
Frank Lobe
Verified Expert in Engineering
Application Developer
Toronto, ON, Canada
Toptal member since June 27, 2023
Frank is a highly skilled database application developer with 17+ years of expertise in Progress 4GL/OpenEdge ABL. His proficiency extends to analysis and design. With a background in commerce and applied information technology, Frank excels in constructing expansive financial systems for the brokerage, mutual funds, and banking sectors. He has successfully worked on projects with budgets of up to $250 million, serving thousands of users and driving significant profits.
Portfolio
Experience
- Financial Services - 20 years
- Unix - 20 years
- Data Modeling - 20 years
- App Development - 20 years
- OpenEdge - 17 years
- Progress 4GL - 17 years
- OpenEdge ABL - 17 years
Availability
Preferred Environment
OpenEdge, Jupyter Notebook
The most amazing...
...project I've created is a new enhanced non-delegated correspondent lending channel that sits between wholesale and traditional non-delegated lending.
Work Experience
Senior Application Developer
Rocket Pro TPO
- Developed the enhanced non-delegated correspondent lending channel, a groundbreaking product bridging the gap between wholesale lending and traditional non-delegated correspondent lending.
- Led the comprehensive analysis to identify existing functionalities for leverage and areas requiring new or modified features.
- Created a high-level architectural design for the project, providing a solid foundation for development.
- Successfully modified the legacy Progress 4GL/OpenEdge ABL system, AMP, to accommodate various mortgage and application package types while complying with state-specific legislation.
- Achieved seamless integration with middleware and the web front end using REST APIs.
- Managed the entire project, involved in every aspect and stage from ideation to completion.
- Successfully launched the product in all 50 states, contributing significantly to Rocket Mortgage's financial performance.
Senior Application Developer
Constellation Portfolio+
- Engaged in system analysis and design of a Progress OpenEdge 4GL-based open banking application.
- Converted business requirements related to loans, mortgages, term deposits, investments, and retail banking to technical specifications.
- Created and modified REST APIs following business requirements and technical specifications.
Senior Application Developer
International Financial Data Services
- Developed a pioneering solution to reduce foreign exchange spreads on transactions, potentially saving millions of dollars by optimizing the timing of money movement.
- Successfully integrated IFDS's legacy Progress OpenEdge ABL-based system, iFast, with Bank of America's Instinct system, enabling currency exchange at a transaction level based on market rates.
- Created ECHO, a groundbreaking product that consolidated seven data feeds into a unified stream of information, providing traders with valuable insights into their next day's cash position.
- Led the development of seven cutting-edge APIs for Sun Life, enhancing the capabilities of the existing web front end within the iFast system.
- Ensured seamless integration of the APIs, significantly improving functionality, efficiency, and user experience for Sun Life's clients and stakeholders.
- Successfully launched ECHO to hundreds of State Street clients, empowering them with enhanced visibility and predictive capabilities for cash management.
- Contributed to the growth and success of IFDS, State Street, and Sun Life's technology ecosystems through innovative solutions and effective project management.
Senior Application Developer
B2B Bank
- Handle the Progress 4GL OpenEdge-based back-office brokerage system (CPS) that B2B Bank had purchased from the multiple retirement services (MRS) division of Mackenzie Investments while navigating complex legacy systems.
- Implemented Fundserv ESG 24 and 25 and was extensively involved with the transaction reconciliation file functionality.
- Effectively utilized my technical skills and deep understanding of CPS to incorporate Fundserv functionalities seamlessly.
- Integrated CANNEX for GIC products and created two archive solutions for historical information related to B2B Bank's integration of SIT and AGF.
Senior Consultant
Accenture
- Led a transformative project for the Bank of Montreal, successfully integrating Norkom's advanced anti-money laundering solution into their existing systems.
- Oversaw the solution's seamless integration across personal and commercial banking, capital markets, and Mastercard transaction flows.
- Implemented advanced algorithms to scan transactions for suspicious patterns and behaviors associated with money laundering activities, specifically targeting international terrorists and criminal organizations.
- Facilitated the prompt forwarding of identified profiles to international law enforcement and intelligence agencies for further investigation.
- Managed the vendor relationship with Norkom, ensuring effective collaboration and successful solution implementation.
- Successfully managed and coordinated nine distinct development, quality assurance, and user acceptance testing environments.
- Led the implementation of upgrades across multiple data centers located throughout Canada, ensuring efficient and up-to-date operations.
Senior Application Developer
Constellation Financing Systems
- Provided system analysis, design, and development of a Progress OpenEdge 4GL-based finance lease and loan application.
- Developed functionality related to application credit scoring.
- Created features associated with contract disposal.
Senior Application Developer
Mackenzie Investments
- Led the development of an advanced defined contribution pension system on the CPS platform, powered by Progress 4GL/OpenEdge ABL.
- Developed a reconciliation report within CPS that facilitated the efficient reconciliation of general ledger accounts.
- Undertook a comprehensive rewrite of CPS's pre-authorized credit maintenance screens, enhancing the user experience and optimizing the system's structure.
- Replaced the manual process by introducing an automated cheque reconciliation system within CPS, improving efficiency and accuracy.
- Built functionality within CPS to capitalize on trading gains from trade reversals or corrections. By integrating this functionality, the system identified opportunities for increased profitability from favorable trade outcomes.
- Designed and developed the dealer wholesale pricing platform, a new billing platform that allowed billing dealers directly instead of clients.
- Orchestrated the successful transfer of assets from National Bank to MacKenzie Financial on behalf of Investor's Group, involving a substantial value of approximately $4.8 billion in cash and assets.
Senior Application Developer
Dynamic Funds
- Spearheaded Fundserv ESG help files implementation projects leading versions 11 through 14. All of these projects were implemented successfully and on time, including several areas of functionality that had failed in prior releases.
- Played a key role in multiple Fundserv implementations, leading four projects. Successfully managed a team of developers and ensured smooth execution while navigating complex legacy systems.
- Focused on important Fundserv files, such as order, settlement instruction, and transaction reconciliation files, demonstrating meticulous attention and expertise in these critical components, which formed the foundation of the Fundserv integration.
- Effectively utilized my technical skills and deep understanding of Corfax. This enabled me to seamlessly incorporate Fundserv functionalities, resulting in efficient order processing, accurate settlement instructions, and transaction reconciliation.
- Owned the downloading inventory records for back-end load transactions during the conversion to IFDS's system.
- Contributed to system analysis, design, and development concerning resolving various defects.
Intermediate Application Developer
Mackenzie Investments
- Led the development of a cutting-edge dealer agreement tracking system, leveraging the power of the Progress 4GL/OpenEdge ABL system, CPS.
- Spearheaded a comprehensive revamp of the CCRA registered account reporting system, leveraging CPS as the platform.
- Undertook a complete overhaul of the IRS compliance reporting system, transforming it from the ground up using CPS.
- Embarked on the ambitious task of rewriting CPS's market value reporting system.
- Developed innovative solutions to transform reporting and tracking processes with CPS and Progress 4GL/OpenEdge ABL.
Intermediate Application Developer
International Financial Data Services
- Developed a groundbreaking solution in collaboration with IFDS, leveraging the robust iFast system to ensure account holders' portfolios align with specific asset allocation strategies.
- Implemented IPM on the Progress 4GL/OpenEdge ABL platform, enabling investors to subscribe to models and generate adjusting transactions to maintain the desired asset allocation.
- Successfully spearheaded the project as a project lead, overseeing its execution from start to finish, ensuring its successful completion.
- Introduced the Canadian Fundserv model to the European market, defining file data standards and implementing them within the iFast system.
- Streamlined data transfer and automated critical functions like account reconciliation, order placement, transaction settlement, and accountholder information changes.
- Fostered enhanced collaboration and information exchange between financial institutions, optimizing operational efficiency.
- Developed processes to convert all currency-dependent data elements of accountholders from sovereign currencies to euros.
- Implemented new user interface elements and robust business logical processes in the iFast system.
- Ensured comprehensive coverage and accuracy in the currency conversion process, maintaining data integrity throughout the system-wide infrastructure.
Experience
Enhanced Non-delegated Correspondent Lending Channel
https://www.rocketprotpo.com/partner-with-us-assisted-corr/The project commenced with a comprehensive analysis to identify existing functionalities that could be leveraged and areas that required new or modified features. A high-level architectural design was then formulated. The development phase encompassed changing the legacy Progress 4GL/OpenEdge ABL system, known as AMP, to accommodate all mortgage and application package types and adhere to state-specific legislation. Seamless integration with middleware and the web front end was successfully achieved using REST APIs.
Through meticulous effort, we successfully transformed this idea into a fully launched product across all 50 states. The impact of this innovative offering on Rocket Mortgage's financial performance has been substantial. I was intimately involved in every aspect and stage of this project, ensuring its success from inception to completion.
Bank of America Merrill Lynch Foreign Exchange
This functionality was developed for IFDS, specifically for their legacy Progress OpenEdge ABL-based system, iFast. Transactions requiring foreign exchange were exported to an output file and subsequently imported into Bank of America's Instinct system. This approach enabled currency exchange at a transaction level, eliminating the reliance on a fixed exchange rate with a higher spread. The resulting exchange rates were seamlessly imported back into iFast, completing the process.
Through this innovative solution, we aimed to optimize the efficiency of foreign exchange transactions and unlock significant cost savings for IFDS. By integrating iFast with Bank of America's Instinct system, we ensured precise currency exchange rates based on transaction-specific market rates, eliminating the need for less favorable fixed rates.
ECHO Cash Prediction
Working on behalf of IFDS, we undertook this project for State Street, leveraging a legacy Progress OpenEdge ABL system. By harnessing the power of this system, we successfully developed ECHO, a robust solution that met and exceeded the project's requirements.
ECHO was launched to hundreds of State Street's esteemed clients following a meticulous development process. Its successful implementation has empowered traders with enhanced visibility and predictive capabilities regarding their cash position, enabling them to make informed decisions confidently.
The completion of this product stands as a testament to our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that drive value for our clients. We are proud to have played a pivotal role in the development and launch of ECHO, which has garnered positive feedback and adoption from State Street's extensive client base.
Sun Life APIs
The development process entailed meticulous planning and execution to ensure seamless integration of the new APIs with the iFast system. Leveraging my expertise and deep understanding of the legacy infrastructure, I successfully designed and implemented these APIs, unlocking a host of advanced functionalities.
The impact of these APIs on the web front end was truly remarkable. They brought about a significant enhancement, empowering users with broader capabilities, increased efficiency, and improved user experience. Sun Life's clients and stakeholders have leveraged these enriched features to make more informed decisions and streamline operations.
The successful development and deployment of these seven APIs represent a noteworthy accomplishment. I am proud to have played a pivotal role in this project, contributing to the growth and success of Sun Life's technology ecosystem.
Fundserv Help File Implementation
My involvement spanned all existing Fundserv files, focusing on the order, settlement instruction, and transaction reconciliation files. These critical components required meticulous attention and expertise, as they formed the backbone of the Fundserv integration.
Operating within the confines of three legacy Progress 4GL/OpenEdge ABL systems, specifically at Dynamic, MacKenzie Financial, and B2B Bank, I effectively leveraged my technical prowess and in-depth understanding of the systems. This allowed for smoothly incorporating Fundserv functionalities, enabling efficient order processing, accurate settlement instructions, and seamless transaction reconciliation.
I take great pride in my contributions to these projects, navigating complex legacy systems and ensuring the successful adoption of Fundserv at Dynamic, MacKenzie Financial, and B2B Bank. My role as a lead developer has allowed me to make a meaningful impact, collaborating with a talented team to achieve exceptional results.
Norkom Anti-money Laundering Implementation
The Norkom anti-money laundering solution was pivotal in scrutinizing transactions for potential money laundering activities. Its advanced algorithms meticulously scanned for suspicious patterns and behaviors, explicitly targeting activities associated with international terrorist and criminal organizations. Upon detection, the identified profiles were promptly forwarded to various international law enforcement and intelligence agencies for further investigation.
As a senior technical specialist, I shouldered overseeing the vendor relationship with Norkom. I managed nine distinct development, quality assurance, and user acceptance testing environments. Furthermore, I spearheaded the implementation of upgrades across multiple data centers located throughout Canada.
Investor's Group Migration
On June 10, 2005, a momentous milestone was achieved as all assets belonging to Investor's Group were successfully transferred from National Bank to MRS. This transfer encompassed a substantial value of approximately 4.8 billion dollars in cash and assets. As the sole individual responsible for executing this complex movement, I meticulously orchestrated the seamless transfer of these positions.
This achievement highlights my unwavering commitment and expertise in handling complex financial operations. Through meticulous planning, diligent execution, and careful attention to detail, I ensured the smooth transition of assets from National Bank to MRS on behalf of Investor's Group. This accomplishment underscores my ability to navigate high-value transactions with precision and confidence.
Investment Portfolio Modelling
Investors had the opportunity to subscribe to a particular model that aligned with their investment objectives. If their portfolio deviated from the desired asset allocation by a predetermined percentage, IPM generated adjusting transactions to realign the portfolio with the target allocation.
This project was particularly significant, marking my first experience as a project lead. Taking on this role, I embraced overseeing the project's successful execution from inception to completion.
Through meticulous planning, effective collaboration with stakeholders, and comprehensive management of the development process, IPM was brought to life.
Broker Interface System
The key focus of this endeavor was to facilitate seamless data transfer between financial institutions, automating essential functions such as account reconciliation, order placement, transaction settlement, and accountholder information changes. By establishing standardized file data definitions, we ensured compatibility and interoperability across various participants in the financial ecosystem.
We successfully manifested these data standards within the iFast system through meticulous planning and collaboration. This integration streamlined and automated critical processes, reducing manual effort, minimizing errors, and optimizing operational efficiency for all stakeholders involved.
Implementing the broker interface system fostered enhanced collaboration and information exchange between financial institutions.
Introduction of the Euro Currency
To accomplish this goal, I meticulously analyzed and mapped all currency-dependent data elements, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the system. By integrating new user interface elements, we provided a seamless and intuitive experience for users to interact with the converted euro currency. Simultaneously, I developed and implemented logical business processes to handle currency conversion efficiently and accurately.
The conversion from sovereign currencies to euro presented a unique challenge, requiring a deep understanding of currency exchange rates and intricate financial calculations. With expertise in technical and financial domains, I navigated this complexity, ensuring precision in the conversion process and maintaining data integrity.
Transaction Cancellation and Correction
The primary objective was to capitalize on opportunities when trade reversals or corrections led to financial gains. By implementing this functionality, we created a streamlined process within CPS to identify and capture these gains, maximizing the overall trading performance.
Through meticulous design and development, we integrated the necessary mechanisms within CPS to detect trade reversals or corrections that resulted in favorable outcomes. This involved comprehensive data analysis, algorithmic calculations, and effective risk management strategies to seize these trading gains.
The successful implementation of this functionality within CPS unlocked the potential for increased profitability and improved trading outcomes. By capitalizing on trade reversals or corrections that generated gains, we enhanced the overall performance of the trading operations, maximizing returns for the organization.
Cheque Reconciliation
By replacing the manual reconciliation process, we significantly improved efficiency and accuracy. The new system seamlessly extracted and parsed the data file, seamlessly comparing the existing cheque records. This automated approach reduced the risk of human errors and expedited the reconciliation process, saving valuable time and resources for the organization.
We ensured that the data file reader integrated seamlessly with the CPS system through meticulous design and development, leveraging its capabilities to perform comprehensive and accurate cheque reconciliations. The enhanced system allowed for swift identification of discrepancies and discrepancies between the received data and existing cheque records, enabling prompt resolution and maintaining accurate financial records.
Pre-authorized Credit Maintenance
To achieve these objectives, I leveraged Progress's advanced user interface components and adopted a more modern and efficient object-oriented, event-driven architecture. Through meticulous planning and development, I transformed the existing screens into a sleek, intuitive interface that maximized user usability and productivity.
By utilizing Progress's user interface components, I introduced a visually appealing and interactive design, improving the overall aesthetic and usability of the pre-authorized credit maintenance screens. This modernization significantly enhanced the user experience, empowering users to navigate and interact with the system more effectively.
In addition to the visual improvements, adopting an object-oriented, event-driven structure brought numerous benefits. This approach improved code organization, modularity, and easier system maintenance.
General Ledger Reconciliation
I designed the report with meticulous attention to detail to provide users with clear and concise information regarding their general ledger accounts. By leveraging the capabilities of Progress 4GL/OpenEdge ABL, I created a robust and intuitive report that presented relevant data in a user-friendly format.
The reconciliation report empowered users to compare and verify the transactions recorded in their general ledger accounts. The report facilitated a streamlined reconciliation process by presenting essential information such as account balances, transaction details, and related data. Users could quickly identify discrepancies or inconsistencies, enabling them to take prompt corrective action.
By utilizing the capabilities of the CPS system, I ensured seamless integration and efficient generation of the reconciliation report.
Market Value Reporting System
Through meticulous planning and development, I revamped the market value reporting system from the ground up, leveraging the advanced features and capabilities of Progress 4GL/OpenEdge ABL. This rewrite involved redesigning the underlying architecture, optimizing data processing algorithms, and implementing a more intuitive user interface.
By adopting modern coding practices and adhering to industry best practices, I ensured that the rewritten market value reporting system was more robust, scalable, and maintainable. The revamped architecture facilitated streamlined data retrieval, processing, and presentation, resulting in faster and more accurate reporting. Furthermore, I focused on enhancing the user experience by introducing a more intuitive and user-friendly interface.
IRS Compliance Reporting
During the rewriting process, I applied my database application development and analysis expertise to enhance the system's functionality and performance. The new system incorporated modern user interface components, leveraging the capabilities of Progress's user interface technologies. I also implemented an object-oriented, event-driven structure to improve the system's efficiency and maintainability.
By reimagining the IRS compliance reporting system, I ensured it adhered to the latest regulatory requirements and industry best practices. The rewritten system met the specific needs of IRS compliance and provided a seamless user experience for generating accurate and timely reports.
I successfully delivered a robust and efficient IRS compliance reporting system through meticulous planning, rigorous coding, and thorough testing.
CCRA-registered Account Reporting
Throughout the rewriting process, I harnessed my expertise in database application development and analysis to enhance the system's functionalities and optimize efficiency. By leveraging the power of Progress's advanced user interface components, I revamped the user interface to deliver a seamless and intuitive experience for generating CCRA-registered account reports.
Employing an object-oriented, event-driven structure, I meticulously designed and implemented the new system, ensuring its adherence to the latest CCRA regulations and industry standards. The rewritten system not only improved the accuracy and reliability of the reports but also significantly enhanced the overall performance and maintainability.
I successfully delivered a robust CCRA-registered account reporting system through meticulous planning, rigorous coding, and comprehensive testing.
Dealer Agreement Tracking
Through meticulous planning and meticulous attention to detail, I engineered a user-friendly interface that simplified the process of inputting, updating, and retrieving dealer agreement data. By harnessing the power of CPS, I ensured seamless integration and optimal performance of the tracking system.
This innovative solution provided organizations a centralized platform to monitor and manage their dealer agreements effectively. It enabled real-time tracking of key information, such as contract terms, compliance requirements, and performance metrics, fostering transparency and accountability in dealer relationships.
Furthermore, I implemented advanced reporting functionalities within the system, allowing users to generate insightful reports and analytics on dealer agreement performance. This empowered organizations to make data-driven decisions, optimize their dealer networks, and drive business growth.
Defined Contribution Pension System
With a deep understanding of pension regulations and industry best practices, I meticulously designed and implemented a comprehensive system that catered to defined contribution pension plans. The system incorporated robust features and functionalities to automate and streamline various aspects of pension management.
Through CPS, I developed an intuitive user interface that allowed administrators to effortlessly input and track pension contributions, monitor investment performance, and generate accurate reports. The system seamlessly integrated with external financial institutions and custodians, ensuring smooth data exchange and accurate reconciliation of pension transactions.
I also implemented sophisticated calculation engines within the system to handle complex pension calculations, such as employer matching contributions, vesting schedules, and investment returns. This ensured the accurate and timely processing of pension-related transactions and benefits.
Education
Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Information Technology
Information Technology Institute (ITI) - Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Bachelor's Degree in Commerce (Finance)
York University - Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Skills
Tools
OpenEdge
Languages
Progress 4GL, OpenEdge ABL
Platforms
Unix
Paradigms
App Development
Other
Systems Analysis, Software Design, Data Modeling, Financial Services
How to Work with Toptal
Toptal matches you directly with global industry experts from our network in hours—not weeks or months.
Share your needs
Choose your talent
Start your risk-free talent trial
Top talent is in high demand.
Start hiring