Data sits at the center of every advisory firm, informing decisions, powering reporting, supporting compliance, and shaping client conversations. It should be an accelerator for growth, but for many firms, data is an operational strain.
When data isn’t accessible and accurate, everyday business slows. Reporting becomes reactive, insights arrive too late, and over time, client confidence slips. Data turns into a source of friction, holding firms back at a time when speed, insight, and personalization are critical.
The Hidden Cost of Fragmented Data
Recent findings from Datos Insights underscore a clear message for Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs): modernizing data infrastructure is no longer optional.
As client expectations rise and business models evolve, legacy advisor financial software quietly limits a firm’s ability to compete, scale, and innovate. Datos Insights’ research shows that many wealth managers still rely on delayed, disorganized, and incomplete data spread across disconnected systems. Nearly 90% of client information remains unstructured making it challenging to analyze, personalize, or use strategically.
The impact is felt every day. Advisors spend valuable time reconciling data, correcting errors, and working around system gaps. Reporting cycles can be slow, making it harder to gain a holistic view of the client relationship. Data complexity ultimately creates drag across the firm.
Why Data Readiness Will Define the Future
Fragmented data doesn’t just affect today’s operations. It also limits what firms can do tomorrow.
Emerging initiatives like generative AI, advanced analytics, and predictive insights depend on clean, well-governed data. Without a strong data foundation, even the most promising technologies fall short. The technology decisions firms make today will directly shape their ability to adapt, innovate, and differentiate in the years ahead.
Firms that invest in robust, modern solutions gain a clear competitive edge. Accurate, consolidated information supports more confident investment decisions, consistent client conversations, and collaboration across teams. Advisors can spend their days focused on delivering advice and value.
What RIAs Should Expect from Modern Data Infrastructure
As firms reassess their wealth management software, expectations are shifting. A portfolio management system is no longer a reporting tool; it must function as a reliable data engine for the entire firm.
Modern data infrastructure should:
Provide a unified, real-time view of client assets across custodians and accounts
Prioritize reconciliation, accuracy, and data governance, not just presentation
Scale as firms grow in size and complexity
Support advanced analytics and emerging AI use cases
Reduce manual effort so advisors can spend more time with clients
Technology that embodies these principles is setting the pace for the industry. Named a “Best-in-Class” Portfolio Management and Client Reporting Provider by Datos Insights, SS&C Black Diamond® Wealth Solutions is built with data integrity at its core.
Black Diamond delivers a unified view of every client portfolio by consolidating data from more than 800 unique providers. Daily audits and reconciliation processes help ensure accuracy, with 99% of accounts processed autonomously through proprietary, complex logic. Even incomplete data can be corrected and made report-ready through enrichment from multiple market data providers. As firms grow more complex, the platform scales with them while maintaining the reliability advisors and investors rely on.
Black Diamond’s continuous investment in analytics, automation, and API-driven capabilities positions firms to adapt as new technologies and client expectations emerge. With a strong data backbone in place, advisors can operate with confidence, consistency, and clarity, no matter how fast their business evolves.
Your firm’s data is one of its most valuable assets. Don’t compromise on accuracy, scalability, or access. These are essential to delivering great client experiences and sustaining long-term growth.
Firms that invest in modern data infrastructure today will be best positioned to innovate and lead in the future.
Download the Datos Matrix Report for an objective, comprehensive analysis of Black Diamond. Then, to learn how our team can support your unique advisory firm, request a personalized demo, call 1-800-727-0605, or email info@sscblackdiamond.com today.
