Background
SMARTS Group, a Sydney-based technology firm, specialised in advanced real-time surveillance and analytics systems used by global stock exchanges and financial regulators. During an 8-month engagement we transformed SMARTS’ operational capabilities in preparation for its successful acquisition by NASDAQ.
Our Engagement
The engagement with SMARTS (acquired mid-project by NASDAQ) showcased our ability to operate across strategic planning and hands-on delivery.
Global Operations Transformation
We restructured the entire Global Operations function, which supported over 30 international clients, including stock exchanges (e.g. ASX, LSX, SIX) and financial regulators (e.g. ASIC).
- Engaged directly with all major client stakeholders to address service delivery pain points.
- Designed and implemented a high-performance 24/7 operations model.
- Took interim leadership of the team to ensure execution, before hiring a permanent Operations Manager.
High-Profile Implementation for ASIC
- We supported the end-to-end implementation of the SMARTS monitoring platform at the Australian Securities & Investments Commission(ASIC).
- Enabled ASIC to directly monitor trading activity on the ASX using SMARTS technology.
- Delivered on time, mission-critical deployment in close coordination with a federal regulator.
Five-Year IT Strategy Development
- Developed and delivered a comprehensive IT strategy to strengthen SMARTS’ future capability and position it as a scalable, acquisition-ready technology company.
- Strategy presented to NASDAQ senior leadership during the acquisition process.
- Focused on enterprise growth, scalability, and operational resilience.
Outcome and Impact
SMARTS was successfully acquired by NASDAQ, supported by the transformed operational structure, a clear strategic roadmap, and a marquee client implementation.
NASDAQ integrated SMARTS technology into its global surveillance platform offering.
Why It Matters?
Bridging strategic planning with hands-on execution
Delivering high-stakes operational change in regulated environments
Driving outcomes that position clients for major milestones – including acquisition and global expansion