Apollo, a central tool for asset allocation in an STP framework

MANAGEMENT OF THE ASSET ALLOCATION

Apollo Asset Management asset pockets structures through a hierarchical view structured around the instrumental characteristics. These hierarchies are at the heart of the system and drive the views of positions.

STRATEGIC ALLOCATION

The first step is to define a long-term allocation; (ie.) strategic allocation. At this point, weights are defined for each pocket. We also define minimum and maximum limits to frame the allocation. These possibilities give rise to allocation grids for productive, coherent and integrated management of asset allocation.

CONSTRAINTS AT THE HEART OF THE ALLOCATION PROCESS

Apollo also allows for constraints on asset allocation. The manager can then check the compliance of his allocation. The respect of the limits within the pockets is always checked during the management process. The system also considers market movements that amplify or reduce the size of the pockets. In terms of constraints, Apollo responds with verification in pre-trade mode but also in post-trade constraints.

Thus, the manager can check the compliance of his portfolios from his workstation. Apollo assists him in making the necessary corrections.

BASKET ORDERS AND STOCK PICKING

The system also offers basket orders to invest or withdraw an amount from a pocket. Apollo offers solutions to the manager to help correct asset allocation discrepancies. In addition, the stock picking possibilities are easy to use.

The Apollo solution of course makes it possible to intervene only on an asset in direct allocation, for example to adjust the pocket to which the asset belongs. On a set of portfolios, Apollo will offer block orders; as considering volume is essential, the system can process a very large number of portfolios. The assisted management module responds perfectly to these issues.

TACTICAL ALLOCATION AND considering "MARKET DRIFT"

Apollo also helps tactical allocation , particularly around "market drift".

The purpose of this asset allocation process is the constitution of model portfolios. These are used in the construction of the final portfolios. The model portfolios are, in a way, the “optimal” portfolios. The weights consider strategic and tactical allocation.

They define for each asset pocket, the investment universe. For the modeling of these pockets, we can for example use composite indices or asset lists.

Adapted screens facilitate the constitution of these model portfolios. At all times, the link with the target portfolios is visible in the application.

OTHER ORDER GENERATION SUPPORT

COMMITMENT TO TAKING INTO ACCOUNT DERIVATIVES

The Apollo app provides an allocation view tailored to the use of derivatives. This is because the calculated weights can be either weights relative to net assets or weights relative to commitment. In the latter case, derivatives and funds are broken down into their underlying. This decomposition then provides a precise view of the actual exposure.

THE PROPOSAL OF ORDERS IN RELATION TO THE DIFFERENCES FROM THE MODELS

The manager can follow the evolution of all his portfolios by simply visualizing the differences between the portfolios and their models. Apollo generates orders on its portfolios in a single pass to put them back online with their models.

The solution also makes it possible to treat only one bag to reach a target weight.

MANAGEMENT OF BOND POCKETS

The construction of bond portfolios differs from equity portfolios. For this type of management, Apollo offers suitable solutions. Thus, bond managers will tend to increase or decrease the relative duration of a pocket compared to a benchmark. This possibility avoids managers having to adjust weights, as is the case for stocks.

Apollo thus makes it possible to visualize the contribution of each maturity range to the duration of the portfolio compared to the benchmark. This solution made Apollo a benchmark in the field. It facilitates the work of managers and offers them the opportunity to set up bond orders from contributions relating to maturity ranges.

Note that this work can also be carried out using other interest rate risk indicators such as sensitivity.

REALIGNMENT OF PORTFOLIOS

The realignment of portfolios according to the models takes place through a very flexible process. Indeed, this can be done in relation to weights expressed in terms of net assets or commitment. The latter approach makes it possible to account for positions in derivatives. It is also possible to specify a minimum order size.

In order to meet all requests, the process may be limited to the exclusive generation of buy or sell orders.

INDUSTRIAL MANAGEMENT: APOLLO, A REFERENCE IN THE MATTER

Realignment can be carried out in mass on a large set of portfolios from an industrial perspective. Apollo then offers buy and sell orders to bring the portfolios back in line with their models. The proposed orders are modifiable. The impact of the change on the portfolio allocation is immediately available.

In institutional management, this process is carried out more finely, pocket by pocket. Thus, for a diversified fund, the tool makes it possible, for example, to first model the equity pocket and secondly the bond pocket. Apollo enables tactical allocation decisions to be implemented by adjusting the weight of a pocket. Note that the product also offers liquidity optimization solutions with powerful algorithms based on suitable instruments. For example, it is possible to invest in money market funds, pensions or deposits.

PASSING OF ORDERS AT THE HEART OF AN STP PROCESS

In addition, the realignment process follows a front-office STP process. Indeed, the constraints are evaluated in pre-trade and the proposed orders are sent directly to the order book.

TO CONCLUDE, A COMPLETE AUDIT TRACK

Finally, the process of realigning portfolios against their models is a completely secure process offering a full audit trail on order generation and compliance.