Introduction & Methodology
Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from a theoretical concept to a practical operational tool across the buy-side.
From automating document workflows to supporting investment research and enhancing technology development, firms are increasingly exploring how AI can improve efficiency, scalability and decision-making.
To better understand how the industry is approaching this transformation, we surveyed senior members of the InvestOps community to examine the current state of AI adoption in investment operations, the objectives driving implementation and how organizations are measuring the return on their AI investments.
The findings reveal an industry with strong strategic conviction around AI, but one that is still early in its journey towards large-scale deployment. While most firms recognise AI as a strategic priority, adoption is largely taking place through pilots and experimentation, with organisations focusing primarily on improving operational efficiency.
This report highlights the key findings from the research and explores how investment operations leaders are navigating the opportunities and challenges associated with AI adoption.
The Leaders Who Shaped the Report
Organization Type
Asset manager
Insurance
Wealth/Private Bank
Bank
Data/Tech Vendor
Consultant/Advisor
Primary Function
Operations
Technology/Data/AI
Front Office/Investments
Risk/Compliance
Finance
Research/Analytics
The Leaders Who Shaped the Report
Organization Type
Asset manager
Insurance
Wealth/Private Bank
Bank
Data/Tech Vendor
Consultant/Advisor
Primary Function
Operations
Technology/Data/AI
Front Office/Investments
Risk/Compliance
Finance
Research/Analytics
This research is based on a survey of 45 senior professionals from the InvestOps community.
The survey was developed in partnership with Justin Palmer, Senior Managing Director and Head of Business Transformation at Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo). His input helped shape the research questions and ensure the survey reflected the real operational and strategic challenges investment firms face when implementing AI.
The majority of respondents (84%) work at asset management firms, with additional participation from insurance firms, private banks, banks, technology vendors and consultants.
Respondents primarily hold senior roles, including executives, directors and heads of function, with 58% identifying as senior leaders and 24% as executives.
The majority work within investment operations, alongside representation from technology, front office, risk, finance and research functions.
Organisations represented operate globally. While 76% of respondents operate in the United States, firms with operations in Canada, the UK & Ireland, APAC, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa were also represented in the research.
