Acuity’s BEAT Edge – Revolutionising investment consultant databases

Published on September 24, 2025 by Venkatesh Rao

BEAT Edge – Acuity Knowledge Partners’ award-winning proprietary platform – has brought about significant changes in investment consultant databases and overall CDB maintenance.

Data management challenges

In a world where timing is everything, speed and accuracy are non-negotiable. Data lies at the core of successful asset management. However, the timely, accurate and effective management of an ever-growing volume of data – in terms of number and narrative – can be challenging in today’s complex world  Traditionally, investment consultant databases (CDBs) were static, requiring manual updates and reactive inputs. While they provided value, they lacked agility. Analysts had to spend half their time digging through spreadsheets, reports and unstructured data to piece together all the insights.

Need for transformation

As CDB maintenance becomes more complex and investors demand real-time, high-impact insights, the old ways just do not suffice. The goal is not just to store information, but to ensure that accurate data is readily available on time for analysis and distribution. A robust, up-to-date investment consultant database can be the difference between seizing an opportunity and watching it slip away. In fact, 71% asset managers believe increased reliance on data and analytics will be a top trend over the next 3-5 years^[1].

So, say goodbye to stale data and get acquainted with the BEAT Edge platform and its capabilities to truly transform CDB maintenance. BEAT Edge is not just a platform; it is a full-blown end-to-end CDB update instrument that slashes turnaround times by 20-30% and boosts operational efficiency by sourcing data in any format and then cleanses, validates, formats and updates it across databases – all done by combining smart technologies and specialist staff to ensure end-to-end high-quality CDB updates.

Comprehensive solution

This all-in-one solution ensures 100% database coverage across online, offline and DDQ platforms. It streamlines operations, guaranteeing effective data governance and efficiency at every step.

Managing quantitative and qualitative data

Today, amid heightened expectations around data transparency and near-real-time updates, one area that presents ongoing complexity is the need to manage both structured and unstructured data. On one hand, quantitative data (such as assets under management, performance metrics and portfolio characteristics) must be updated frequently, typically following monthly or quarterly cycles. These data points often originate from multiple internal systems and require standardisation and quality control before they are uploaded to consultant portals. On the other hand, qualitative information (such as environmental, social and governance information, narratives, investment philosophy, descriptions, personnel updates and firm-level disclosures) requires consistent editorial oversight. Although these elements are updated less frequently, their accuracy and relevance are essential for effectively communicating strategy and governance practices to consultants and institutional clients. The need to across documentations, factsheets and consultant templates adds to the complexity.

Operational efficiency

BEAT Edge addresses the above-mentioned operational demands by offering a structured environment for the end-to-end maintenance of CDBs  Rather than focusing on fixed automation alone, the platform combines systematic data handling with workflows that support review cycles, historical restatements and narrative consistency. Quantitative data updates are typically managed within T+1 to T+3-time frames, while qualitative updates (including document uploads and commentary refreshes) follow quarterly, semiannual, or ad hoc review cycles. By integrating both data types within a single framework, BEAT Edge facilitates greater consistency, reduces turnaround times and improves  across consultant-facing outputs, achieving over 97% accurate and timely data uploads. The ability to manage continued data updates alongside periodic content changes helps asset managers accurately and efficiently maintain their presence across CDBs.

Cost efficiency and strategic insights

All the above magic lies in integrated automation, as it updates CDBs in real time, accelerates the reporting process and transforms CDBs from a storage vault to a strategic weapon. By streamlining workflows and reducing manual intervention, our tool has helped firms realise 30-40% cost efficiencies, making operations not only smarter but significantly more economical.

From industry heatmaps to competitor benchmarking, every chart tells a strategic story. All these are meticulously documented for seamless knowledge retention so that asset managers can co-analyse, annotate and export insights seamlessly by integrating BEAT Edge and can focus on strategic decision-making instead of wrestling with data.

Bridging the gap

Investors do not need more information; they need real-time, high impact and smart insights. BEAT Edge bridges this gap by infusing CDBs with intelligence, agility and foresight.

At Acuity Knowledge Partners, we are proud to be a leading provider of investment consultant database  solutions. Our expertise is unparalleled, reflected in a proven record of enhancing the capabilities of over 60 asset managers globally, including 20 of the top 50 global asset managers. Our dedicated teams work directly with asset managers, combining deep domain expertise with technology-driven solutions (including BEAT Edge) to streamline CDB management and enable more effective use of data.

If you are still relying on stale data to win new business/mandates, it is time for an upgrade.

With BEAT Edge, you do not just manage consultant data – You Master It.

So, are you ready to elevate your consultant strategy? Discover how BEAT Edge can streamline your data workflows, sharpen your messaging, and unlock deeper insights across your distribution efforts. Whether you're collaborating with a database consultant to optimize internal systems or engaging an investment consultant to refine your outreach, BEAT Edge integrates seamlessly to enhance your team's efficiency and impact.

Schedule a personalized demo today and see how leading asset managers are using Acuity’s BEAT Edge to stay ahead of the curve.

Sources

• https://www.bnymellon.com/content/dam/bnymellon/content-data/asset-management-survey/asset/future-of-asset-management-data-still-dominates.pdf

• Introduction to Investment Databases – Nasdaq eVestment Help & Learning Center

• https://acuitykp.com

• EDGE in Consultant Database (CDB) Uploads | Acuity Knowledge Partners

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