Asset managers are increasingly channelling their spending towards regulatory, compliance and ESG data, according to a new report by Six Group, owners of the Swiss and Madrid stock exchanges.
The survey, which gathered insights from 293 senior financial services executives globally, highlighted the growing emphasis on data as the sector adapts to evolving regulatory demands and sustainability expectations.
Despite recent net outflows from ESG funds, 38% of asset managers expect their expenditure on regulatory and compliance data to rise significantly. Simultaneously, wealth managers and asset servicers are boosting their investment in ESG datasets, with 44% and 40%, respectively, planning increased spending in this area. According to the researchers, the focus on ESG data reflects broader industry trends toward transparency and sustainability in governance practices.
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While asset managers prioritise regulatory and ESG concerns, investment banks are focusing elsewhere. According to the report, over 41% of investment banking executives are increasing spending on historical data to enhance pre-trade analysis and stress testing, responding to ongoing geopolitical uncertainties. However, for the buy side, regulatory compliance and ESG data are seen as more critical.
Marion Leslie, head of financial information at Six, said: “Data has always played a critical role for financial institutions, and this is also proving true with ESG. Improvements in ESG data and regulatory developments have enhanced transparency, market confidence, and investment growth.”
These findings are part of the latest edition of Six’s Future of Finance report, an annual survey tracking key trends across the financial services industry.
