Business Contingency Planning and Disaster Recovery at Cross Creek Financial and Interactive Brokers
For clients of Cross Creek Financial
The following is a general description of plans in place at Cross Creek Financial to maintain business continuity in the event that operations are disrupted for any reason. Because Interactive Brokers LLC provides trade execution and processing services for Cross Creek Financial, we also present Interactive Brokers general description of its contingency plans.
Contingency planning at Cross Creek Financial
Cross Creek Financials goal is to help our valued clients build and preserve wealth. So it's critical that we plan carefully and methodically to ensure a quick and smooth recovery in the event of a disaster or emergency.
From President, Corey Franco to each Cross Creek Financial associate, Cross Creek Financial has a companywide commitment -- including the investment of significant resources -- to ensure that your assets are safe and that our service to you continues without interruption.
Our approach to contingency planning is simple. We think of our business as a chain in which each link is a component of our operation -- people, facilities, business processes, infrastructure, and information. Each link is equally important and must be accounted for and tested as part of an overall business-continuity program. To accomplish this, we have established a Contingency Council to oversee key initiatives, dedicated to coordinating the planning, development, testing, and execution of contingency plans. Cross Creek Financials business contingency planning provides for the recovery and restoration of all critical operations. Our process consists of three major components: detailed, written business contingency plans; data security and recovery; and business contingency tests.
- Business contingency plans. Cross Creek Financial designs specific, formal plans to respond to a range of incidents -- from worst-case scenarios, such as loss of a data center, buildings, or staff, to occurrences such as power outages or excessive phone volumes. These plans are regularly tested and updated to accommodate changes in contingency requirements.
- Data security and recovery. Data security is, of course, a top priority. To mitigate computer virus attacks and other acts of cyber terrorism, we have implemented controls monitored by a dedicated team of information security specialists and network specialist. We also maintain a network of redundant systems, and off-site data storage.
- Business contingency tests. All contingency plans undergo rigorous testing, ranging from comprehensive evaluations of a variety of emergency scenarios to full-scale drills in which we close a building and conduct business from a remote location. We conduct integrated tests with Interactive Brokers to validate our ability to work together during an emergency. In addition, our Information Technology division frequently performs disaster recovery tests to gauge how quickly we can regain our systems in the event of an emergency.
Maintaining business as usual
In addition to regular planning and testing, Cross Creek Financial uses several routine business strategies to ensure flexibility and resiliency in our operations. To reduce the potential impact of recovery from regional events such as major power outages and winter storms, we maintain geographic diversity. Moreover, resources (such as power) for significant buildings are backed up with redundant and/or emergency power supply capability. And, should events warrant, Cross Creek Financials Contingency Council and Public Relations Group are prepared to meet to determine what type of communication is necessary and to create appropriate messages.
Contingency planning at Interactive Brokers LLC
Interactive Brokers business continuity plans include the availability of redundant data centers and alternate processing facilities to address interruptions to the normal course of business. These plans are reviewed annually and updated as necessary. Interactive Brokers plans outline the actions it will take in the event of a building, citywide, or regional incident that disrupts its normal processes. These actions can include relocating technology and operations personnel to pre-assigned alternate regional or country facilities and switching technology data processing to an alternate regional data center. All of Interactive Brokers operational facilities are equipped for resumption of business and are tested several times per year. The recovery-time objective for resuming business is four hours, even in situations involving a relocation of personnel or technical equipment. Interactive Brokers ability to meet this recovery objective may be impaired by the unavailability of external resources or by other circumstances beyond its control.
Steps you can take if Cross Creek Financial is interrupted
In the event that Cross Creek Financial experiences a significant business interruption, you may contact Interactive Brokers directly to request processing of limited transactions, cash disbursements, and security transfers. Instructions to Interactive Brokers must be stated in writing and transmitted as follows:
- Send mail to: Interactive Brokers LLC, P.O. 209 South LaSalle Street, 10th Floor, and Chicago, IL 60604
- Send faxes or calls to: 312-984-1017
- Call (312)-542-6900 or (973)-632-4577 for direct account representatives or recorded instructions.
- Visit the Business Continuity and Other Disclosures link at the bottom of the home page on the Interactive Brokers website at www.interactivebrokers.com if you have questions about Cross Creek Financial or Interactive Brokers contingency plans.
The preceding descriptions are general overviews of Cross Creek Financial and Interactive Brokers plans. If you require more specific information, a Cross Creek Financial associate will be happy to help you. Call Cross Creek Financial at 609-298-0688 on business days between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., eastern.