Overview
In the GCD workflow, the global custodian (GC) becomes the owner and maintainer of the SI data. This requires the GC to be set up up with an ALERT acronym which the buy-side client links their account to. SSIs will then be returned for all markets that the custodian has open and available in ALERT and will be attached to the buy-sides' ALERT accounts. Any future updates to the SSIs will flow directly to the buy-sides linked accounts.
Adopting GCD
The pdf ALERT Global Custodian Direct Adoption Playbook (1.09 MB) shares information and best practices around processes to build to the GC Direct workflow and helps custodians prepare for and successfully execute on the migration of the client community to this new workflow.
It has been organized into a client journey map that includes the below five phases - for each phase the context is set with overarching goals to be met and key activities to be performed, along with links to relevant resources to help execute against this plan.
The below documents provide global custodians who are looking to implement GCD with detailed information on creating and receiving global custodian messages that flow between their system and the ALERT platform.
Resources include, but are not limited to:
| Resource | Tasks |
| Business/System Analysts | Map market-specific settlement instructions to/from ISO SSI standard message formats |
| Database Architects | Ensure the use of an efficient database structure |
| Developers | Build maps to/from the database to an xml schema and ensure a secure and controlled systemic process |
| MQ Administrators | Configure MQ connectivity |
ALERT GCD Technical
| # | Name | Description | Added On |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
 ALERT GC Direct 1.0 Interface: XSD File | XSD file for the ALERT GC Direct 1.0 interface. | Oct 02, 2017 |
| 2 |
 ALERT Global Custodian 1.0 Direct XML Message Specification | Contains the messages, data dictionary, and error codes for the ALERT Direct Global Custodian 1.0 client interface. | Jul 18, 2019 |
GCD users also have the option to access the ALERT web user interface which provides the following functionality:
- View account and SI information
- Access and download self-service reports of SSI and account information
- Use SI Scan to check that SI information conforms with market rules and validations
- Upload new SSIs
Further information about the Web Interface can be found in the pdf ALERT Global Custodian Direct Web Interface User's Guide (1.53 MB) or in the video below: