At the end of 2016, we launched the first in a series of white papers – The accelerating power of technology: lessons for the future of fund distribution. This paper explored the growing importance of technology and how companies have adapted to disruption by looking at the makeup of the boards and leadership teams of the FTSE 100 index. The research found that the number of technologists in senior leadership positions had significantly increased over a 5-year period. The paper then assessed how the funds world – whether it be the manager, distributor, platform or transfer agent (TA) – should learn from technologically progressive listed corporates.
The paper has now been expanded and updated to include the FTSE 250. With this additional data we have found that the importance businesses place in having technologists at senior levels is present across a much wider spectrum of company sizes.
Here are some of the key findings from the new paper:
- Companies on the FTSE 250 increased the number of technologists in senior leadership positions from 12 to 38, and the FTSE 100 increased the number from 4 to 24. The FTSE 100 leads the way in the boardroom, having doubled the number of technologists at board level over the 5-year period.
- Travel & Leisure and Support Services lead the way on the FTSE 250 as well as the FTSE 100. Financial Services also remains a top performer on both indexes.
The funds industry will continue to be impacted by technology changes, and in learning how other sectors have embraced technology, the funds industry will be able to evolve with disruption and become competitive and relevant for the long-term. We hope that you enjoy this latest white paper.
