Key Report Highlights
Cloud adoption grows, but legacy systems hold firms back
Many firms are moving to the cloud and adopting managed services to modernize their operations. Yet legacy data systems remain a significant barrier, creating challenges around security, complex migrations, and the risk of operational disruption.
Replacing manual processes is key to data quality and control
Even with significant investments in cloud and data platforms, 45% of firms still rely on spreadsheets and manual workflows. This reliance creates ongoing challenges with data consistency, regulatory compliance, and governance—putting firms at risk of errors and inefficiencies that undermine their operational resilience.
As AI adoption rises, firms redefine realistic outcomes
Firms increasingly view AI as a tool to improve risk management and efficiency, particularly in areas such as fraud detection and trading. Yet 58% report higher-than-expected implementation costs, prompting a sharper focus on explainability, model retraining, and aligning AI initiatives with clear business goals.
Regulatory and customer demands push data strategies towards product-centric models
Firms are shifting from ad-hoc data projects to a product-led approach, emphasizing clear ownership and measurable business value. Success now means gaining real-time insights, improving system interoperability, and embedding AI and ESG considerations into everyday decision-making.
Interoperability and data usability drive competitive advantage
Complex integrations, siloed data, and restrictive access controls continue to block progress. To address these barriers, firms are building centralized data hubs and investing in self-service and collaborative tools that reduce friction, increase transparency, and enable shared data accountability across the organization.
of respondents would consider outsourcing their data modernization projects...
"We shouldn’t be fooled into thinking that modern architecture projects are easy and fit all the bills. Undertaking of a modern data architecture projects require significant and detailed amount of planning prior to the execution. Considering that most of the legacy systems are often built on outdated technologies and architectures, modernizing them could be a challenge and you could start experiencing these challenges off the cuff."
Julian Trostinsky, Global Director of Solutions Engineering, Gresham
