For UK wealth managers and stockbrokers, the OMS Figaro platform is often the beating heart of the firm. It is the system of record where portfolios are modelled, trades are executed, and: most critically: settlements are finalised. Yet, as we move into 2026, the technical landscape surrounding Figaro on IBM i has shifted from "legacy stability" to "strategic liability" for those without expert leadership.
The complexity of equity trading systems demands more than just a functional helpdesk. It requires a strategic vision that understands the intersection of high-frequency transactional data, tightening FCA regulations, and the unique architecture of the IBM i. At Evestaff IT Support and Consultancy, we position this leadership as the Fractal IT Director: a model where high-level strategy and technical execution are perfectly aligned.
The Figaro Integration Challenge on IBM i
OMS Figaro, now part of the FNZ ecosystem, is a powerhouse of straight-through processing (STP). When hosted on the IBM i, it leverages a database architecture (DB2) that is legendary for its uptime and transactional integrity. However, the challenge for many wealth managers is not the platform itself, but the integration layer.
In 2026, a "closed shop" approach to your core ledger is no longer viable. Whether you are exposing Figaro functions via REST APIs for a modern client portal or integrating with third-party execution management systems (EMS) via FIX protocols, the integrity of that data flow is paramount. If your IT support lacks deep practitioner-led authority in IBM i management, these integrations often become points of failure rather than drivers of efficiency.
A Fractal IT Director doesn't just look at the "up/down" status of a server. They look at the "L3" layer: the architecture that ensures a trade executed in the front office is accurately reflected in the client’s CGT reporting and regulatory filings without manual intervention.
Financial Data Integrity Under the FCA CTP Regime
The regulatory climate in the UK has reached a new level of maturity. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) have introduced the Critical Third Parties (CTP) regime. This isn't just another box-ticking exercise; it is a fundamental shift in how firms must manage their technology supply chains.
If your firm relies on Figaro and the IBM i for critical business services, you are now required to demonstrate a level of operational resilience that goes beyond simple backups. You must map every dependency. If a cloud-based analytics tool that feeds into your Figaro stack fails, what is the impact on your settlement finality?
Data integrity is the currency of trust in wealth management. Under the CTP regime, firms must prove that their data remains clean, auditable, and resilient under "severe but plausible" disruption scenarios. This requires an IT leader who understands the nuances of the IBM i audit journal and can translate technical logs into the language of regulatory compliance.
The Fractal IT Director: Strategy Above Execution
The traditional Managed Service Provider (MSP) model is often built on a "tickets-and-triage" philosophy. They are excellent at resetting passwords or patching Windows laptops, but they rarely have the strategic depth to lead a wealth management firm’s digital transformation.
At Evestaff IT Support and Consultancy, we frame traditional MSP services: VOIP, network management, and software licensing: strictly as "bolt-on" services. They are the execution arms of a much larger body.
The Fractal IT Director identity is our response to this gap. It is a consultancy-first approach where we act as your in-house IT Director. We provide the high-level strategy:
- Technology Expense Management (TEM): Identifying where your IBM i licensing or hosting costs can be optimised.
- Architectural Governance: Ensuring that every new fintech tool added to your stack adheres to the same "DNA" of security and integrity as your core Figaro system.
- Vendor Oversight: Holding platforms like FNZ or your hosting providers to account using practitioner-led knowledge of the underlying IBM Power Systems.
IBM i Security in Fintech: The 2026 Reality
For decades, the IBM i was protected by "security through obscurity." In 2026, that era is officially over. AI-driven threats can now probe for misconfigured network exit points or default passwords with terrifying speed.
Recent data shows that while most systems now run at QSECURITY level 40, many still suffer from "authority creep." It is common to find hundreds of users with *JOBCTL or *SAVSYS authorities: permissions they likely don't need but have inherited over years of system migrations.
In a wealth management context, where you are handling sensitive client data and high-value settlements, this is an unacceptable risk. Security modernisation on the IBM i must include:
- Identity Governance: Moving to a zero-trust model where administrative access is strictly governed and audited.
- Exit Point Control: Hardening the gateways (FTP, ODBC, JDBC) that external applications use to talk to Figaro.
- Encryption and PCI DSS 4.0: Ensuring that data at rest and in transit meets the latest global standards, especially as fintechs increasingly integrate with open banking APIs.
By treating IBM i management as a specialised consultancy niche rather than a legacy burden, we ensure that your most stable platform remains your most secure.
Why Specialist IT Partners Matter
Wealth management is not a generalist's game. The jargon, the regulatory pressure, and the specific technical requirements of platforms like OMS Figaro require a partner who speaks the language of both the boardroom and the data centre.
Generic MSPs often struggle with the "practitioner-led authority" required for IBM i systems. They may suggest moving everything to a "modern" cloud platform without realising the massive ROI and stability benefits of a well-optimised IBM Power environment.
Our approach is to provide the strategic roadmap that leverages your existing investments while "bolting on" the modern infrastructure needed to scale. Whether it is implementing Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central for your back-office operations or securing your Figaro integration, the goal is always the same: strategic cost-saving and absolute data integrity.
Conclusion: Securing the Future of Your Settlements
The integrity of your settlement data is the foundation upon which your firm's reputation is built. As the FCA CTP regime takes hold and the cyber threat landscape evolves, "good enough" IT support is a risk you cannot afford to take.
By adopting the Fractal IT Director model, you gain the strategic leadership of an expert consultant who understands the technical depths of Figaro on IBM i and the high-level needs of a modern financial institution. It is time to move beyond reactive IT and start leading with strategy.
For a consultation on how to align your IT strategy with your business goals, visit the Evestaff gateway or explore our IT consultancy services.
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