Asset management integration is the cornerstone of operational efficiency in modern investment firms, and by adopting strategic best practices, technology leaders at these firms can eliminate costly data silos, reduce manual errors, and discover actionable insights.
For CTOs and heads of technology, the challenge of unifying platforms like portfolio accounting systems, OMS/PMS, custodial feeds, and CRMs is all too familiar.
According to Ernst & Young survey, 40 of 50 asset managers cited poor data quality as a barrier to integration
These inefficiencies not only drain resources but also expose firms to compliance risks and client dissatisfaction.
The solution lies in balancing technical innovation with organizational alignment—a theme we’ll explore in these best practices below.
Start by creating a detailed inventory of all systems in use, including portfolio accounting tools (e.g., Advent Geneva), OMS/PMS platforms (like Charles River or BlackRock Aladdin), custodians (e.g., BNY Mellon), and CRM systems (Salesforce).
Identify overlapping functionalities and data handoff points.
This “integration blueprint” highlights redundancies and gaps, enabling smarter consolidation.
Legacy systems often lack native connectivity, but modern API-driven architectures and middleware (e.g., MuleSoft, Dell Boomi) can bridge gaps between platforms.
For example, APIs enable real-time data sync between your OMS and custodial feeds, reducing reconciliation delays—a critical advantage for asset management integration.
Firms using API-first strategies can very well reduce integration costs much more in comparison to custom-coding workflows.
Technical integration alone isn’t enough.
Create a governance framework with input from IT, operations, compliance, and front-office teams. Define data ownership, standardization rules (e.g., using ISO 20022 for transactions), and audit protocols.
This reduces ambiguity and ensures clean, consistent data flows across teams, a foundational pillar of successful for integration in asset management.
Manual reconciliation between systems like portfolio accounting software and custodial reports is error-prone.
Deploy tools like SmartStream TLM or custom scripts to automate matching and exception handling.
One global asset manager reduced reconciliation time by 70% after automating trade settlements with custodians.
Break down silos by organizing joint workshops between IT and business units.
For example, portfolio managers often request real-time risk analytics, while IT teams focus on system stability.
Aligning priorities ensures integration efforts address actual pain points, not just technical checkboxes.
Cloud-based solutions (e.g., AWS Financial Services, Azure) offer scalable integration environments.
They support hybrid architectures, allowing legacy on-premise systems to coexist with modern SaaS tools like Salesforce Financial Services Cloud. Cloud platforms also streamline compliance with built-in security and audit trails.
Not every firm has in-house resources to tackle complex integrations.
This is where Empaxis adds value. With 20+ years of experience in buy-side investment operations and technology management, we help asset managers design and deploy tailored asset management integration strategies—from API orchestration to legacy system modernization.
Modern asset management demands seamless integration between people, processes, and platforms.
By mapping your tech stack, leveraging APIs, and fostering collaboration, firms can eliminate manual bottlenecks and build future-proof systems.
Automation and cloud adoption further accelerate ROI, while strong governance ensures compliance.
The journey to true integration of asset management is beyond the technology itself; it's about running a sound, stable, and reliable tech setup for the firm for years to come.
Empaxis is a trusted operations and technology partner for buy-side asset and wealth management firms, and we help them transform fragmented systems into agile, connected ecosystems. Ready to eliminate data silos and streamline operations? Schedule a complimentary consultation with us.
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