Introduction

In today’s fast-paced investment landscape, asset managers and analysts handle vast amounts of research data. Managing this information efficiently is crucial for making informed decisions, maintaining compliance, and gaining a competitive edge. Without a structured system, research can become fragmented, difficult to access, and prone to duplication or loss.

This article answers key questions: What is a research management system (RMS)? and What are the key features and benefits? We’ll explore the different types of RMS used in asset management, their benefits, and how they compare to other management tools.

What Is an RMS?

A Research Management System (RMS) is a software platform designed to centralise, organise, and streamline research workflows for investment professionals. It enables portfolio managers, analysts, and research teams to store, track, analyse, and share research data efficiently.

The definition of an RMS in asset management revolves around its ability to act as a centralised repository for research that enhances compliance, improves collaboration, and automates research workflows. By leveraging an RMS, investment teams can ensure that critical insights are easily accessible, audit trails are maintained, and workflows are optimised.

Types of Research Management Systems

1. Generalist Research Management Systems

These RMS platforms serve as all-in-one research hubs for asset managers, providing tools for note-taking, document storage, compliance tracking, and workflow automation.

2. Compliance-Focused RMS

Designed for firms that prioritise regulatory adherence, these RMS platforms ensure research records are properly maintained for audits and regulatory compliance (e.g., SEC, MiFID II). Features include detailed audit trails, access controls, and approval workflows. Firms conducting ESG research rely on RMS platforms to manage sustainability data and compliance requirements.

3. Quantitative Research Management Systems

These are designed for quant-driven investment teams that integrate research with data science tools, machine learning models, and alternative data sources. They provide APIs for custom data analysis and quantitative research automation.

4. Fundamental Research Management Systems

Used by firms conducting deep fundamental analysis, these RMS platforms help analysts track company financials, earnings calls, industry trends, and ESG data.

5. Embedded RMS in Multi-Function Platforms

Some asset managers use RMS solutions that are integrated within broader investment platforms, combining research with portfolio management, trading, and analytics.

Benefits of Using a Research Management System

Improved Productivity and Time Management

An RMS helps research teams organise their workflows efficiently, reducing time spent searching for information and increasing productivity. Features such as automated tagging, advanced search, and version control enable quick retrieval of relevant insights.

Enhanced Collaboration Between Research Teams

Collaboration is vital for successful investment research. RMS platforms provide real-time sharing and version control, enabling analysts and portfolio managers to work together seamlessly. Investment firms use team collaboration tools within an RMS to ensure all stakeholders stay aligned and informed.

Better Compliance and Data Governance

For asset managers, regulatory compliance is a major concern. An RMS helps maintain audit trails, access controls, and data retention policies, ensuring research records comply with industry regulations such as SEC and MiFID II.

Reduced Risk of Data Loss or Duplication

With an RMS, all research is securely stored in a centralised, searchable database, reducing the chances of lost, duplicated, or outdated information. Automated backups and user permissions ensure data integrity across teams.

RMS vs Other Management Tools: How They Compare

Differences Between RMS and Project Management Tools

While project management tools like Asana or Trello help teams track tasks and deadlines, they lack the structured research storage, compliance tracking, and financial data integration that an RMS provides. RMS platforms are specifically built to manage investment research, ensuring long-term research tracking and compliance.

RMS vs Knowledge Management Platforms

Knowledge management tools focus on storing and retrieving general organisational knowledge, but they do not offer the specialised research tracking, compliance features, and financial market data integrations of an RMS.

CalibreRMS offers a next generation, customisable RMS which brings together the best of knowledge and data management platforms, together with workflow management tooling.

Summary of RMS Options in the Market

There are various RMS solutions available for asset managers, each catering to different needs. Some of the leading options include:

• CalibreRMS – A comprehensive platform designed for asset managers, offering deep data management capabilities across fundamental and ESG data sets, along with qualitative research flows, and compliance and research tracking features.
• Verity RMS – A compliance-focused RMS supporting qualitative research workflows, some data integrations and display, audit trails and approval workflows.
• Bipsync – A generalist RMS with strong usability and workflow automation, with origins in serving hedge funds
• FactSet RMS – A solution that integrates research with broader investment and data analytics tools available from FactSet
• Bloomberg Terminal (with RMS features) – A multi-function platform that includes limited RMS functionality alongside trading and analytics.

Why Every Research Team Needs an RMS

For asset managers, an RMS is not just a tool—it is a necessity. The ability to centralise research, improve collaboration, ensure compliance, and prevent data loss gives investment teams a significant advantage.

In the fast-moving world of asset management, research efficiency is critical. Whether a firm relies on fundamental analysis, quantitative research, or ESG factors, an RMS provides the structure and automation needed to make better investment decisions. By implementing an RMS, firms can enhance productivity, compliance, and investment outcomes in an increasingly complex market landscape.