Misys strengthens client relationships further with EMEA customer conferences for Misys Summit and Misys Loan IQ

Misys Banking Systems, a global leader in banking software and solutions, today announces the strengthening of its Misys Summit and Misys Loan IQ customer communities following conferences held in London from 3 to 7 December 2006. Following the success of the US-based customer conferences held in November, more than 130 users met to network with their peers and Misys experts. Those present were able to share experiences, discuss lending and capital markets issues and challenges, and have their say in the future direction of the products.

One of the main themes of the events was collaboration, which was exemplified by the sessions devoted to customer feedback and the time allocated to encourage user input into future functionality of each product.

The Misys Loan IQ conference focused on how technology can help customers in the rapidly expanding European lending market. Ian Carter, Director, Credit Applications, Credit Risk Management at WestLB and the Misys Loan IQ User Group Chairman, comments, "The Misys Loan IQ European Customer Conference provides a special opportunity for both Misys and delegates to share information and achieve future business success."

The conference addressed the many unique aspects of the European market, including a focus on trading activity, the complexity of syndications and the growing involvement of institutional investors in the commercial loan market. To enable our customers to manage these challenges Misys has built a new module, Trader Desktop, for Loan IQ. Delegates were given a preview of the module, to be released in early 2007. Loan IQ users will use this to view and manage their positions and P&L globally in real time, significantly improving decision making and eradicating the need to double key, which is required in many other systems. Europe is also facing challenges in the regulatory area including IAS 39, Basel II, which has prompted an increased focus on compliance for the majority of those attending.

At the Misys Summit event, the key issue for customers was the rapid growth of the derivatives and structured products marketplace. Misys Summit customers were able to see the re-architected credit derivatives module and take part in sessions focused on leading-edge pricing tools and structured products functionality that will help them to take advantage of the opportunities in this market. Customers were also given a detailed overview of Version 5.2 of Misys Summit, due to be released in Q1 2007.

There was a significant focus on the roadmap and timeframe for enhancements to the product. The development capabilities of the Summit team will be strengthened still further by the recent acquisition of S.C. Fino Capital SRL, which adds over sixty Misys Summit experts to the development team. At the event a meeting was held to form the first European user group with chair and committee members appointed.

“Engaging with our customers and gaining their input is a top priority for us,” comments Keith Stonell, EMEA Managing Director for Treasury & Capital Markets, Misys Banking Systems. “We pride ourselves on our excellent domain expertise, but it is critical that we understand the requirements of our customers in such a fast moving market. Customer conferences are an essential vehicle for gaining input into our product roadmaps, feedback on our strategy and additional insight into the issues that are affecting our customer base. This valuable input enables us to continue to improve the effectiveness of our products and services and provide our customers with the technology that gives them a competitive advantage now and in the future.”