Artificial intelligence (AI) is fundamentally reshaping middle- and back-office operations across asset management, custody, fund administration, and securities servicing. According to Alpha’s recent Global Operations Survey of 75 global firms, AI has moved beyond an option and is now central to operational transformation. Although adoption is still early stage, with only 7% of firms having scaled AI beyond pilots, a significant majority (91%) are using or planning to adopt AI, with 84% prioritizing operational efficiency. This shift is fueled by advances in Generative AI for automation and Agentic AI for autonomous workflows.
While functions supported by clean, structured, high-volume data—such as settlements processing and investment versus custodian reconciliation—are delivering measurable AI-driven results today, areas involving complex judgment or proprietary data, like NAV oversight and alternative asset accounting, still rely heavily on human oversight.
We see Asset Management operations evolving towards a model where AI augments and, in some cases, autonomously manages workflows to drive greater efficiency, transparency, and scalability. This includes automated exception-based processing, continuous monitoring, and smarter risk and workflow management, all underpinned by human oversight to maintain appropriate governance and accountability.
Organizations positioned to lead are those that complement AI technology with clean, standardized data, integrated platforms, deep operational expertise, and robust governance frameworks, recognizing that AI amplifies existing strengths rather than serving as a standalone fix.
About the Authors
Annelle Kemp
Director
Annelle works within Alpha's North American Operations team and leads the AI in Operations proposition for the team. Annelle has extensive experience supporting a range of clients across the investment management lifecycle. Prior to Alpha, Annelle held consulting roles with both KPMG and Invesco.
Chyavan Rees
Partner
Chyavan works within Alpha's UK Operations team and leads a variety of functions, namely Alpha's global operations survey function and AI initiatives within the UK and broader EMEA region. Chyavan has driven large-scale transformation and other strategic change at a range of clients during his time with Alpha.