At #GlobalAltsMiami 2026, Richard Itri, Chief Innovation Officer at ECI joined a standout panel discussion on a question that is becoming more important across alternatives: How are top allocators actually using AI - and how do they separate real applications from market hype? In “Data as the New Alpha: How Top Allocators Extract Edge”, speakers from PAAMCO Prisma and FERI joined Rich on a panel moderated by Natalia Kniazhevich, US Market Reporter for Bloomberg News, to explore how firms are applying AI in practice across investment research, operational efficiency, behavioural analytics, risk management and due diligence. A clear theme ran through the session: AI is no longer interesting simply because it exists. What matters now is how specifically it is being used, what data it relies on and whether it creates measurable advantage. For allocators, managers and operational leaders alike, that is where the real conversation has moved. Watch the full session here: https://lnkd.in/dM-jibnH If your firm is considering how to approach AI with more clarity and control, Ryan Jones and Jack Rankin would be glad to discuss your journey. #ArtificialIntelligence #AlternativeInvestments #DataStrategy
ECI
Information Technology & Services
Boston, Massachusetts 75,750 followers
Premier MSP and MSSP, specializing in cybersecurity, cloud, AI and data solutions for the alternative financial industry
About us
Founded in 1995, ECI is the market leader in end-to-end technology solutions for the financial industry. We enable 1000+ forward-thinking organizations around the world to reach new performance levels through innovative technology solutions that drive business transformation. ECI uniquely understands the high touch needs of organizations in the financial space and our experience servicing these global leaders gives ECI the edge as your trusted technology partner. With offices across the United States, Europe, and Asia, we provide localized, personalized service on a global scale. ECI employs more than 900 professionals around the world, and we have a proven track record of employing the best employees which is important when building out teams to support clients.
- Website
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http://www.eci.com
External link for ECI
- Industry
- Information Technology & Services
- Company size
- 501-1,000 employees
- Headquarters
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Type
- Privately Held
- Founded
- 1995
- Specialties
- Outsourced IT Services, Private Cloud Services & Hosted IT, Worldwide Information Technology Support and Services, Disaster Recovery Services, Private Cloud Services, Managed Cloud Solutions, Cybersecurity, and Digital Services
Locations
Employees at ECI
Updates
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What if explaining your business problem could automatically generate an AI system to solve it? That is the vision explored in ECI’s Agentic AI breakout session at #GlobalAltsMiami 2026, featuring Richard Itri (ECI) and Chris Coulthrust (Microsoft). The concept demonstrated in the session is powerful: an AI system interviews a subject-matter expert about a business challenge - much like a consultant would. From that conversation it can: • Translate the discussion into structured requirements • Map workflows and roles • Identify the data needed • Generate a working MVP using synthetic data. This dramatically shortens the journey from idea → prototype → production. For investment firms under pressure to innovate, that shift could reshape how AI projects are delivered. Watch the full session here: https://lnkd.in/dM-jibnH If you are exploring how agentic AI could support your firm’s strategy, reach out to Ryan Jones or Jack Rankin to start the conversation. #ArtificialIntelligence #FinancialServices #AgenticAI
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The most effective organizations aren’t asking whether Copilot saves time. They’re asking how it supports better decisions, stronger collaboration and more intelligent ways of working. Copilot becomes more powerful as its context expands but only when extension is deliberate and governed. That’s why adoption isn’t a one-time rollout but an ongoing journey of measurement, enrichment and optimization. In a recent article, we explore how firms are operationalizing Microsoft Copilot as part of a broader enterprise intelligence strategy. Read the full article on the ECI website: https://lnkd.in/eXB_ma9s #ArtificialIntelligence #EnterpriseTransformation #FutureOfWork
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Join the ECI team for our webinar on the hot topic of the moment; which AI Assistant offers you and your firm the capability and security that you need? March 31 2026 11am ET; 4PM BST Register here: https://lnkd.in/eZrzyvki #AIassistants #AIsecurity
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One of the most interesting debates emerging in AI adoption today is build vs buy. During ECI’s breakout session at #GlobalAltsMiami 2026, CIO Richard Itri and Chris Coulthrust from Microsoft discussed how the economics of AI development are changing. Historically, investment firms relied on third-party platforms for specialised capabilities. But with modern AI tooling and code generation, the balance is shifting. In many cases, firms can now build tailored AI agents more quickly and cost-effectively than purchasing rigid third-party solutions. Why this matters for alternative investment firms: • Every hedge fund or private markets investor operates differently • Competitive edge often lies in proprietary workflows • AI systems are most valuable when they reflect how the firm actually works. Agentic AI allows firms to design systems around their own data, processes and security environment. Watch the full discussion here: https://lnkd.in/dM-jibnH To explore what this could look like for your organization, connect with Ryan Jones or Jack Rankin. #AIinFinance #AgenticAI #InvestmentInnovation
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An excellent evening at Quaglino’s on Tuesday with industry peers. Great food, great company, and even better conversation — particularly around how firms are moving beyond AI experimentation towards scalable, well‑governed operating models. It was refreshing to hear such honest perspectives from peers across the industry. A big thank you to everyone who joined us. We look forward to continuing the dialogue. Dean Hill Katie Gough Dan Simpson Brian Mason #1ECI #MISP #AI
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Infrastructure keeps firms running. Intelligence helps them outperform. Alternative investment firms generate vast amounts of data - from market signals to operational metrics. The firms that succeed are those that can structure, secure and interpret that data in real time. A Modern Intelligence Service Provider helps transform raw information into decision-ready insight - without compromising governance or control. Explore ECI’s intelligence-led services: https://lnkd.in/eTUBdQ-M #AlternativeInvestments #DataIntelligence #InvestmentOperations
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Join the ECI team for our webinar on the hot topic of the moment; which AI Assistant offers you and your firm the capability and security that you need? March 31 2026 11am ET; 4PM BST Register here: https://lnkd.in/eZrzyvki #AIassistants #AIsecurity
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