Reinvention strategies so you can lead with confidence in a fast-moving market.

Asset and Wealth Management

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The pace of change is accelerating. Clients expect more. New ecosystems are reshaping how value flows. Technologies like AI and blockchain are rewriting the rules. Traditional models won’t keep up. To stay ahead, firms need more than resilience — they need reinvention. That means rethinking how you operate, restructuring around data, and reimagining your role in a connected, digital-first world. We bring trusted expertise, bold thinking and a global network, so you can lead with clarity.

The asset and wealth management landscape

The industry is shifting fast. To lead, firms must rethink how they grow, scale and stay relevant.

Pressure on performance and profitability

Asset and wealth managers are under growing pressure to deliver stronger returns while managing costs. Investor expectations are shifting — they want transparency, ease of access and better value. Fee compression is accelerating, driven by the rise of passive products and digital platforms. Firms can’t rely on legacy models. To stay competitive, they need to rethink how they operate, streamline cost structures and unlock new ways to drive performance. That means making smarter use of data, re-evaluating product offerings and exploring new efficiencies across the value chain.

Transforming the business model

The industry’s economics are being reshaped. Investors are demanding more for less, and that’s forcing firms to act. Asset and wealth managers are scaling up through acquisitions, expanding product capabilities and entering new markets. At the same time, asset-weighted fees for mutual funds and ETFs continue to fall, driven by a shift to lower-cost options. To stay relevant, firms must adapt quickly — rethinking pricing, product design and distribution. The winners will be those who move decisively, build scale and deliver value in ways that meet evolving investor needs.

 

Transforming through technology

Technology is no longer a support function; it’s central to how firms grow. Asset and wealth managers are investing in digital platforms to improve client experience, simplify access to products and automate back-office processes. These tools help firms reduce friction, improve transparency and deliver services at scale. But transformation isn’t just about tech; it’s about embedding digital thinking across the business. That means aligning strategy, operations and culture around a digital-first mindset. The firms that succeed will be those that use technology to unlock agility and accelerate growth.

The battle for talent

Talent is a strategic priority. As the industry evolves, firms need people who can navigate change, drive innovation and build trust. That means attracting tech-savvy professionals, upskilling existing teams and creating cultures where people thrive. The competition for talent is fierce, and it’s not just about pay. Purpose, flexibility and growth matter more than ever. Firms that invest in their people, embrace new ways of working and build inclusive environments will be better placed to lead. Because in a fast-moving market, talent isn’t just an asset — it’s a differentiator.

Rise of digital assets and tokenisation

Digital assets and tokenisation are moving into the mainstream. With stronger infrastructure, maturing exchanges and clearer regulation, firms are embedding them into long-term strategies. Custody and access are becoming more secure, and investor interest is growing. Regulators are watching closely, signalling that digital assets are here to stay. For asset and wealth managers, this is a chance to diversify offerings, engage new client segments, including younger tech-savvy client segments, and future-proof portfolios. But success requires more than adoption; it demands understanding, governance and strategic alignment. The firms that move early and decisively will shape the next chapter of the industry

Solutions that drive success

We don’t just advise, we deliver. With deep industry insight, leading tech, managed services and strategic alliances, we help firms grow, streamline and build trust in a fast-changing world.

Business model reinvention

AI is reshaping how firms operate. Digital ecosystems are shifting value flows. Clients expect more, faster. To stay ahead, asset and wealth managers must rethink their offerings, pricing and operating models. PwC’s research shows that 73% of firms see AI as the most transformative technology over the next three years, yet 68% invest less than one-sixth of their budget in it. Ambition is high, but execution is lagging. We help bridge that gap by integrating AI, modernising platforms and unlocking scale through mergers and acquisitions. With us, strategy becomes action and transformation becomes tangible.

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Talent strategy and workforce transformation

The talent landscape is shifting. Firms need tech-savvy teams, adaptable cultures and future-ready skills to stay competitive. We help you rethink workforce strategy, from attracting top talent to upskilling existing teams. Our approach blends human insight with digital tools to build agile, inclusive environments where people thrive. Whether it’s leadership development, culture transformation or workforce planning, we support you in creating a talent model that evolves with your business.

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AI-led managed services

Legacy systems and manual processes are slowing firms down. Rising costs and talent gaps add pressure. Managed services are no longer just about cost control; they’re a strategic enabler. We help you modernise core functions like financial reporting, compliance and data operations. Using automation, AI and analytics, we streamline operations and unlock insight. Our embedded teams work as an extension of yours, flexing with your needs. The result? A future-ready platform that’s scalable, resilient and focused on growth.

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Data-led personalisation

Clients now expect seamless digital experiences, personalised insights and instant access to investment intelligence. Firms that embed AI and advanced analytics into their models will lead the next generation of asset and wealth management. We help you turn data into deeper relationships and smarter decisions. From predictive insights to interactive visualisations, we enable strategies that build trust and stand out. Your data becomes your competitive edge — driving relevance, responsiveness and results. With our support, personalisation moves from ambition to advantage.

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Digital assets and emerging technologies

Digital assets are moving mainstream. As exchanges mature and custody becomes more secure, firms are exploring tokenisation, blockchain and new investment models. But regulation, infrastructure and risk management remain complex. We help you navigate this space with clarity, embedding digital assets into strategy, building compliant frameworks and unlocking new sources of value. From product innovation to operational readiness, we bring deep expertise and a trusted network to help you move fast and stay ahead.

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Sustainability

Sustainability is now a strategic priority. Two-thirds of investors factor it into decisions, yet many firms still treat it as a compliance exercise. We help you embed sustainability into your investment strategy, turning reporting into a market differentiator. From disclosure requirements to stakeholder expectations, we help you navigate complexity and unlock opportunity. With our support, sustainability becomes a source of resilience, trust and leadership. It’s not just about meeting regulations; it’s about shaping a future your clients believe in.

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Meet the Asset and Wealth Management team

Helping you lead with confidence in a fast-changing market.

AWM Regulatory Update

The latest news in the area of Asset and Wealth Management regulation.

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Contact us

Mary Ruane

Mary Ruane

Partner , PwC Ireland (Republic of)

Paul Martin

Paul Martin

Partner, PwC Ireland (Republic of)

Tel: +353 86 837 7335

Trish Johnston

Trish Johnston

Assurance Leader, PwC Ireland (Republic of)

Tel: +353 86 814 5054

Marie Coady

Marie Coady

Global ETF Leader, PwC Ireland (Republic of)

Colin Farrell

Colin Farrell

Partner, PwC Ireland (Republic of)

Tel: +353 86 086 7302

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