Meeting Diverse Client Needs in High Net Worth Growth Markets Requires Flexible Service Models and Technology Strategies

Business Wire, June 24, 2008

4) A Rightly Sized and Executed IT Strategy Can Reduce Risks of Entering a New Growth Market

IT strategy and deployment must meet operational objectives and deliver service excellence in new markets. Pinpointing the extent to which existing capabilities must evolve, or which capabilities are needed to support the service delivery model for the target market, enables firms to determine the best go-to-market option. Wealth managers can also adopt a service oriented architecture (SOA) approach, a business-driven paradigm that injects operational flexibility through a framework of business activities, services, policies, practices and software.

Spotlight Conclusions

As global economic and demographic trends continue to open new markets and create opportunities to gain new clients, wealth management firms must adapt their service models and technology strategies in ways that will clearly differentiate themselves in the minds of HNWIs and Ultra-HNWIs. Ultimately, the most successful firms will be those that aggressively pursue a growth strategy that rationally addresses their target-client needs, firm identity, service delivery model, operations and technology, the external environment and their products and services.

Gain even greater insight into the complexity and competitiveness of the global wealth management market with the recently released book "WEALTH: How the World's High-Net-Worth Grow, Sustain, and Manage Their Fortunes" by Merrill Lynch and Capgemini at www.wealththebook.com.

About Merrill Lynch

Merrill Lynch is one of the world's leading wealth management, capital markets and advisory companies, with offices in 40 countries and territories and total client assets of approximately $1.6 trillion. As an investment bank, it is a leading global trader and underwriter of securities and derivatives across a broad range of asset classes and serves as a strategic advisor to corporations, governments, institutions and individuals worldwide.

Merrill Lynch owns approximately half of BlackRock, one of the world's largest publicly traded investment management companies, with more than $1 trillion in assets under management. For more information on Merrill Lynch, please visit www.ml.com.

About Capgemini

Capgemini, one of the world's foremost providers of consulting, technology and outsourcing services, enables its clients to transform and perform through technologies. Capgemini provides its clients with insights and capabilities that boost their freedom to achieve superior results through a unique way of working - the Collaborative Business Experience - and through a global delivery model called Rightshore[R], which aims to offer the right resources in the right location at competitive cost. Present in 36 countries, Capgemini reported 2007 global revenues of EUR 8.7 billion (approximately US$12 billion) and employs over 83,000 people worldwide.

Capgemini provides deep industry experience, enhanced service offerings and next generation global delivery to serve the financial services industry. With a network of 15,000 professionals serving over 900 clients worldwide, we move businesses forward with leading services and best practices in Banking, Insurance, Capital Markets and Investments. For more information, please visit www.capgemini.com/financialservices.>