Why operational excellence and AI now decide on growth, margins and client proximity
Structural change in the EAM market
The Swiss market for external asset managers has changed fundamentally in recent years. Regulation, rising compliance costs and advancing digitalisation have significantly increased the demands on organisations, processes and technology. For many institutions, complexity is no longer a side effect, but part of the business model.
This is particularly evident in day-to-day work across multiple custodian banks. Anyone who manages client assets in different jurisdictions and with different custodians needs an infrastructure that brings data together consistently, supports trading processes and simplifies operational management. At the same time, illiquid investments such as private equity, real estate and participations are becoming increasingly important and need to be professionally mapped alongside traditional securities.
Operational inefficiencies as a margin risk
In practice, it is clear that many EAMs lose valuable time not in consulting but in secondary processes. Manual data consolidation, reconciliation between systems, compliance verifications and reporting tasks tie up resources that are actually needed for client work and strategic development. This is precisely where the greatest leverage for efficiency and margin stability arises.
In addition, the requirements for transparency and speed continue to increase. Customers today expect consolidated information, clear visualisations and digital interaction at a high level. Those who only work in a partially digitalised manner risk friction losses, media disruptions and unnecessary operational burdens.
The key to increasing efficiency
The most successful companies rely on standardisation, automation and integrated data architectures. A 360° view of client assets that combines bank relationships, asset classes and external data sources in a consistent logic is crucial. This is the only way for advisors to react faster, recognise risks earlier and offer their clients high-quality, transparent support.
The automation of data aggregation, reporting and compliance processes reduces operational costs and improves data quality at the same time. As a result, advisors gain time for value-adding activities such as strategic portfolio allocation and personalised client support.
The added value of modern PMS solutions
Modern portfolio management systems are far more than just a reporting tool. They combine portfolio analysis, trading, rebalancing, documentation and digital client interaction in a single working environment. This reduces media disruptions, increases data quality and creates scope for genuine advisory services.
The integration of illiquid investments is also indispensable today. A modern PMS must be able to accurately record and evaluate private equity, real estate and other alternative investments and categorise them in the overall asset picture. This is the only way to gain a complete view of the customer relationship.
AI as a strategic lever
Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming a strategic lever for EAMs. Where manual data preparation, reporting or compliance checks still take up a lot of time today, AI can speed up processes, recognise patterns and provide advisors with valuable decision-making support. AI opens up new possibilities for analysis, risk assessment and personalised customer communication, particularly when used in conjunction with large, heterogeneous data volumes.
The real benefit does not come from technology alone, but from its sensible use in day-to-day work. AI can help to reduce operational complexity, increase quality and gain usable insights from data more quickly. Those who take this development seriously at an early stage will not only create efficiency benefits, but also a clear competitive advantage.
The future of the business model
Those who utilise the potential of AI, automation and integrated data architectures at an early stage will not only be better able to overcome regulatory and operational challenges, but will also grow more sustainably. In a market in which efficiency and customer proximity are becoming increasingly intertwined, technological intelligence is becoming a decisive differentiating factor.