility. Our goal is to provide these investors with the data, insights, and reporting formats they require, ensuring our platform evolves in tandem with these industry changes.
As we look to 2025 and beyond, we’re excited to continue innovating alongside our clients, anticipating their needs, and delivering solutions that are as dynamic as the market itself.
The Kurtosys Team, Cape Town
