Breaking Down IT Silos in Global Investment Firms

As investment banks and asset managers expand globally, technology teams often become fragmented—each region or division maintaining its own systems, data, and processes. The result? IT silos that slow integration, complicate compliance, and hinder collaboration. 

In 2025, eliminating these silos is no longer optional—it’s essential. Here’s how global investment firms can strategically dismantle IT barriers and streamline operations across borders. 

1. Consolidate Platforms Through a Global Integration Center of Excellence

IT silos often originate from decentralized decision-making and historical system choices. Establishing an Integration Competency Center (ICC)—or Center of Excellence—provides unified governance and technical leadership across regions. The ICC defines standards, builds shared APIs, manages data transformation with iPaaS, and ensures consistent application of best practices. 

2. Use iPaaS and API-Led Integration to Connect Disparate Applications

Cloud-first integration platforms (iPaaS) allow finance teams to connect core systems—trading, CRM, portfolio management, back-office systems—without heavy custom coding. Pre-built connectors reduce integration time, provide secure data exchange, and break down functional and regional data silos. 

3. Align Tech Strategy With The “Integrated Firm” Mindset

Leading investment banks, including Morgan Stanley (“The Integrated Firm”) and Goldman Sachs (“OneGS”), prioritize cross-divisional collaboration to enhance execution and client service  Technology managers play a pivotal role in enabling integrated workflows—supporting deals that span areas like M&A, sales, trading, and wealth management. 

4. Implement Enterprise Architecture for Coherent IT Design

A strong Enterprise Architecture (EA) practice aligns business strategy with IT systems globally. EA ensures consistent data models, standards, integration patterns, and eliminates redundant systems—leading to cost savings, improved interoperability, and faster technology rollouts. 

5. Bridge Cultural and Regional Barriers

Integration isn’t just technical—it's also human. Teams in different regions may operate in isolation due to varying tools, languages, or local incentives . To promote cross-border cohesion, firms should: 

• Rotate tech staff across regions 

• Maintain centralized documentation and collaboration portals 

• Align performance objectives to encourage global integration 

6. Track KPIs That Reflect Integration Progress

To measure success, track metrics like: 

• Percentage of systems connected to the global data layer 

• Reduction in duplicate data repositories 

• Efficiency gains in reporting or workflows 

• Compliance readiness across jurisdictions 

A metrics-driven approach ensures you deconstruct silos without losing local agility. 

Conclusion: Unified IT Builds a Competitive Edge 

Investment firms that break down IT silos win on multiple fronts—efficiency, compliance readiness, innovation, and client experience. By combining iPaaS tools, enterprise architecture, centers of excellence, and collaborative culture, global tech leaders can shift from fragmented systems to unified digital platforms. 

Need help unifying your global investment firm’s IT environment?

We partner with investment banks and global asset managers to build integrated, scalable IT infrastructures that support growth—not silos.