Time to talk tech
Whether you love it or don’t understand it: you just can’t ignore it. I’m talking about tech. Technology has always played an important part in the investment management value chain. Yet, the implications of lockdown and a widespread move to remote working have accelerated this drive for digitalisation.
COVID-19 has demonstrated the need for robust digital infrastructure to safeguard productivity through disruption and increase resilience. We are already seeing changes in middle and back office operations, but recent events have fast-tracked the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and distributed ledger technology (DLT) in the investment process as well as within support functions in firms, to the top of the board agenda and unlocked purse strings. The IA has helped facilitate and accelerate tech innovation across investment management through IA Engine, our Fintech accelerator and innovation hub, but as the drive towards digitalisation switches gear and regulatory attention increases, this is an opportune moment for us to convene our Tech Forum and launch our dedicated technology webpages.
When used and governed correctly, innovation holds great potential to drive efficiencies, streamline processes, build resilience and free up employees’ time for more value-add activities. However, there are also risks and challenges associated with the adoption of certain technologies that need to be understood and addressed.
Not surprisingly we are seeing increasing regulatory interest in the technology arena, with topics such as cybersecurity, AI, RegTech and crypto-assets occupying a prominent place on the work plans of regulators across the globe.
To support members in this area, our new technology webpages have been created as a resource offering information on the themes and trends within the sector as well as providing background on emerging technologies. Additionally, the pages include a regulatory radar to give members sight of upcoming moves by regulators, and their consultations and work plans related to technology.
We are also pleased to launch our Tech Forum, aimed at supporting senior technology experts (such as CTOs, CDOs) address their technology priorities. This will also help address the opportunities and challenges surrounding the adoption and use of technology in investment management and any resulting possible policy implications. The new Forum will compliment the work of IA Engine. If you or a relevant colleague would be interested in joining the Forum, please apply here in the next fortnight.
We hope you find these resources useful and if you have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to get in touch.
