ASIA 2007 - NEPAL & MONGOLIA

Much of 2007 was spent in Nepal and Mongolia on Capital Markets projects.

In Nepal the project was the automation of the Nepal Stock Exchange and the Nepal Company Registration Office. Both required managing the process from the design of RFPs to the final implementation. The RFPs were written, issued, vendors selected, contracts negotiated, systems developed and in August 2007 both systems went "live".

Nepal is a fascinating place and operating in the midst of political turmoil, strikes, and power/petrol/water shortages made it quite an adventure. In the process we worked closely with the Securities Board of Nepal (thier Securities and Exchange Commission).

The Mongolian Financial Regulatory Commission is barely a year old and charged with regulating all financial entities except banks. The task here is to write a comprehensive Information Technology Blueprint and define the requirements for an internal datbase all while FRC is organizing itself and trying to train a young and diverse staff. The top management is fully supporting the effort and moving quickly to utilize the ideas and resources we bring.

Walking to work in December and January when it was typically -25° F was a real experience. It makes you appreciate the "hardiness" and tenacity of the Mongolians.