For obvious reasons, many of the largest asset management firms struggle with massive data volumes, silos and processes. 

Automating process and using data just once - but for many purposes - is increasingly seen as the best way for asset managers to respond to the demand for 24/7 reporting capability.

The middle office was once tasked solely with processing front office data. Not anymore. Today middle office teams are not only expected to feed into execution and settlement processes. 

The middle office will remain fundamental to the effective operation of asset management businesses but it will also face fundamental challenges.