Accuracy as the Foundation of Trust: Approaches to Asset Accounting in a Modern Investment Company

Behind every investment product, there is extensive operational work, including asset accounting, transaction support, settlement control and reporting.

At Fonte Capital, where a broad range of investment strategies covering various asset classes is represented, the role of the back office is especially important.

We spoke with Svetlana Lapushnyak, Deputy Head of the Back Office Department at Fonte Capital, about how the back office operates in a modern investment company and which skills are essential for asset accounting specialists today.

- Could you tell us about your professional journey? How did you enter the field of asset accounting?

- My educational background is in finance and credit, with a focus on banking. I began my career in the banking sector, where I gained my first experience working with financial processes.

Later, I became familiar with back-office functions, and while working at a brokerage company, I gained a deeper understanding of asset accounting. I became interested in this area and decided to continue developing in this field — and this is how I eventually joined Fonte Capital.

- The back office often remains “behind the scenes,” yet the reliability of an investment company depends on the accuracy of its work and the efficiency of its internal processes. How would you describe the role of the back office in an investment company?

- I believe the back office is the “heart” of an investment company. We do not work directly with clients and we do not make investment decisions, but we are responsible for ensuring that all internal processes are accurate and properly executed.

We are involved in accounting, reporting, transaction support and settlement control. We also coordinate with other departments to ensure that all processes run smoothly and without errors. Our work includes many routine tasks that require attention to detail and accuracy, but it is precisely these tasks that ensure the stability and reliability of processes, as well as the sustainable operation of the company.

- Fonte Capital works with different asset classes — from traditional instruments to newer and more progressive areas, including digital assets. In your opinion, how does this diversity of strategies affect the expertise required from back-office specialists and your personal approach to professional development?

- I think the more diverse the strategies and investment products within a company, the more complex — but also more interesting — the work of the back office becomes.

Fonte Capital has launched a number of advanced products for Kazakhstan’s financial market, including umbrella funds, credit funds and exchange-traded funds focused on digital assets. Behind every investment instrument, there is extensive operational work.

It is especially important that new instruments often require new approaches to work processes. Therefore, asset accounting for such products requires continuous development, attention to detail, knowledge of the specific features of each instrument and a willingness to understand more complex structures.

In this sense, complexity becomes a source of professional growth. It brings novelty, expands expertise and makes back-office work more dynamic and interesting.

- Have there been any moments or projects in your work that were especially memorable and significant for you as a professional?

- Yes, of course. There have been projects in my work that became especially meaningful for me from a professional point of view. First of all, I would highlight tasks related to the optimization and automation of work processes.

Automation in the back office is not just a technical improvement. In order to build such a process properly, it is necessary to have a deep understanding of the entire operational chain. In this sense, automation largely reflects the accumulated professional experience of the team.

The implementation of automated solutions helps us reduce the impact of the human factor and make processes more transparent. For me, such projects are valuable because they directly contribute to the efficiency of the entire company.

- Fonte Capital is one of the few investment companies that offers internships in asset accounting with the possibility of subsequent employment. How do you see the new generation of specialists in this field? And what advice would you give to those who are just starting their career in this area?

- Yes, we offer internships for university graduates to help them enter the working environment in a smoother and faster way. During the internship, they gain a basic understanding of key processes, learn through practical cases and decide for themselves whether this field is truly suitable for them. As a result of several internship cohorts, young and promising specialists who demonstrated strong potential during the training process have already joined our team.

I see that the new generation of specialists is not only capable of understanding their work well, but also confident in using modern technologies and quick to adapt to change. Today, it is important not only to perform your tasks, but also to understand processes as a whole and continuously learn something new.

To those who are just beginning their path in this field, I would advise not to be afraid to try, ask questions and use every opportunity to gain experience. Do not worry if something seems difficult at first — understanding and confidence come with time. It is also very important to learn from colleagues and remain open to new knowledge, because practice provides the most valuable experience.

- What motivates you to develop in such a specific and responsible field as asset accounting?

- I am motivated by the fact that this field always offers opportunities to learn and develop. Every day brings new tasks and situations that help me gain new experience.

I also like that my work requires attention to detail, analytical thinking and a deeper understanding of how investment processes work. In addition, I am greatly inspired by the team — when you are surrounded by strong and supportive colleagues, it motivates you to grow and become a better specialist.

- A modern woman often has to combine several roles — a professional, a mother, a loved one and an individual with her own interests and passions. What helps you maintain balance and inner stability?

- What helps me is the understanding that not everything has to be perfect. Sometimes I doubt myself or wonder whether I will be able to handle a new task, but I try not to let these thoughts stop me. I simply start moving step by step, and gradually everything falls into place.

I have also been fortunate to meet colleagues and mentors along the way who believed in me and helped me see my own potential more broadly.

- How do you restore your energy and stay resourceful? Are there any hobbies or interests that inspire you outside of work?

- Interesting conversations, music, dancing, handicrafts, swimming, yoga, theatre, walks, travelling and, of course, time spent with my children help me restore my energy.

For me, yoga and swimming are ways to relax, calm down and reset. Music, dancing and theatre inspire me and bring new emotions. And most of all, time with my children gives me strength and joy — their sincere emotions and energy help me recharge.

All of this helps me disconnect from work and maintain a balance between my professional and personal life.

- Do you have a life principle or motto that helps you both in your professional activity and in life?

- I believe that life is a kind of boomerang. My principle is simple: “Treat others the way you would like to be treated.”