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The Growing Role of AI in Investment Management

In a transformative shift towards technological innovation within the finance sector, recent findings reveal that over 70% of investment managers are now actively using artificial intelligence (AI) to bolster their management strategies. This surge is largely documented in the 2026 InvestOps Report commissioned by SimCorp, a leading player in financial technology.

The Shift in Adoption Rates

The study, which surveyed 200 executives from various asset management firms, pension funds, and insurance companies globally, indicates a marked increase from the previous year, where only around 10% of respondents were actively exploring AI tools. It suggests that while many executives acknowledged AI's potential, they awaited further guidance on effective integration.

Peter Sanderson, CEO of SimCorp, emphasizes this evolution, stating, "The adoption of AI has dramatically shifted from pilot testing to critical business applications in customer service." This evolution signifies that AI’s contributions can significantly enhance decision-making processes and operational efficiency, especially when backed by a unified and centrally managed data layer.

Key Findings from the Study

The report highlights several trends within the investment management landscape:

• - Innovation Drives Investment: For the first time in three years, the drive for competitive differentiation through innovation has outpaced traditional focuses on operational efficiency and cost control. Approximately 55% of executives prioritized innovation as their leading technical investment driver for 2026.
• - Vendor Stability Essential: Selecting third-party AI solutions, the top criterion is vendor stability (57%), reflecting a need for reliable partners in data governance and cybersecurity as proprietary data gets integrated into AI models.
• - Technological Initiatives: Consolidation of vendors and technological platforms (58%) and modernization of technological architecture and data infrastructure (54%) emerged as critical initiatives essential for scaling AI, automating investment workflows, and simplifying tech stacks.

Future Opportunities

The executives surveyed ranked AI, generative AI, and advanced analytics (72%) as the domains presenting the most significant opportunities for technological innovation. Notably, the belief that private markets and alternative investments are primed for technological innovation has jumped significantly — from 27% in 2025 to 51% in 2026.

As allocations to private markets continue to rise, firms investing in cutting-edge technologies can achieve better operational leverage and efficiency, allowing them to focus on smart investment opportunities rather than manual reconciliations.

SimCorp’s Commitment to Investment Innovation

In response to these growing market demands, SimCorp introduced SimCorp Alternatives, a comprehensive offering designed for alternative investment firms. This service builds on an existing alternative range that is trusted by several major asset owners globally.

The findings of the InvestOps 2026 report paint an optimistic outlook for AI's role in investment management, encouraging firms to not only adopt these technologies but also harness their potential for improved operational outcomes. As the industry evolves, embracing AI will likely facilitate better decision-making processes, ultimately driving enhanced returns on investments.

For those interested in a deeper dive, the full InvestOps 2026 report can be accessed here. SimCorp continues to lead discussions via its innovative solutions in shaping the future of investment management.

Conclusion

As investment managers increasingly turn to AI, it is clear that the landscape of financial management is adapting to meet new technological challenges. The integration of AI not only addresses current operational inefficiencies but also prepares firms for competitive advantage in a rapidly changing environment.