Asset Managers Cited Technology as Primary Concern
Global survey results show executives are struggling with cybersecurity risks and complex infrastructure systems.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Investing
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A recent survey of 250 senior executives at global asset management firms revealed that technology and cybersecurity are the top concerns for the year ahead. Executives cited fragmented systems and reliance on manual reconciliations as key drivers of their operational unease.
Why it matters
Rising volatility across market, credit, and liquidity sectors has pushed firms toward more complex risk management strategies. Addressing these systemic gaps is essential for asset managers aiming to stabilize operations amid an evolving global risk landscape.
Approximately 80 percent of respondents reported higher market risk over the last year, while 77 percent noted increased credit and ESG-related risks. Additionally, 75 percent of the executives expressed significant concern regarding potential failures in people and internal processes.
The players
Clearwater Analytics
This company provides automated accounting and reporting software for institutional asset managers.
Pureprofile
This is a global data and insights organization that conducts research and consumer intelligence polling.
The details
Asset managers are currently responding to these multifaceted risks by expanding their hedging activities and increasing allocations to alternative assets. Many firms are struggling with operational reliance on delayed reporting processes and fragmented legacy technology systems.
Timeline
The research was conducted by Pureprofile throughout April and May 2026.
A related COO Roundtable was held on October 8, 2026, in Copenhagen.
Market Dynamics
The 2026 global asset management risk survey highlights how investment firms are shifting capital toward alternative assets to hedge against rising credit and liquidity pressures. This move mirrors a broader institutional trend of seeking alpha through niche markets while simultaneously grappling with the technical debt of legacy reporting systems.
Retail investors may see asset management firms prioritize defensive positions and higher fees to cover rising cybersecurity infrastructure costs. Understanding these operational priorities can help individual stakeholders better assess the stability and risk management maturity of their own investment providers.
The takeaway
Firms are increasingly forced to balance the pursuit of new markets with the urgent need to overhaul outdated internal systems. Investors should prioritize transparency regarding how firms manage these technical risks when evaluating long-term portfolio stability.
Further reading
Explore more analysis regarding capital allocation strategies within the Investing section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by HedgeNordic.
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