There is growing AI adoption and enthusiasm in asset management, while decision makers are also identifying the practical barriers that continue to limit its use in core investment, according to research by Mercer.
Based on a February 2026 survey of 131 asset managers globally, the Mercer report showed that a majority of firms – 55 per cent of respondents – have integrated AI into at least one of their investment processes, while 27 per cent report integrating AI as a pilot or proof-of-concept.
In addition, eighteen per cent of surveyed managers have not yet integrated AI into their investment processes, yet almost all firms (91 per cent) say they plan to increase their use of AI in the next 12 months.
“AI is delivering measurable efficiency and insight for asset managers today, but the technology is largely a partner rather than a decision‑maker,” says Beverley Sharp, Mercer’s global manager research leader.
“Addressing data, regulatory, and integration challenges will be essential to realize AI’s broader potential in portfolio construction and execution,” she continues.
The Mercer report found that firms most commonly use AI to improve productivity, with 73 per cent of firms using AI for operational efficiency in their existing teams (for example, automating routine tasks), and 68 per cent using AI as a partner in the investment process to provide insights and analysis. Only 5 per cent of firms currently grant AI autonomous or semi-autonomous decision-making authority for investment recommendations or trades.
Data constraints and regulatory concerns were also found to be the principal frictions to broader AI adoption across organizations, with 69 per cent of firms citing data quality or access and 59 per cent citing regulatory or compliance concerns as material barriers.
