Investment management firms are accelerating technology modernization efforts as artificial intelligence reshapes portfolio operations, data management, and client services. Wasatch Global Investors, a $23 billion asset manager based in Salt Lake City, has moved its technology infrastructure to Ridgeline, an AI-native investment management platform designed to replace fragmented legacy systems with a unified operating environment. The transition highlights a broader shift among asset managers toward cloud-based, AI-ready platforms built for long-term operational scalability.

The investment management industry is entering a new technology cycle as firms move beyond traditional software upgrades and rethink how their operating platforms support data, automation, and artificial intelligence.

One example of this shift is Wasatch Global Investors, which has gone live on the Ridgeline platform after more than three decades operating on legacy technology systems. The asset manager selected Ridgeline to consolidate disconnected applications, modernize infrastructure, and establish a foundation designed for future growth.

Based in Salt Lake City, Wasatch manages approximately $23 billion in assets and specializes in investment strategies across global markets. The firm’s move reflects a growing trend among asset managers seeking technology platforms that can support increasingly complex workflows while preparing organizations for AI-driven investment operations.

Rather than simply replacing older software, Wasatch focused on finding a long-term technology partner capable of evolving alongside the business.

“Ridgeline wasn’t simply rebuilding legacy software — they were rethinking how an investment management platform should operate,” said Hollie Strasburg, Chief Operating Officer at Wasatch Global Investors.

A major factor in the decision was Ridgeline’s approach to artificial intelligence. As financial institutions increasingly experiment with generative AI and automation, many firms are looking for platforms where AI capabilities are integrated into the underlying architecture rather than added later as separate features.

“Just as compelling was that the platform was clearly designed with AI in mind from day one, rather than AI being bolted on,” said Jed Williams, Director of Technology at Wasatch.

This distinction reflects a broader industry conversation around AI-native enterprise software. Traditional platforms often require additional layers or integrations to support AI functionality, while newer cloud-based systems are being designed around centralized data models, automation workflows, and machine-assisted decision-making from the beginning.

For investment managers, this architecture is particularly important because portfolio operations depend on large volumes of structured and unstructured data. Research, compliance, reporting, trading operations, and client communications all require accurate information flows across multiple teams.

According to Deloitte, asset management firms are increasingly prioritizing data modernization and AI adoption as competitive differentiators, with technology investments focused on operational efficiency, analytics, and improved investor experiences.

The transition to Ridgeline also changes how Wasatch’s technology team manages infrastructure.

Previously, internal teams were responsible for maintaining servers, updates, system availability, and scaling requirements associated with on-premises environments. Moving to a modern cloud platform allows the organization to shift resources toward strategic technology initiatives rather than infrastructure maintenance.

“We could hand off the infrastructure management — servers, patching, uptime, scaling — to Ridgeline and let our team focus on higher-value initiatives,” Williams said.

Use up and down arrow keys to resize the meta box pane.

The implementation process also highlights another emerging priority among enterprise technology buyers: partnership-based deployment.

Large-scale technology transformations often involve complex integrations, workflow changes, and organizational adjustments. Wasatch said the Ridgeline implementation team worked closely with internal stakeholders to understand existing processes and develop solutions around operational requirements.

Use up and down arrow keys to resize the meta box pane.

“The Ridgeline implementation team truly became an extension of our own,” Strasburg said. “They invested the time to understand how Wasatch operates, and when we encountered complex challenges — as every implementation does — they responded quickly, brought the right people to the table, and worked collaboratively with us.”

The move is part of a larger migration toward unified investment management platforms. According to Ridgeline, firms adopting its technology typically replace multiple disconnected systems with a single platform built around a common data model. The company highlights security standards including SOC 2 Type II attestation and a responsible approach to enterprise AI deployment as key elements of its offering.

For asset managers, reducing technology fragmentation has become a strategic priority. Multiple disconnected systems can create operational inefficiencies, inconsistent data, and challenges when implementing automation initiatives. A unified platform can provide a stronger foundation for analytics, regulatory reporting, and AI-powered workflows.

The transformation also illustrates how modernization projects are increasingly focused on business processes rather than software replacement alone.

“We found that some of the greatest value came from rethinking our processes — not simply replacing our technology,” Strasburg said. “Having a partner that’s willing to engage in those conversations and evolve alongside you makes a meaningful difference.”

As investment firms continue adapting to an AI-enabled financial services environment, technology platforms that combine cloud infrastructure, unified data, automation, and governance are likely to become central components of future operating models.

For Ridgeline, the Wasatch implementation represents the type of strategic partnership the company aims to build with asset managers seeking long-term digital transformation.

“Wasatch approached this transformation with a clear vision of how they wanted to be positioned for the future,” said Dave Blair, CEO of Ridgeline. “That’s exactly the kind of customer Ridgeline is thrilled to partner with, and we’re excited to support their continued growth for years to come.”

Market Landscape

Asset managers are accelerating adoption of AI-native investment management platforms, driven by the need for better data management, operational efficiency, and scalable technology infrastructure.

According to McKinsey & Company, generative AI has significant potential across financial services, including investment research, operations, and client engagement. Meanwhile, Deloitte’s investment management research highlights cloud modernization, automation, and data platforms as major priorities for asset managers seeking competitive advantage.

The shift away from fragmented legacy environments toward unified platforms mirrors broader enterprise technology trends seen across financial services, where organizations are prioritizing AI-ready architectures instead of adding AI capabilities onto outdated systems.

Top Insights

• Wasatch Global Investors has moved to Ridgeline’s AI-native investment management platform to replace legacy systems and create a scalable technology foundation.
• The $23 billion asset manager selected Ridgeline partly because its architecture was designed around AI capabilities rather than adding artificial intelligence as an afterthought.
• Cloud-based modernization enables Wasatch’s technology team to shift focus from infrastructure management toward strategic business initiatives.
• Unified investment management platforms are gaining traction as asset managers seek better data governance, automation, and operational efficiency.
• The transformation reflects a broader financial services trend toward AI-ready technology infrastructure built for future growth.

Get in touch with our fintech expert