The ability to manage and generate insights from vast quantities of data becomes critical in an investment climate that is volatile and uncertain. Building on our previous research on data use and management, our industry survey of more than 900 asset managers, asset owners, insurers and wealth managers reveals why investing in advanced data strategies is an increasingly important priority for the industry.

Many firms see HDS as a strategic imperative with significant economic benefits, enabling them to respond rapidly to new market conditions, customer needs or evolving regulatory requirements. Japan’s investment industry is making significant progress in implementing advanced data strategies, and its firms are ramping up investments in technology to support this goal. Sixty-four percent of Japanese respondents in the survey are increasing their technology spending, outpacing the global average of 52 percent. They are also investing in skills, with 60 percent of Japanese institutions providing more training to ensure their workforces have strong data capabilities.

Japanese investment institutions also see growing value from GenAI, with 58 percent of them citing defining investment objectives as an area where AI can provide substantial benefits in the front office.

The report goes on to reveal how firms in different regions are working towards a HDS. It provides insight into how leaders in HDS expect to boost investment returns, increase revenues and deliver significant cost savings for their organizations. It also shows where firms are prioritizing their technology investments to deliver an enduring competitive advantage.