Quote from JWKirkland:
Sungard is committed to ASSENT.
I returned earlier this month from a trip to "Corporate" in Hoboken. Had the opportunity to speak with a few of the top chiefs on the ASSENT and Sungard side. Seems the transition has been going well.
I can tell you that Sungard is putting money into ASSENT. Technology has been upgraded, additional T-1 lines placed, and Hammer upgrades done. In addition, Sungard has made some changes to that will increase ASSENT's revenues by millions a year. (Without raising rates I might add)
Many things have changed since the deal; better trader risk oversight, compliance at the branch level has increased, and better contact with the company regarding issues.
I was able to speak frankly with a top level exec in NYC over some beers....Sungard knew what it was doing when it purchased ASSENT. It shows, more traders are signing up everyday. From what I understand, we are doing over 2 billion a month in volume.
When there is a buyout, there are changes that are good and bad. I have to say I have not liked all the changes but I understand how they make the company more compliant with regulations.
I do not like the one year deposit lockup. ASSENT met with the SEC regarding this issue. It probably will not change. What I would look for is some of the other firms who do not comply with this regulation to watch out. Hint Hint...The SEC might be looking into some of these firms for some "funny accounting" practices to sidestep the regulation (but that is another thread entirely).
ASSENT is not dropping the daytraders.
Sorry I have not posted in so long. It was nice to stop by and throw in some info that may be useful.