NEWS

Tom Kirdahy Joins SunGard's Astec Analytics

SunGard welcomes Tom Kirdahy, Vice President of Sales for SunGard's Astec Analytics. Tom joined the company in March to help customers grow their businesses and develop new strategies using Astec's Lending Pit product.

With more than 40 years of experience in securities lending, Tom was "in the business before it was a business." He has an extensive background on both the broker-dealer and agent lender sides of the industry. Tom believes that Lending Pit provides the perfect opportunity for SunGard to become an even greater strategic partner with its clients.

Prior to SunGard, Tom ran the agent lending business at AG Edwards, was managing director of marketing and sales for agency lending at ING, and was director of marketing and sales for agency lending at Cantor Fitzgerald. On the dealer side, he worked for Drexell Burnham for ten years.

Tom's goal at SunGard's Astec Analytics is to help clients gain a better understanding of both sides of the business. "I would like to bring the supply and demand sides of the industry closer together and help customers to bridge the gap between them," said Tom. "This will help them to enhance their businesses, and become more comfortable with certain types of risk. I hope to help people better navigate the securities lending industry."

For many years, financial institutions viewed securities lending as a riskless environment. However, many have now learned otherwise. Tom believes a tool like Astec Lending Pit and other solutions can help customers add transparency and offer enhanced service to their clients.

In fact, Tom is a former user of SunGard's Loanet, Global One and Lending Pit.

"I was totally impressed with SunGard's products," said Tom. "At this point in my career, I can offer my knowledge and experience after having been on the front line for so long and after experiencing the rigors of being a trader and a lender."

Tom believes that Lending Pit helps to make the securities lending industry transparent. "It's a window into securities trading for the agent lender and can help you do a better job for your client," he said. "In addition, the broker-dealer has the opportunity to see the entire market, so it provides benefits for both the supply and demand sides of the business."