2026 Research Report

Alternative Data Buy-side Insights & Trends 2026

Insights from 100 fundamental portfolio managers and analysts on the application of alternative data in investment management – including, future outlook, challenges, budgets, technology and the role of AI.

Alternative Data Buy-side Insights & Trends 2026

Alternative data remains a critical driver of alpha generation for institutional investors. The market continued to expand through 2025, with no signs of slowing. Notably, 100% of survey respondents agreed that the use of alternative data is becoming increasingly important for firms seeking innovative sources of alpha. Investors are now looking ahead to next-generation technology platforms and AI to further enhance how alternative data informs investment strategies.

In January 2026, we commissioned Pureprofile to conduct an anonymous survey with 100 fundamental portfolio managers and investment analysts across the US, UK, Singapore and Hong Kong, collectively managing approximately ~$610 billion in assets. The goal was to understand their attitudes, adoption levels, and challenges related to alternative data.

key takeaways

57%

of investment managers said that employment data would provide “an outsized informational edge in the near future”

43%

of investment managers stated that “data evaluation” was the most challenging stage of the alternative data workflow

94%

of investment managers are already using AI and/or machine learning in their alternative data research process.

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This document is provided by Exabel AS. It is for information purposes only. It is not an invitation or inducement to engage in any investment activity and it does not contain investment advice. The information in this document shall not be relied on in making any investment decision or in connection with any contract or otherwise. Exabel AS makes no representation regarding, and accepts no liability or duty of care for, the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the information in this document or its fitness for any particular purpose or use. 

© Exabel AS, 2026

Exabel is a financial technology company based in Oslo, New York and London.

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