March 15, 2018

Cutter Associates, a leading provider of operations and technology research and expertise to the investment management industry, recently completed their latest Data Management benchmarking study. Results of the research reveal a growing percentage of investment management firms recognizing the importance of managing data as a strategic asset.

The latest findings confirm trends the company has been tracking for seven years. Of the firms surveyed, 78% now feel that data provides a competitive advantage, compared to 0% from their first study in 2011.

Data is Recognized as a Strategic Asset that Provides a Competitive Advantage

Other developments since 2011 include a 104% increase in firms sponsoring data management efforts at the executive level, and a 267% increase in firms with an established, robust data governance framework.

Acknowledging the trends confirmed by the report, Arnold Wachs, Cutter Associates’ Data Management Practice Lead, stated, “We’ve seen more firms adopt solid data management and governance principles, and assign clear roles across more data domains.”

The study also revealed confidence in company data averaging 90% across domains. But as Wachs noted, “While 90% appears high, what this really says is that investment managers still have trust issues with their data. Would you be happy trusting your spouse or partner only 90%?”

Forty-four investment managers participated in the study, with an average of USD 196 billion in assets under management. The full 85-page report is available to CutterBenchmarking clients online at www.cutterassociates.com.

About Cutter Associates LLC

Cutter Associates, LLC serves the operational and technology needs of the global asset management industry, providing clients the tools and services they need to be successful. By leveraging multi-faceted expertise and an unrivaled knowledgebase, Cutter Associates provides clients truly independent research, exclusive member-only events, custom operations benchmarking, and a global consultancy for strategic advice on and delivery of operational and technology excellence. Cutter Associates works with the world’s leading asset managers, providers and servicers. Headquartered in Hingham, MA, Cutter Associates has subsidiaries in Canada and the UK, and is on the web at www.cutterassociates.com

Whether developing operational strategies that drive meaningful value, or evaluating, selecting, and implementing systems, Cutter is here to help.