Can you tell us more about your role at Siepe, how you found out about the Company, and your background?
Based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, I manage Siepe’s offshore team and operations on the ground. Our primary responsibility is to take over operational tasks after the US team finishes their day, ensuring that overnight processes are completed for next-day reporting. As a result, we are able to deliver data to our clients more quickly and efficiently. I also co-lead the recruitment and expansion of the Malaysia office, and we have plans to grow our headcount to support our global footprint—including current expansion into Europe. I work closely with Phong Lam, who oversees global expansion, and we have direct communication with the Executive team to ensure seamless collaboration across teams.
I first learned about Siepe through Phong, whom I had connected with more than 20 years ago while we were working on structured transactions in Southeast Asia. We became colleagues and eventually reconnected when he pitched the idea of building an offshore operations hub. That idea eventually led to a new partnership with Siepe.
With a background in corporate banking, capital markets, CLO structuring, and corporate services, what really stood out to me was Siepe’s leap in efficiency and productivity, offering exciting opportunities and challenges—especially in streamlining manual processes through technology.
Can you tell us more about Siepe’s follow the sun model, and the benefits this provides to Siepe’s customers? Why is this so crucial given the current challenges in the industry?
Our “follow-the-sun” model enables seamless operational processing around the clock. Everyday, large volumes of data are updated and exchanged, which makes it critical to have a team that can pick up where the US team leaves off. Being about 14 hours ahead of Central Time allows us in Malaysia to process overnight data and ensure it’s ready for review and reporting by the time the next business day begins in the US.
This allows us to provide timely, accurate data for investment managers, so that they can make more informed decisions that maximize returns. When data isn’t ready or is inaccurate, opportunities can be missed. That’s why we focus on automation, adopting new tools, and bringing in the right talent to constantly improve our processes and deliver reliable, actionable insights each day.
Is there an opportunity that you feel the business leaders in the credit space are missing out on?
If they haven’t already, business leaders should consider partnering with solutions-driven service providers who can deliver timely, accurate data efficiently. The accelerated pace and complexity of today’s markets can be incredibly challenging to keep up with. Having a provider who can support decision-making with clean data can keep you ahead and help drive a competitive advantage.
What are some of the common issues or challenges firms ask Siepe to help solve?
Although I don’t directly interface with clients, I frequently work with our US operations team to resolve data breaks and reconciliation issues. Often, clients send us data that needs to be reconciled or validated, and sometimes even the source data is inaccurate. Our role is to investigate, cross-reference, and apply tools—including basic coding and AI—to correct and streamline the data.
For example, we use automation/robotic processes along with code to identify and resolve breaks more efficiently. This approach allows us to support accurate reporting and reduce the time spent on manual processes.
Are there any exciting initiatives you’re working on that you can share?
We’re exploring the use of AI to transform how we manage unstructured data—turning it into readable, actionable information. These AI models can be trained to recognize patterns beyond rigid templates, helping us get more accurate results faster. I’ve had success with this kind of technology in the past, where we built tools to validate multiple datasets, and I believe it holds a lot of promise for future operational improvements at Siepe.
Can you share a fun fact?
Many years ago, I became a certified scuba diver, reaching one level below rescue diver. I trained in night diving and underwater navigation, and I’ve shared the hobby with my two sons. I also got certified as a paraglider—something I pursued for the thrill and freedom of flight. While I don’t do it often anymore, I still occasionally arrange to take people up, and it’s always a great reminder of what it feels like to experience something from a completely new perspective.
