Are private markets driving massive investment operations uptake in AI?

The rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in investment operations has continued, with a new study saying as many as 70% of buy-side firms are employing AI to support their front office.

This is according to a study commissioned by technology company SimCorp. The number marks an increase from last year’s report, which showed that only about 10% of respondents were actively exploring AI tools.

“At the time, 75% recognised AI’s potential, but they still needed guidance on how to integrate it,” said SimCorp.

The 2026 InvestOps Report drew on responses from 200 executives at asset managers, pension funds and insurance companies worldwide. The respondents were surveyed by WBR Insights to identify their technology priorities and challenges heading into 2026.

The usage of AI could be a boon and a problem for investment teams at insurers with abundant risks being discussed. Many of the consequences are still unknown; however, many have appeared to abandon a softly-softly approach.

“AI adoption has shifted from pilots to business-critical applications in the front office,” said Peter Sanderson, Chief Executive Officer, SimCorp.

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