Successful Integration of German Custodian Bank into the Largest Worldwide Custodian Bank

The largest custodian bank worldwide acquires a German custodian bank, initiating a significant merger. LKPU takes on the project management responsibilities, providing technical support in various areas, overseeing the entire post-merger integration (PMI) negotiations, and reporting on test management.

• Ensure the seamless migration of historical data from the host and decentralized systems, preserving data integrity and accessibility.
• Collaborate with the managing director IT architecture and infrastructure EMEA to develop an effective IT strategy aligned with the post-merger objectives.
• Implement data archiving practices that comply with GDPdU (Grundsätze zum Datenzugriff und zur Prüfbarkeit digitaler Unterlagen) requirements, ensuring data retention and auditability.
• Prepare comprehensive service level agreements to establish clear expectations and performance standards for all relevant parties involved.
• Provide direct and transparent reporting to international management, keeping them informed about the project progress, milestones achieved, and key issues.
• Facilitate the organization and execution of operational and strategic steering committee meetings, fostering collaboration, decision-making, and progress tracking.
• Act as a single point of contact for all stakeholders involved in the merger, ensuring effective communication, coordination, and alignment.
• Prepare international management and technical department for negotiations, providing necessary insights, analysis, and guidance to achieve favorable outcomes.
• Conduct workshops with the teams involved in the merger, promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing, and alignment of goals and tasks.
• Implement robust project risk management strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate risks throughout the integration process.
• Plan and allocate project budgets effectively, ensuring financial stability and resource optimization.
• Provide support to the operational readiness team, ensuring their preparedness for the post-merger activities and operations.
• Conduct AWV (Außenwirtschaftsverordnung) testing, verifying the functional and technical acceptance of the integrated systems and processes.
• Collaborate with the business side on-site and IT teams abroad to develop effective workarounds, addressing operational challenges and ensuring smooth operations.