The research — Beyond the Pilot — draws on 225 in-depth conversations with senior IT and technology leaders across UK AWM, conducted in partnership with independent research agency Vitreous World. It examines the gap between the firms quietly scaling AI into business-as-usual and the rest, who remain stuck in proof-of-concept territory.
Three obstacles separate the 12% from the rest
1. Data not fit for AI and Compliance. 81% of leaders say data quality or accessibility is limiting their AI pursuit. The same fragmented foundations that constrain AI also weaken regulatory defensibility.
2. Modernisation stalling new capabilities. Today's AI delivers efficiency. Tomorrow's AI builds new capabilities — but the architecture beneath most firms wasn't designed for either.
3. Organisational blockers. Leadership sponsorship, strategic clarity, and the operating model between business and technology come up again and again as the conditions that decide whether AI scales.
The report makes a sharper point on the modernisation question that's particularly relevant to the Northern tech community: modernisation no longer needs to be a multi-year, big-bang programme. Cloud platforms, modular architectures, and accelerated delivery mean the firms making real progress are modernising only the slice their next AI use case needs, and letting each delivery fund the next.
Download the full report → here
Join the conversation - Thursday 2 July, Tattu Manchester
To unpack the findings with the people they affect, Softwire is hosting a small dinner at Tattu Manchester on Thursday 2 July (6–9pm), in partnership with Fintech North. The evening brings together a hand-picked group of CTOs, CDOs, and senior technology leaders from Asset and Wealth Management firms across the North for a candid, off-the-record conversation about what separates the 12% from the rest.
The format is deliberately informal followed by a multi-course meal, no rigid programme, no slides between courses. Softwire's CTO Tim Benjamin will facilitate a discussion after unpacking the key themes of the research, followed by group discussion before and through dinner. Attendees leave with a deeper view of what the firms ahead of the curve are actually doing differently.
A handful of seats remain. Senior technology leaders in Northern Asset and Wealth Management who'd like to attend can DM Sean Judge, Client Director FS&I at Softwire (sean.judge@softwire.com), to register their interest. RSVPs closes 25 June.
About Softwire
Softwire is an independent UK technology consultancy delivering impact beyond the bottom line. The firm has worked with leading names across UK Financial Services and Insurance — including RSA, Zurich, BNY, and Railpen — combining best-in-class engineering with deep sector expertise. Beyond the Pilot is part of Softwire's wider Financial Services research programme.
