9 Lessons for Tackling Platform Mergers and Complex Data Programmes

Judith Kirkwood-Law, Practice Lead
Steve Richardson, Senior Consultant

Platform mergers and large-scale data programmes can feel like a minefield. The stakes are high, the timelines tight, and the challenges keep coming—from managing people through uncertainty to untangling the complexities of data. But the good news? Success is achievable with the right focus, mindset, and preparation.

With years of experience leading mergers and transformational programmes, Judith Kirkwood-Law and Steve Richardson have been in the trenches, facing these challenges head-on. They’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and what can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches.

Here are nine lessons we’ve seen make the difference.

1. People Dictate Success (and Failure)

The reality is, people drive projects—sometimes right off the rails. Resistance to change and fear of uncertainty can grind progress to a halt. We’ve seen this in projects where teams are clinging to the familiar, creating unintentional bottlenecks.

What works:

• Transparency, even when the news isn’t great. People respect honesty over sugar-coating.
• Focus on short-term wins to keep teams motivated. A small victory can have a big morale boost.

2. Structures Will Change—Get Comfortable with It

In the early stages of a merger, structures are like shifting sands. You might have formal org charts one day and a completely different set of informal alliances the next. One client said it best: “It’s like trying to build a house while moving the foundations.”

What works:

• Accept impermanence and adapt quickly.
• Communicate early and often. The more clarity you can give—even if it’s temporary—the less confusion there’ll be.

3. Set Principles to Guide You

Without clear objectives and guiding principles, decision-making becomes chaos. We’ve seen teams stall for weeks, stuck between conflicting opinions on how to move forward.

What works:

• Agree on design principles and strategy from day one.
• Empower decision-makers to break the deadlock when opinions clash.

4. Decision-Making: Balance Speed with Precision

Analysis paralysis is real. We’ve seen programmes grind to a halt because no one wanted to make the wrong call. On the flip side, rushed decisions without proper analysis lead to costly mistakes.

What works:

• Strike a balance: take the time to get key decisions right, but don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.
• Keep decisions traceable—accessible documentation helps when you need to justify or revisit choices.

5. Culture is the Glue

Burnout, change fatigue, and disengagement are the enemies of success. Mergers aren’t glamorous; the outcomes might be exciting, but the day-to-day grind can wear people down.

What works:

• Celebrate small wins along the way.
• Keep the bigger picture alive—remind teams why this work matters.

6. Details and Dependencies: The Hidden Danger

Missed details or overlooked dependencies can snowball into project-stopping issues. One memorable moment: a “spiderweb of dependencies” discovered halfway through a project that required a complete rework.

What works:

• Catalogue and document everything from the start.
• Build in contingencies for those infamous “unknown unknowns.”

7. Data: Get it Right from the Start

Data issues are the Achilles’ heel of most mergers. Differing definitions, duplicate records, and a lack of trust can derail even the best-laid plans.

What works:

• Invest in clean data upfront—it’s worth the time and cost.
• Take the time to explain data decisions to stakeholders. Clear communication builds trust and prevents future headaches.

8. Scope: Keep it Tight but Realistic

Scope creep isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a project killer. The pressure to deliver everything at once while juggling other ongoing changes can overwhelm even the best teams.

What works:

• Have a strict change control process and track outcomes religiously.
• Push back when external pressures threaten to derail core objectives.

9. Transitioning to BAU

When the dust settles, many teams are left wondering, “What now?” Transitioning to business as usual (BAU) can feel like anticlimactic after the intensity of a merger.

What works:

• Plan the endgame from the beginning.
• Keep teams informed about what’s next to ease the worry factor.

Bringing It All Together

Platform mergers and data programmes are challenging, but they don’t have to be a nightmare. With the right strategies in place, you can navigate the complexities and come out stronger on the other side.

If you’re considering or already in the middle of a platform merger or data programme, the right team can make all the difference. At Liqueo, we bring over 15 years of experience in asset and wealth management, guiding clients through the most complex transformations. Our senior consultants have been in the trenches—they know how to map every step, align the project to your business goals, and ensure it’s delivered on time, on budget, and with zero guesswork.

We understand that success isn’t just about delivering the tech; it’s about solving real business challenges. That’s why every project we deliver is tailored to your needs, focused on driving results that matter to your organisation.

Whether you’re navigating dependencies, tackling data challenges, or planning the transition to BAU, we’ve done it all—and we’re here to help. Let’s start a conversation about how we can support your next big programme.