Financial Services
Technology Roadmap & Cybersecurity
Case study | The WAY Group
A tailored Technology Roadmap for a financial services specialist
Aura helped WAY Group streamline its IT infrastructure, strengthen cybersecurity and move to a modern, cloud-based setup, without compromising on FCA compliance.
Decades of expertise, safeguarded by secure IT
Wimborne-based WAY Group, a seasoned financial services company boasting over four decades of expertise, is a prominent player in the industry, steering WAY Trustees Limited to effectively manage more than 1,200 family trusts, collectively holding assets nearing £200 million. With a sterling track record, WAY Group has been instrumental in shielding its clients from substantial potential Inheritance Tax (IHT) liabilities, resulting in savings amounting to millions. Linda Attrell, Business Services and Projects Manager at WAY Fund Managers, emphasises the pivotal role of IT in their operations. Historically, WAY Group navigated a complex operational system comprising ‘five legs’ of services, encompassing ACD (investor fund management), Trusts, Investment Tax, and Advisory Services. Recognising the need for optimisation, WAY Group embarked on a journey to streamline and simplify its IT infrastructure and processes while fortifying cybersecurity measures.
The challenge
As a financial services business, WAY Group prioritises security and its pivotal role in safeguarding its esteemed reputation and client data. This commitment to security aligns with the stringent standards set by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the industry’s regulatory body, and underscores the necessity of maintaining compliance with these regulations.
Highlighting the challenges faced in finding an IT company that can provide these essential accreditations, Linda Attrell said: “We did have high requirements. But Aura’s standout status as a trusted partner who meets our rigorous security and compliance requirements is a rare find. In addition to meeting our accreditation concerns, we also required off-site hardware and server management, which Aura could deliver.”
WAY Group needed a service desk capable of effectively covering the required number of terminals: an imperative effectively met by Aura’s comprehensive solutions.
The Aura solution
Aura, an innovative IT company, collaborated with WAY Group to craft a comprehensive Discovery Plan involving on-site visits to each WAY Group office. This meticulous exploration of the organisation’s needs resulted in creating a tailored Technology Roadmap that was strategically aligned with current operational requirements and future goals.
A comprehensive Discovery Plan with on-site visits to every WAY Group office
Workshops to ensure staff were familiar and comfortable with new systems
Cyber Essentials Plus certification and Meraki Firewalls for added protection
Mimecast for email security, eradicating phishing and spam
Migration from privately hosted servers to a secure, Azure-powered cloud
A roadmap to move a custom-coded core application to a modern SaaS solution
Beyond a standard examination of existing IT infrastructure, Aura prioritised optimising the IT experience for WAY Group’s staff and users, deeply understanding WAY Group’s objectives to shape the Technology Roadmap. Aura’s Azure-powered cloud IT solution streamlined operations, enhanced data security, and facilitated a seamless transition from privately hosted servers to Microsoft Azure.
The result
Linda Attrell said: “The headache that used to be our IT services has gone; we needed a service that took away all that worry, and Aura does that. They’re constantly looking out for any bumps in the road and always looking to improve.”
“Aura represents excellent value for money, and for us, that means reassurance. We have some high-spec software and hardware in place, and we’re happy to spend more on this as it’s all about knowing we’re getting excellent quality and peace of mind, and with our IT now streamlined, it’s made us more productive in other areas. That’s the actual value for money.”
“IT is the crux of our business; nothing works if it doesn’t. We needed that reliability and a proactive approach; we have that with Aura.”
The headache that used to be our IT services has gone; we needed a service that took away all that worry, and Aura does that. They’re constantly looking out for any bumps in the road and always looking to improve. Aura represents excellent value for money, and for us, that means reassurance. We have some high-spec software and hardware in place, and we’re happy to spend more on this as it’s all about knowing we’re getting excellent quality and peace of mind, and with our IT now streamlined, it’s made us more productive in other areas. That’s the actual value for money. IT is the crux of our business; nothing works if it doesn’t. We needed that reliability and a proactive approach; we have that with Aura.
Linda Attrell, Business Services and Projects Manager, WAY Fund Managers
Compliance-ready IT for regulated financial businesses
A tailored Technology Roadmap helps financial services firms meet strict compliance standards while streamlining operations and cost.