Built by industry experts with deep experience in compliance and AML
STP Partners Limited’s Journey
A journey of innovation and transformation with azakaw
STP Partners Limited, a specialist prime brokerage firm, operating from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) under the regulatory oversight of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). Renowned for its expertise, the firm offers a comprehensive suite of services, including prime brokerage, execution, custody, reporting, lending, and fund distribution. Using cutting-edge technology, STP Partners ensures seamless pre- and post-trade services, multi-asset class execution, and integrated reporting solutions tailored to institutional and professional clients. Under the leadership of Tony Hallside, Managing Director, the firm achieved remarkable milestones. Tony's strategic vision and dedication to excellence have cemented STP Partners' reputation as a trusted partner in the financial services landscape.
The initial partnership with azakaw
STP Partners partnered with azakaw during a pivotal phase of growth, seeking to modernise and simplify compliance processes through automation. “The concept of azakaw was exactly what the industry needed: an automated, user-friendly KYC and compliance tool,” Tony recalls. While azakaw showed exciting potential from the start, adapting the platform to STP Partners’ specific processes required close collaboration. This need for alignment sparked an ongoing dialogue between the two organisations, fostering a partnership built on continuous improvement.
Traditional approach
As part of its journey, STP Partners revisited traditional, manual processes in 2023 as a complementary approach to compliance management. This exploration sought to better understand the landscape and assess whether manual workflows could effectively address their operational needs. However, this trial soon revealed the limitations of such an approach. “We underestimated the operational strain of manual processes,” Tony explains. “The inefficiencies were undeniable, and it quickly became clear that this approach wasn’t sustainable for the volume and complexity of our work.” This experience reaffirmed the value of azakaw’s automated, AI-driven solution and its ability to support STP Partners in achieving operational excellence.
Outcomes and insights
The partnership with azakaw has been transformative for STP Partners. By automating key compliance processes, the firm significantly reduced administrative burdens, allowing its team to focus on strategic initiatives. “We’ve gone from spending countless hours on compliance to having a system that practically runs itself,” Tony explains. “The platform isn’t just meeting our needs; it’s evolving alongside them. That level of adaptability is invaluable.” Today, STP Partners reports 95% satisfaction with azakaw 2.0, a significant leap from the early days of the partnership. The platform has enabled faster, more seamless client onboarding and improved operational efficiency across the board.
A collaborative evolution
Throughout this period, STP Partners maintained an open line of communication with azakaw, providing feedback that directly influenced the development of azakaw 2.0. “The team listened to our feedback and implemented the changes we needed,” Tony shares. “What we saw in azakaw 2.0 was everything we had hoped for in a compliance solution, and more.” With its intuitive design and enhanced features, azakaw 2.0 addressed earlier challenges, offering STP Partners the flexibility to manage both simple and complex compliance tasks with ease.
We’ve gone from spending countless hours on compliance to having a system that practically runs itself.
Tony Hallside
STP Partners Limited
STP Partners Limited
Industry: Prime Brokerage
Location: Dubai, UAE
Key Results
Time Saved on Client Onboarding: Reduced document upload times to under 15 minutes per client, significantly accelerating workflows.
Increased Operational Efficiency: Automated key compliance tasks, eliminating the need for cumbersome manual processes.
Enhanced Flexibility: Gained the ability to handle complex legal structures and unique client needs with greater adaptability.
Future-Ready Compliance: Positioned for growth with advanced features like digital agreement signing and enhanced automation in the pipeline.
Looking ahead
As azakaw continues to innovate, Tony is optimistic about the future. New features, such as integrated agreement signing and enhanced automation, promise to further streamline compliance processes. For Tony, azakaw represents more than just a service provider, it’s a partner in innovation. “If azakaw 2.0 had existed when we first started, we wouldn’t have needed to look elsewhere,” he reflects.
Advice for others
Tony offers a clear message for firms evaluating compliance solutions: “The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. azakaw is ahead of its time, and for those ready to embrace innovation, it’s an indispensable partner.”
