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Regulatory expectations are no longer moving in a single direction. They are diverging. EY ’ s 2026 regulatory outlook highlights a clear trend towards localisation and jurisdictional nuance. For globally active alternative investment firms, this creates a complex reality: global operating models must now evidence local compliance in multiple directions at once. At the same time, the FCA ’s 2025/26 work programme sharpens its focus on operational resilience, third-party ove

How AI is reshaping cyber risk and online safety duties for regulated firms. Explore governance, proportionate controls and user protection in an AI-enabled threat landscape.

Operational resilience has moved decisively up the regulatory and executive agenda. In 2026, it is no longer viewed simply as a defensive requirement or a compliance exercise. Instead, resilience is increasingly treated as a visible marker of governance quality, leadership maturity and organisational credibility, particularly in the alternative investments sector. This shift reflects a broader regulatory environment shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, technological accelerati

A new security reality for a distributed industry Hedge funds today operate in an environment defined by mobility, interconnected platforms and rising threat sophistication. Distributed workflows, SaaS adoption and hybrid teams have expanded the attack surface beyond the traditional perimeter - a challenge that the alternative investment sector recognises all too well. A1 supports firms across these environments, helping them stay secure, scalable and ready for market movemen

How financial services firms can maintain agility while protecting data, systems and investor trust. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) applications have become embedded into the daily operations of financial services firms. From CRM platforms and portfolio analytics tools to collaboration suites and workflow automation, SaaS offers efficiency, scalability and speed. The shift to cloud-first models has enabled firms to modernise operations without the capital expenditure traditiona

How FCA-regulated firms can harness the power of generative AI without compromising on governance, data protection or investor trust. Generative AI is no longer a distant frontier. Across financial services, it is redefining how firms analyse data, produce documentation and streamline investment operations. For hedge funds competing in complex markets, its potential to boost productivity and decision-making is undeniable. Yet as innovation accelerates, the FCA’s evolving expe

In the days when staff, servers and data were onsite, appliance-based firewalls protected everything within that perimeter. They acted as a gateway between the corporate network and the internet. But technology has moved on and so has the world. Workforces are now hybrid, with employees accessing SaaS systems (such as Microsoft Office 365, Bloomberg Anywhere and Salesforce) from multiple locations and via various devices. For hedge funds, operations are increasingly globalise

The rise of deep-fake technology represents one of the most significant and fast-evolving risks facing hedge funds today.

Cybercriminals are evolving and so are their targets. While finance teams and C-suite executives have historically drawn the focus of social engineering campaigns, IT teams are now firmly in the crosshairs. With privileged access to systems, networks and sensitive data, IT personnel represent a critical vulnerability point. A recent high-profile incident involving Marks & Spencer offers a stark reminder of how these risks are playing out in real time - and what firms must do

When businesses think of cybersecurity threats, they often look outward. But increasingly, internal risks, particularly within technical...

Recent high-profile cyberattacks on UK retailers, such as Harrods, the Co-op and Marks & Spencer, have highlighted the increasingly...

At the recent HFM With Intelligence Women's Network Lunch (March 2025), our Founding Partner, Carrie Whamond, alongside a group of...

In the ever-evolving landscape of financial services, compliance with Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulations is not just a...

Operational resilience is a critical concern for financial services firms, particularly as the Bank of England mandates enhanced...

In 2025, the financial services sector stands at the forefront of digital transformation, embracing emerging technologies that redefine...

By Carrie Whamond, Founding Partner at Alternit One In the world of finance, many of us thrive on high-stakes decision-making and...

By Carrie Whamond, Founding Partner at Alternit One Part 1 of this series explored the first signs of a cyberattack and the initial...

When selecting an operational software provider, two key players often stand out: Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. Both platforms...

By Carrie Whamond, Founding Partner at Alternit One Cybersecurity is now a board-level priority for every business, and for Chief...

In today’s rapidly evolving financial market, effective communication and collaboration are vital for maintaining a competitive edge. The...