Most asset managers don’t struggle because of strategy. They struggle because of tooling – scattered data, bloated spreadsheets, and compliance duct-taped onto workflows.
Having worked with firms across Europe and the US, the pattern is clear: the firms that scale well have systems that reflect the way they operate – layered structures, strict compliance, evolving LP needs. The rest build tech debt with every new deal.
Here are five must-have features for 2025 – and real tools doing them right.
1. A Unified System for Assets, Investors, and Entities
Why it matters: Disjointed views lead to missed updates, versioning errors, and painful audits. A single source of truth is no longer a luxury.
Look for:
- Entity-level breakdown of SPVs, funds, LPs
- Centralized capital schedules
- Linked document + investor record systems
Examples:
- Carta – Excellent cap table + investor dashboards, increasingly used by funds
- Allvue – Popular with private capital managers; combines portfolio + accounting
- Juniper Square – One of the cleanest front-ends for LP portals with full entity linkage
- Custom-built software to manage investments
2. Compliance Embedded into the Workflow
Why it matters: Compliance delays deals when it’s bolted on. When built-in, it enables scale – especially cross-border.
Look for:
- Built-in KYC/AML modules
- Role-based document access
- Full audit trails with version history
Examples:
- Ledgex – Handles complex fund structures + robust compliance
- FundCount – Known for accounting + compliance in a single stack
- S-PRO – Implements custom workflows with baked-in access control + change logs
3. Investor Reporting That Isn’t Just a PDF
Why it matters: Institutional LPs expect real-time data access. Retail investors expect self-service. PDFs don’t cut it anymore.
Look for:
- Secure LP portals
- NAV updates, capital calls, performance charts
- Automated email + notification logic
Examples:
- iLEVEL by IHS Markit – Powerful LP reporting and analytics
- Burgiss – Deep LP-focused features for transparency + oversight
- Altvia – Clean CRM-style platform focused on GP–LP communication
- Can be tailored with financial software that embeds reporting logic into custom platforms
4. Architecture That Integrates Easily
Why it matters: If your platform doesn’t talk to your fund admin, CRM, or analytics stack – it’s another silo, not a solution.
Look for:
- Public API access
- Compatible with Excel exports, fund accounting tools (e.g. Investran, eFront)
- Support for regional compliance variations (AIFMD, FATCA, etc.)
Examples:
- Efront – Deep integrations with accounting systems, widely used by PE firms
- Chronograph – API-first approach to LP reporting and performance
- S-PRO – Tailors integrations based on fund size, region, and internal stack needs
5. Automation Where It Saves Time
Why it matters: Repetitive tasks cost you time, accuracy, and sanity. Automate the right layers – especially where errors creep in.
Look for:
- Document workflows (distribution, signature collection, tagging)
- Capital call scheduling + notification logic
- Approval flows for internal ops
Examples:
- DealCloud – Combines CRM and automation in deal flow + investor comms
- Titanbay – LP-facing platform with strong backend automation
- S-PRO – Custom automation for investor onboarding, KYC logic, and capital workflows
Final Word
If you’re managing multi-entity portfolios and still relying on Excel to track redemptions, it’s not just inefficient – it’s risky. Better software exists. But more importantly, software that understands how asset managers actually work exists.
Modern platforms aren’t just prettier interfaces. They reduce operational drag, prevent errors, and give your team the tools to scale – without scaling headcount at the same rate.
Whether you’re upgrading legacy workflows or building from scratch, now’s the time to invest in tools that future-proof your operations. Teams like S-PRO are a good starting point to consult with.
