FAQ

What is AssetOps Chicago and why is it the leading investment operations conference in Chicago?

AssetOps Chicago is a buy-side investment operations conference bringing together senior operations, technology, data, and transformation leaders from leading asset managers and institutional investors.

Who attends AssetOps Chicago?

What topics are covered at AssetOps Chicago?

Investment Operations, Asset Management Operations, Operating Model Transformation, AI, Private Markets, Operational Resilience, Investment Data, Technology Modernization

Is AssetOps vendor-neutral?

Yes, AssetOps Chicago is designed as a peer-led, buy-side investment operations conference where senior leaders can openly exchange ideas, experiences, and best practices.

To encourage candid discussion, all sessions are held under the Chatham House Rule. Participants are free to use the information shared during discussions, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of speakers or attendees may be revealed outside the event. This creates a trusted environment where COOs, Heads of Investment Operations, technology, data, and transformation leaders can discuss real challenges, lessons learned, and practical strategies without concern that their comments will be publicly attributed.

While solution providers support the event, the agenda is driven by the priorities and experiences of senior buy-side practitioners rather than product demonstrations or sales presentations.

How do I qualify for a complimentary VIP pass?

Complimentary VIP passes are available to qualified buy-side professionals working within investment operations, asset management operations, technology, data, transformation, compliance, and operational leadership.

Typical attendee profiles include:

Chief Operating Officers (COOs)
Heads of Investment Operations
Heads of Asset Management Operations
Chief Technology Officers
Chief Data Officers
Chief Compliance Officers
Heads of Transformation
Senior Operations and Investment Technology Leaders

Each application is reviewed by our team to ensure the event maintains its senior, peer-to-peer environment. If you are unsure whether you qualify, we encourage you to submit an application here and a member of the AssetOps team will be happy to assist.

Where is AssetOps Chicago taking place?

AssetOps Chicago will take place on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago – Magnificent Mile, located in the heart of downtown Chicago.

The venue provides a convenient location for senior investment operations professionals traveling from across North America and offers easy access to Chicago's financial district, hotels, restaurants, and major transportation links.

Venue details, travel information, and accommodation recommendations can all be found on the Venue section of the AssetOps Chicago website.

Is AssetOps Chicago only for asset managers?

No. While AssetOps Chicago is primarily designed for buy-side investment operations professionals, the event welcomes senior leaders from across the broader institutional investment community.

Attendees include professionals from:

Asset Management Firms
Institutional Investors
Pension Funds
Endowments
Foundations
Insurance Investment Organizations
Wealth and Investment Management Firms
Family Offices
Alternative Investment Managers
Private Markets and Real Estate Investment Firms

AssetOps brings together professionals responsible for investment operations, asset management operations, technology, data, compliance, and transformation to discuss the operational challenges shaping the future of the buy-side industry.

What makes AssetOps Chicago different from other investment operations conferences?

AssetOps Chicago is a buy-side-only investment operations conference designed specifically for senior operations, technology, data, and transformation leaders. Unlike larger industry conferences, AssetOps focuses on practical, peer-led discussions where attendees can openly share experiences under the Chatham House Rule.

The agenda is built around the operational priorities facing today's investment industry, including operating model transformation, investment operations modernization, AI adoption, private markets, data strategy, and operational resilience. Rather than focusing on theory, AssetOps emphasizes real-world case studies and lessons learned from practitioners leading transformation within their organizations.

Why should investment operations professionals attend AssetOps Chicago?

Investment operations are evolving rapidly as firms modernize technology, expand into private markets, strengthen data governance, and adopt AI across the investment lifecycle.

AssetOps Chicago provides a unique opportunity to learn directly from senior buy-side leaders who are navigating these challenges every day. Attendees gain practical insights, benchmark their strategies against peers, and build valuable connections with professionals responsible for shaping the future of investment operations and asset management operations.

What is Investment Operations and why is it important for asset managers?

Investment operations refers to the people, processes, technology, and controls that support the successful management of investment portfolios. While portfolio managers focus on investment decisions, investment operations professionals ensure those decisions can be executed efficiently, accurately, and in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Investment operations covers a broad range of responsibilities, including trade processing, portfolio accounting, cash and collateral management, reconciliations, settlements, data management, performance reporting, and operational risk. Increasingly, it also includes technology modernization, workflow automation, AI adoption, and enterprise data strategy.

Within asset management operations, investment operations plays a critical role in ensuring that investment firms can scale their business while maintaining operational efficiency and delivering a high-quality client experience.

As markets become more complex and firms expand into private assets and alternative investments, the role of investment operations continues to evolve. Today's buy-side organizations rely on operations teams not only to support investment activity but also to drive business transformation, improve data quality, strengthen governance, and create more resilient operating models.

In many leading investment firms, investment operations has become a strategic function that enables innovation, supports regulatory compliance, and helps organizations respond more quickly to changing market conditions.

At AssetOps, we believe investment operations is no longer simply a support function, it's one of the key drivers of competitive advantage across the buy-side industry.

Why are Investment Operations critical to Asset Management firms?

Investment operations has become one of the most important functions within today's investment organizations. As firms adopt new technologies, expand into private markets, and navigate increasingly complex regulatory environments, strong operational foundations have become essential for long-term success.

Modern investment operations helps organizations improve operational efficiency, reduce manual processes, strengthen data quality, and support better investment decision-making.

Several factors are reshaping the profession today:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is automating repetitive processes while creating new opportunities for operational insight and decision support.
Growth in private markets is increasing operational complexity, requiring firms to manage a broader range of assets, workflows, and reporting requirements.
Evolving regulatory requirements continue to raise expectations around governance, transparency, cybersecurity, and operational resilience.
Organizations are prioritizing scalability, ensuring their operating models can support business growth without increasing operational risk.

As a result, investment operations leaders are playing a far more strategic role than ever before. Rather than simply supporting investment activity, they are helping design the operating models, technology platforms, and data strategies that will shape the future of the buy-side industry.

What Does a Head of Investment Operations Do?

A Head of Investment Operations is responsible for overseeing the operational infrastructure that supports an investment firm's portfolio management activities. Their role is to ensure that investment processes run efficiently, accurately, and in accordance with regulatory and client requirements.

Depending on the organization, responsibilities may include:

Leading investment operations teams
Managing trade execution support, settlements, and reconciliations
Overseeing portfolio accounting and investment data
Driving operating model transformation
Improving operational efficiency through automation and AI
Managing relationships with custodians, administrators, and technology providers
Strengthening operational resilience and risk management
Supporting new investment products and private market strategies

Today's Heads of Investment Operations are also expected to work closely with technology, data, compliance, finance, and front-office teams to modernize operations and support broader business transformation initiatives.

As investment firms continue to evolve, the role has become increasingly strategic, combining operational expertise with leadership, technology, and change management.

What Skills Are Needed in Investment Operations?

Investment operations professionals require a unique combination of technical knowledge, analytical thinking, leadership, and communication skills.

Some of the most valuable skills include:

Technical & Operational Skills

Trade lifecycle management
Portfolio accounting
Investment data management
Performance measurement
Cash and collateral management
Regulatory reporting
Operational risk management

Technology & Data Skills

Data governance
Workflow automation
AI and machine learning awareness
Investment technology platforms
Business process improvement
Digital transformation

Leadership Skills

Change management
Strategic thinking
Cross-functional collaboration
Stakeholder management
Project leadership
Communication
Problem solving

As investment operations becomes increasingly technology-driven, professionals who can combine operational expertise with data, AI, and transformation knowledge are becoming some of the most valuable leaders within the buy-side industry.

What is Investment Operations Transformation?

Investment operations transformation refers to the process of modernizing the people, processes, technology, and operating models that support investment management.

Rather than focusing on incremental improvements, transformation initiatives aim to fundamentally improve how investment firms operate by creating more efficient, scalable, and resilient operating models.

Common areas of investment operations transformation include:

Modernizing legacy technology platforms
Automating manual workflows
Improving investment data quality and governance
Supporting AI-enabled operations
Consolidating operating platforms
Enhancing operational resilience
Preparing for private markets growth
Strengthening cybersecurity and regulatory compliance

Successful transformation requires close collaboration between operations, technology, data, compliance, and investment teams. It is not simply a technology project, it is an organizational change initiative that affects every stage of the investment lifecycle.

As the investment industry continues to evolve, investment operations transformation has become a strategic priority for asset managers seeking to improve operational efficiency, support innovation, and deliver better outcomes for clients.

What Are the Biggest Challenges Facing Investment Operations Teams Today?

Today's investment operations teams are managing more complexity than ever before. As investment firms expand into private markets, adopt AI, modernize technology, and navigate evolving regulatory requirements, operations leaders are expected to deliver greater efficiency while reducing operational risk.

Some of the biggest challenges facing asset management operations today include:

Managing increasingly complex investment strategies and asset classes
Modernizing legacy technology platforms
Improving investment data quality and governance
Supporting AI and automation initiatives
Strengthening operational resilience and cybersecurity
Meeting regulatory and compliance requirements
Scaling operations while controlling costs
Attracting and retaining skilled investment operations professionals

To address these challenges, many buy-side firms are investing in operating model transformation, enterprise data management, and technology modernization to create more agile, efficient, and resilient investment operations.

How Is Technology Transforming Investment Operations?

Technology is fundamentally reshaping investment operations by helping firms automate manual processes, improve data quality, and increase operational efficiency across the investment lifecycle.

Modern asset management operations increasingly rely on cloud platforms, workflow automation, enterprise data management, advanced analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline operations and improve decision-making. These technologies enable investment firms to reduce manual effort, strengthen governance, improve client reporting, and better support complex investment strategies, including private markets.

Technology is also driving operating model transformation, allowing buy-side organizations to create more scalable operating models that improve collaboration across operations, technology, compliance, and investment teams. As digital transformation accelerates, technology has become a strategic enabler of innovation, operational resilience, and long-term business growth.

What Role Does AI Play in Investment Operations?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly important part of modern investment operations. Rather than replacing operations professionals, AI helps automate repetitive tasks, improve investment data management, identify operational risks, and generate insights that support faster and more informed decision-making.

Within asset management operations, AI is being applied to workflow automation, trade processing, reconciliations, data validation, compliance monitoring, client reporting, and operational analytics. Combined with strong enterprise data management and governance, AI enables investment firms to improve operational efficiency while supporting more scalable and resilient operating models.

As AI adoption continues to grow, successful implementation depends on high-quality data, effective governance, and thoughtful operating model transformation. For today's buy-side organizations, AI is no longer simply an emerging technology—it is becoming a core capability that helps modernize investment operations and prepare firms for the future.

What are asset management operations?

Asset management operations encompass the people, processes, technology, and controls that support the day-to-day running of an investment management firm. From trade execution and settlements to portfolio accounting, investment data management, compliance, reporting, and operational risk, asset management operations ensure investment firms can operate efficiently while meeting client and regulatory expectations.

As the investment industry evolves, asset management operations have become increasingly strategic. Today's investment operations teams are responsible not only for supporting portfolio managers but also for driving operating model transformation, improving operational efficiency, strengthening data governance, and enabling innovation across the buy-side.

Modern asset management operations are fundamental to delivering scalable, resilient investment businesses.

How Are Asset Management Operations Changing?

Asset management operations are undergoing significant transformation as firms respond to increasing market complexity, regulatory change, and rapid advances in technology.

Today's investment operations teams are expected to support private markets, improve investment data quality, adopt AI-enabled workflows, strengthen operational resilience, and deliver greater efficiency across the investment lifecycle. At the same time, firms are modernizing legacy systems, consolidating platforms, and investing in digital transformation to create scalable operating models.

Rather than acting solely as a support function, asset management operations have become a strategic driver of business performance, helping investment firms improve decision-making, reduce operational risk, and prepare for future growth

Why Are Operating Models Evolving?

Operating models across the buy-side are evolving because investment firms face greater complexity than ever before. Expanding into private markets, increasing regulatory expectations, growing volumes of investment data, and accelerating AI adoption require more agile and scalable ways of working.

Modern investment operations can no longer rely on manual processes or disconnected systems. Instead, firms are redesigning their asset management operations around automation, integrated technology platforms, enterprise data strategies, and cross-functional collaboration.

Successful operating model transformation enables organizations to improve operational efficiency, strengthen governance, reduce risk, and support long-term business growth while delivering a better experience for both clients and employees.

What Technologies Are Transforming Asset Management?

Technology is reshaping every aspect of asset management operations and investment operations. Leading investment firms are investing in artificial intelligence (AI), workflow automation, cloud platforms, enterprise data management, advanced analytics, and modern investment technology to improve operational efficiency and support business transformation.

AI is helping automate repetitive tasks, while better data governance and integrated operating platforms enable faster decision-making and greater operational resilience. Technology is also supporting private markets expansion, improving portfolio reporting, enhancing compliance, and strengthening risk management.

As a result, technology is no longer simply supporting operations, it's becoming a competitive advantage for firms looking to modernize their investment operations and scale for future growth.

How Is AI Changing Investment Operations?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming investment operations by helping firms automate manual processes, improve data quality, enhance decision-making, and increase operational efficiency across the investment lifecycle.

Within asset management operations, AI is being used to streamline reconciliations, automate workflows, strengthen investment data management, support compliance, detect operational risk, and generate actionable insights from large volumes of information. Combined with modern investment technology and data platforms, AI enables buy-side firms to build more scalable and resilient operating models.

While AI continues to evolve, successful adoption depends on strong governance, high-quality data, and effective operating model transformation. For today's investment operations leaders, AI is no longer simply an emerging technology,it's becoming a key driver of innovation, productivity, and long-term competitive advantage.

What is Operating Model Transformation?

Operating model transformation is the process of redesigning how an organization delivers its products, services, and investment capabilities. Within asset management operations, this means modernizing the people, processes, technology, and governance that support the investment lifecycle.

For today's investment operations leaders, operating model transformation often includes workflow automation, enterprise data management, AI adoption, technology modernization, and improving operational resilience. As investment firms expand into private markets and face increasing regulatory and client expectations, modern operating models help improve operational efficiency, reduce risk, and create a scalable foundation for future growth.

Operating model transformation has become a strategic priority for buy-side firms looking to remain competitive in an increasingly complex investment landscape.

What is Operational Resilience?

Operational resilience is an organization's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from operational disruptions while continuing to deliver critical business services.

Within investment operations and asset management operations, operational resilience includes strengthening technology platforms, improving data quality, managing operational risk, enhancing cybersecurity, and building scalable operating models that can withstand market volatility and regulatory change.

As investment firms adopt AI, expand into private markets, and modernize legacy infrastructure, operational resilience has become essential for maintaining business continuity and protecting investors. Strong operational resilience enables buy-side firms to adapt quickly, reduce disruption, and support long-term business performance.

What are Private Market Operations?

Private market operations refer to the operational processes that support investments in private equity, private credit, infrastructure, real estate, venture capital, and other alternative asset classes.

Unlike public markets, private markets involve more complex reporting, valuation, cash management, investor servicing, and regulatory requirements. As a result, investment operations teams must manage increasingly sophisticated workflows, investment data, and technology platforms to support these strategies efficiently.

As more asset managers and institutional investors increase their allocations to private markets, modern asset management operations, enterprise data management, and operating model transformation have become critical to supporting growth while maintaining operational efficiency and operational resilience.

What is Enterprise Data Management?

Enterprise Data Management (EDM) is the process of collecting, managing, governing, and maintaining high-quality data across an organization.

Within investment operations and asset management operations, enterprise data management ensures that portfolio, client, market, reference, and operational data remain accurate, consistent, and accessible across investment systems.

Strong enterprise data management supports better investment decision-making, improves operational efficiency, enables AI and automation initiatives, strengthens regulatory compliance, and reduces operational risk. As investment firms continue their digital transformation, enterprise data management has become a critical foundation for modern investment operations and operating model transformation.

What Does a Chief Operating Officer Do in Asset Management?

A Chief Operating Officer (COO) in asset management is responsible for overseeing the operational performance of an investment firm. The COO ensures that investment operations, technology, data, compliance, finance, and business functions work together efficiently to support investment professionals and clients.

Today's asset management COOs play a strategic role in leading operating model transformation, improving operational efficiency, strengthening operational resilience, modernizing technology platforms, and preparing organizations for AI-driven innovation.

As the investment industry evolves, the COO has become a key leader in shaping the future of asset management operations, helping firms scale their business while managing complexity, regulatory requirements, and changing client expectations.

What Does a Chief Data Officer Do?

A Chief Data Officer (CDO) is responsible for developing an organization's data strategy and ensuring that data is managed as a strategic business asset.

Within investment operations and asset management operations, the Chief Data Officer oversees enterprise data management, data governance, data quality, analytics, AI readiness, and regulatory compliance. The role works closely with operations, technology, investment, and transformation teams to improve decision-making and support digital transformation initiatives.

As investment firms increasingly rely on AI, automation, and advanced analytics, the Chief Data Officer plays a critical role in enabling operating model transformation, improving operational efficiency, and building the data foundations required for modern investment operations.

What is AssetOps?

AssetOps is a buy-side investment operations conference and year-round community designed for senior leaders responsible for investment operations, asset management operations, technology, data, compliance, and business transformation.

Through executive conferences, thought leadership, and peer-to-peer networking, AssetOps brings together COOs, Heads of Investment Operations, Chief Data Officers, Chief Technology Officers, and transformation leaders from leading asset managers, institutional investors, pension funds, insurers, and alternative investment firms.

AssetOps focuses on the practical challenges shaping modern investment operations, including operating model transformation, AI adoption, private markets, enterprise data management, operational resilience, and technology modernization.

Our mission is simple:

Where US operations leaders turn transformation into execution.

What Makes AssetOps Different?

Unlike many financial services conferences, AssetOps is designed exclusively for the buy-side investment community.

Every aspect of the event is built around the priorities of senior investment operations and asset management operations leaders responsible for driving transformation within their organizations.

AssetOps is distinguished by:

Buy-side only audience of senior decision-makers
Peer-led discussions focused on practical experiences rather than sales presentations
A dedicated investment operations conference agenda covering today's most important operational challenges
Sessions held under the Chatham House Rule, creating an environment for open and candid discussion
A focus on operating model transformation, AI, private markets, enterprise data management, and operational resilience

AssetOps is more than a conference, it's a trusted community where investment operations professionals learn from peers facing the same challenges.

Who Speaks at AssetOps?

AssetOps features senior executives responsible for shaping the future of investment operations and asset management operations across the buy-side.

Speakers include:

Chief Operating Officers (COOs)
Heads of Investment Operations
Chief Technology Officers (CTOs)
Chief Data Officers (CDOs)
Chief Compliance Officers (CCOs)
Heads of Transformation
Operations and Technology Leaders
Investment Data and AI Leaders

Our speakers come from leading asset managers, institutional investors, pension funds, insurers, wealth managers, and alternative investment firms. Rather than delivering product presentations, they share practical experiences, lessons learned, and real-world strategies for modernizing investment operations and leading organizational transformation.

Which Firms Attend AssetOps?

AssetOps welcomes senior leaders from some of the world's leading asset managers, institutional investors, pension funds, insurers, wealth management firms, and alternative investment organizations.

Attending firms represent a broad cross-section of the buy-side industry, including organizations responsible for investment operations, asset management operations, investment technology, enterprise data management, operational resilience, and business transformation.

Previous AssetOps events have welcomed leaders from firms including Northern Trust Asset Management, Manulife Wealth, Harris | Oakmark, Great Lakes Advisors, Meeder Investment Management, Diamond Hill, Brookfield Asset Management, CPP Investments, RBC Global Asset Management, BlackRock, BMO Global Asset Management, AIMCo, and many more.

Each event brings together a carefully curated audience to encourage meaningful networking, peer learning, and practical discussions among senior decision-makers.

Why Should Investment Operations Professionals Attend AssetOps?

The role of investment operations has never been more important.

Today's leaders are expected to modernize asset management operations, support AI adoption, strengthen enterprise data management, improve operational resilience, and create operating models that can scale with increasingly complex investment strategies.

AssetOps provides a unique opportunity to learn directly from senior practitioners who are leading this transformation across the buy-side.

Attendees gain practical insights into operating model transformation, private markets operations, AI, technology modernization, and investment data strategy while benchmarking their own initiatives against peers from leading investment firms.

Whether you're a COO, Head of Investment Operations, technology leader, or transformation executive, AssetOps offers practical ideas, valuable industry connections, and actionable strategies that can be applied immediately within your organization

AssetOps Chicago

About the Event