Just 12% of Asset Managers Confident in Client Reporting

Survey findings among decision makers at asset management firms around the world reveal a paradox: Despite investing heavily in technology and talent, the vast majority believe more can be done to meet clients' expectations and unlock additional business value.

New research from FactSet reveals that only 12% of asset managers and owners believe their current reporting deliverables meet all the needs and demands of clients, while 62% say high-quality reporting helps win new business, boost brand reputation, and improve client satisfaction.

The implications extend beyond client satisfaction scores. Firms that are slow to modernize reporting capabilities risk losing ground to more agile competitors.

These reporting professionals said the challenges are systemic and interconnected in three main ways:

• Seven in ten firms cite data availability and quality as their primary reporting challenge. This isn't simply about having more data-it's about creating unified, consistent datasets that eliminate silos and provide a single source of truth across the organization.

• Despite decades of technological advancement, 60% of firms still struggle with lack of automation in their reporting workflows. Manual data extraction and manipulation consume valuable resources that could be redirected toward higher-value activities like analysis and client relationship management.

• Clients expect personalized, interactive reporting experiences. Yet 70% of asset managers find delivering customized reporting moderately to extremely challenging, highlighting a significant capability gap in today's market.

A Path Forward

Leading firms that want to strengthen their reporting capabilities and consistently exceed client expectations could consider five key strategies:

1. Investing in data infrastructure: Creating unified data platforms that ensure accuracy, consistency, and accessibility across all reporting functions.

2. Embracing automation: Implementing technologies that reduce manual intervention while improving speed, accuracy, and scalability.

3. Designing for customization: Moving beyond one-size-fits-all approaches to deliver personalized reporting experiences that meet specific client needs.

4. Optimizing distribution: Leveraging APIs, cloud platforms, and digital tools to enhance delivery efficiency and client accessibility.

5. Refining operating models: Strategically balancing in-house capabilities with outsourced services to maximize efficiency and expertise.

By focusing on these strategies, organizations can overcome reporting challenges, consistently deliver value to clients, and stay competitive in an increasingly demanding market.

Taking Action

The reporting transformation imperative is compelling. Firms that continue to rely on legacy processes risk falling further behind as client expectations evolve. The opportunity for those willing to modernize is substantial-enhanced brand reputation, improved regulatory compliance, stronger risk management, and most importantly, a genuine competitive advantage in client acquisition and retention.

Download the full research to discover strategies for enhancing your reporting and achieving long-term success in a competitive market.

This blog post is for informational purposes only. The information contained in this blog post is not legal, tax, or investment advice. FactSet does not endorse or recommend any investments and assumes no liability for any consequence relating directly or indirectly to any action or inaction taken based on the information contained in this article.