Northern Trust Survey: Asset Managers Sharpen Focus on Core Capabilities to Drive Growth
Northern Trust's 2026 survey of 300 asset management leaders reveals a shift towards core capabilities, outsourcing, cost control, and AI adoption. Key findings include a focus on product reduction, increased outsourcing, offshoring as a top cost-control measure, and universal AI deployment. The report highlights targeted distribution strategies and the growing importance of data and analytics.
How this was made
The 30-second read
Why it matters
The data signals a strategic pivot in the asset management industry toward technology and cost efficiency.
Market read
Provides insight into future demand for outsourcing and AI services within the asset management sector.
What to watch
Potential regulatory scrutiny of AI use and data privacy concerns may temper adoption rates.
Background
Northern Trust published its 2026 Driving Growth in Asset Management survey, the first release of these findings.
Ticker impact
Northern Trust (NTRS) released a new biennial survey showing asset managers shifting to outsourcing, AI and cost control.
Limited direct impact on NTRS price; potential upside for firms offering outsourcing and AI solutions.
Survey data is new but does not contain concrete financial numbers or contracts for Northern Trust.
Market effects
Asset management firms may increase spend on outsourcing and AI vendors, boosting related service providers.
North America, EMEA and APAC asset managers all show similar trends, indicating a global shift.
Moderate relevance for global financial services sector.
Counterpoint
The shift toward outsourcing could compress margins for in‑house teams and reduce demand for traditional custodial services.
Key entities
- CompanyNorthern Trust
Provider of asset servicing and custody solutions.
