When Centralis decided to offer fund services, it wanted to do it right. After obtaining a central administration license in 2016, the company now offers a full range of services powered by top-tier software and IT infrastructure to match its agility and client focus.
Centralis is proud to have completed the SOC 1 examination, a milestone that reflects years of work to strengthen internal controls and continue improving fund solutions for clients.
Founded in 2006, Luxembourg-based Centralis, a Professional of the Finance Sector (PFS), has grown into an international provider of outsourced corporate services. In 2016 it expanded into fund services, giving clients access to a broader toolbox and service suite.
That expansion coincided with the introduction of RAIF products, helping reduce red tape and improve speed to market. It was also driven by client demand for fund administration from a trusted provider.
Powerful, market-leading software
After obtaining its license, Centralis invested heavily in IT infrastructure to deliver a streamlined and integrated range of fund services. At the centre was eFront, market-leading software supporting end-to-end workflows.
"We had the advantage of being free in the design process and being able to set up workflows the way we wanted. The result is practical, with little room for error and adapted to customer needs. With eFront, clients have a powerful dashboard that is easy to use, and for our staff it enables enhanced services and information much more easily," said Bruno Stockemer, Head of Business Development - Luxembourg.
A core advantage of eFront is its integration of fund accounting and transfer agency functions, whereas other systems often handle these separately and merge later. Reporting is another key strength, including complex statistical outputs on investments and fund capital position.
"The tool is extremely data-centric and allows us to support reporting and business strategy development. It collects a variety of information about fund investments that can be compiled, filtered, and viewed in different ways, depending on client needs," said Kate Agu.
For clients, these capabilities support close monitoring of performance and can also enhance their own investor reporting with data-rich outputs.
"By offering a full set of services, we can serve clients from the bottom to the top, meaning the underlying SPVs and the funds above those."
Kate Agu, Head of Fund Services, Centralis Group
The secret to Centralis's success
Beyond services and infrastructure, a key contributor to Centralis's steady growth is its people. Many have been with the business for years, and low turnover is a point of pride. The company prioritises engagement, career opportunities, and involvement in process development.
"We really listen to our employees, provide career opportunities, involve them in process developments, and allow participation across services from start to finish. This way everyone can develop, learn, and enjoy their work," said Kate Agu.
What else Centralis brings
Another defining feature is continuity of client relationship through a single point of contact, often someone with long tenure who supports the client throughout their journey. This helps relationships remain straightforward and trust-based.
The team also supports matters beyond strict fund administration, guiding clients toward trusted legal and banking service providers where needed, particularly for clients less familiar with Luxembourg and broader European requirements.
"Many of our clients are well-established and experienced, but we also support first-time fund launchers. Our message is simple: it may feel overwhelming, but we are here to support you throughout so you can focus on what matters most - investments, fundraising, and relationships with your investors," said Sebastien Francois, Group Head of Corporate Services.