Operational resilience, cybersecurity and IT governance are no longer merely IT issues for independent asset managers. They have become central factors for regulatory compliance and client trust.

This is where the initiative by the independent Zurich-based consultancy Petruschenko Consulting comes in. The firm has launched an online-based assessment specifically designed to address Swiss requirements.

Creating Transparency

The programme targets independent asset managers, multi-family offices and boutique firms that operate with lean organisations and outsource significant parts of their IT and security infrastructure to external service providers. As a result, many lack a clear overview of responsibilities, dependencies and the maturity of their operational infrastructure.

«When we talk about the stability of the financial centre, we also need to consider the resilience of independent asset managers. They are a critical link in the value chain. With our EAM Resilience Program, we aim to create transparency, clarify responsibilities and support EAMs in strengthening their operational resilience in a pragmatic and proportionate way,» says Dimitri Petruschenko, founder of Petruschenko Consulting.

In just a few clicks to greater clarity: the homepage of the «EAM Resilience Program». (Image: Screenshot)

The programme is explicitly positioned as an educational tool rather than a sales instrument for IT solutions. At its core is a free online assessment that can be completed without any technical prior knowledge. The focus is deliberately not on individual tools, but on structures, processes, responsibilities and governance issues — precisely the elements that are also gaining increasing importance from a regulatory perspective.

Individually Tailored Report

Upon completion, participating firms receive an individually prepared report with assessments and actionable recommendations. According to Petruschenko, the report is suitable both as an internal benchmark and as an objective basis for dialogue with existing or potential IT service providers, compliance partners or custodian banks. At the same time, it serves as a transparent form of documentation, for example in the context of audits, due diligence processes or internal governance reviews.

In terms of content, the assessment covers topics including:

• regulatory requirements (including Finma, DSG and GDPR)
• IT and cyber risks
• cloud and workplace models (including BYOD concepts)
• business continuity and awareness measures
• outsourcing and third-party risks
• the use of modern collaboration and AI tools

Petruschenko Consulting is an independent consulting boutique focused on operational resilience, technology and governance in the Swiss financial services sector. Its core expertise lies in supporting independent asset managers, private banks and family offices in navigating a complex regulatory and technological environment. The firm’s approach centres on strengthening structures, processes and control mechanisms — pragmatically, proportionately and close to operational reality.