Artificial Intelligence Tops Strategic Priorities for Investors
Investors managing US$5 trillion now prioritize AI over inflation to drive a projected 30% increase in investment outcomes.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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A 2026 study of global asset owners managing over US$5 trillion in combined assets identified artificial intelligence as their top strategic priority. This shift places AI ahead of inflation as the primary concern for these institutional investors.
Why it matters
Asset owners are increasingly moving technology from support roles into core investment research to improve outcomes. This transition highlights a race to integrate data analytics into decision-making as firms attempt to modernize legacy processes.
Current technology contributes 17% to investment outcomes, a figure projected to grow to 30% within the next three to five years. However, 75% of asset owners cite fragmented data issues as the primary constraint on expanding these AI capabilities.
The details
Asset owners are transitioning AI and analytics from peripheral support functions into the core investment research process. This shift requires moving away from the legacy systems and siloed, disconnected data processes currently used to manage investment portfolios. Organizations currently lack formal oversight, with 60% of firms reviewing their AI usage only on an occasional basis.
Timeline
2026: The technology peer study was conducted.
Next 3-5 years: Technology is projected to increase its contribution to investment outcomes to 30%.
The Tech Race
The focus on AI represents a strategic pivot for institutional investors who have historically relied on siloed legacy systems. This effort to automate decision-making follows the patterns established in the 2026 technology peer study of global asset owners.
Professional investors and analysts should expect shifts toward data-heavy, AI-integrated research platforms over the next three to five years. Firms will likely prioritize overcoming data silos as they move to meet the projected 30% technology-driven performance target.
The takeaway
The industry is betting that internal data infrastructure, not just third-party models, will dictate future alpha. Investors should watch for increased board-level oversight on AI, as currently only 25% of firms have made this a standing committee agenda item.
Further reading
For more on how new technologies are reshaping industry standards, visit the Artificial Intelligence section.
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