Article

Outsmart the data devil: Turn details into advantages 

Thumb 2

In the world of wealth management, trust is currency. Clients depend on advisors and the firms to make precise, informed decisions that protect and grow their assets. Yet, this is where the ‘data devil’ tends to hide: They do not appear in the big, glaring mistakes, but in small, seemingly harmless errors, such as a mistyped field, a stale valuation, an inconsistent risk score, or a misaligned account record. These details quietly shape recommendations, compliance judgement, reports and client conversations.  

Data accuracy is the backbone of client confidence and operational integrity. Inaccurate data isn’t just inefficient for making advice, it creates reputational and regulatory risk. 

When small data errors become big problems 
In most firms, data inaccuracies begin subtly and accumulate over time. Their impact, however, is anything but subtle. Consider how small data discrepancies can easily cascade: 

  1. Client reporting 
  2. Data discrepancies can arise in several cri 
  3. Portfolio management 
  4. Compliance and regulatory

 

Risk 

Client Reporting 

Portfolio Management 

Compliance and Regulatory 

What causes data discrepancies? 

Incorrect cost-basis data skews performance reporting. 

Inconsistent risk scores trigger misaligned allocations. 

Incorrect client suitability attributes lead to supervision issues. 

Missing account attributes lead to incomplete household views. 

Incorrect security classifications undermine diversification strategies. 

Misclassified accounts trigger inaccurate disclosures. 

Outdated benchmarks distort portfolio comparisons. 

Duplicated accounts distort AUM calculations and portfolio drift monitoring. 

Errors in KYC or AML data create audit findings or fines. 

Consequences 

Clients question their advisor, and advisors question their systems. 

Small inaccuracies erode the precision clients expect. 

Regulators don’t differentiate between small and large errors—only between compliant and noncompliant. 

 

The advantages of high data accuracy  
Firms which prioritise high standards in data accuracy unlock strategic advantages. By reducing compliance risk and easing examination friction, they create a foundation of trust and reliability. Accurate data delivers more actionable client insights, enabling advisors to spend less time reconciling errors and more time providing meaningful advice. This precision translates into higher client satisfaction through consistent interactions and supports advanced initiatives like AI and personalisation, which heavily depend on reliable data. Accuracy doesn’t slow the business down. It accelerates the data workflow in the long run. 

Turning details into strategic advantages 
Organisations need a culture where accuracy is intentional, measurable, and owned by everyone. Business do not need to dive into every field nor review every data point to unlock strategic advantage. 

Let Securys help you turn risk into reward: 

  1. Strengthen client and account data at the source
    Most wealth management errors start during onboarding or data entry. Preventing errors up front improves the entire lifecycle of the relationship. To cultivate the data accuracy culture, business can standardised client attribute requirements on the onboarding platform/tool. Setting a data checkpoint for data suitability and documentation completeness can strengthen data reliability.

Wealth management platforms, legacy systems, custodial feeds, and third-party tools often hold conflicting information. A unified data architecture, paired with strong data stewardship eliminate discrepancies that undermine reporting, recommendations, and risk oversight. 

  1. Make accuracy visible and measurable
    To foster accountability and continuous improvement, firms can track and share key data quality indicators. Making these metrics visible across teams ensures transparency and reinforces the principle that visibility drives accountability.

  2. Advisors are your partners in data quality
    Wealth managers advisors are critical and valuable stakeholders, not data-entry clerks. Equip advisors with better understanding on data privacy and data quality. Provide clear guidance on required client data, deliver training and awareness then show advisors’ their own data quality metrics. When advisors grasp the purpose behind data accuracy, it transforms from a task into a shared commitment.

Precision wins: the devil is in the details 
Wealth management is built on precision, personalisation, and trust. At the heart of every successful client relationship lies trust; and trust begins with data. To truly outsmart the data devil, prioritising accuracy and safeguarding privacy, Securys ensure that every insight is reliable and every interaction is secure. These pillars aren’t just best practices; they’re the foundation of confidence that empowers clients to make bold, informed decisions. In the end, the firms that master the details will own the advantage. 

 

 

Act now and speak to us about your privacy requirements

Start a conversation about how Privacy Made Practical® can benefit your business.

Click here to contact us.

Back to top