Yet acquisition is only one step in a transaction’s success. Deriving value from the acquired assets relies on a sound integration strategy — something 28% of WAM executives say is their biggest transactional risk.
Hiring talent poses the biggest challenge to organizational growth
While WAM executives say slowing economic activity is the biggest risk to their business, identifying and hiring talent is top of mind within their own organization.
To address the talent issue, 26% say they plan on increasing the use of technology, automation and AI. Yet there is often an overestimation in the short term and an underestimation in the long term of what automation and AI can deliver. As a result, many WAM companies have yet to exploit their full potential. This may, in part, explain why, in addition to prioritizing technology, WAM companies still see value in a permanent workforce, with 22% saying they plan on hiring more full-time staff.