When we reimagined what Client Day would be this year, we did it with two of our core Kurtosys values front and centre: bravery and transparency.
For years, these events followed a familiar format – full-day sessions, packed agendas, and a marathon of PowerPoints. But this time, we tried something new. A crisp May morning. A historic London venue. A full English breakfast (yes, complete with sausage, bacon, and eggs). And three tightly curated conversations: one about our product roadmap, one focused on accessibility, and one on the future of data.
We hosted the event at Barber-Surgeons’ Hall, a striking guild hall tucked behind the Museum of London – complete with oak panelling, courtyard views, and an atmosphere that encouraged conversation. It was the perfect setting for a more focused and personal event.
And change was exactly what we asked our clients to think about.
Lee Godfrey (Chief Executive Officer at Kurtosys) welcomes Kurtosys clients at Client Day, held on 22 May 2025 at Barber-Surgeons’ Hall, London.
Demos, data, and direction
We opened with a roadmap session led by Patrick McKenna (Chief Commercial Officer), Sunil Odedra (Chief Technology Officer) and I. Each of us focused on a different dimension of the product:
- Pat addressed the growing gap between what investors want and what asset managers currently deliver. According to our latest survey, 94% of managers support the use of AI, but only 53% provide full digital access to data. Closing that gap is central to our work across the digital experience.
- Sunil introduced our vision for a more accessible approach to dataset creation. Traditionally, generating datasets has required advanced technical knowledge – often SQL – creating a barrier for business users. We’re working to lower that barrier, using natural language tools to make dataset creation intuitive, fast, and less dependent on technical teams. Our ambition is to empower asset management teams to access and use datasets without needing to code. We’re continuing to refine, learn, and evolve – and we’re excited about what’s coming next.
- I wrapped the session by presenting our new flexible PowerPoint reporting solution. Designed to streamline the creation of fund decks and marketing materials, it enables teams to embed dynamic data directly into presentations – removing manual data updates, reducing spreadsheet dependencies, and ensuring consistent, on-brand reporting.
We’re starting client testing in June – please get in touch if you’d like to be involved. The feedback on the day was overwhelmingly positive.
Accessibility, brought to life
One of the most impactful sessions came from our partners at Level Access. We were privileged to host Corbb O’Connor, Director of Accessibility Advocacy, who spoke candidly about his lived experience as someone who is visually impaired.
But this wasn’t a compliance checklist – it was a deeply human story. Corbb shared how, after falling from a horse, he temporarily lost the use of his hands. Suddenly, he couldn’t use a keyboard or mouse – on top of being blind. It was a powerful example of situational accessibility: a reminder that any one of us could face temporary or permanent barriers at any time.
The room was silent – and then energised. Many attendees, especially from reporting teams, admitted they hadn’t considered accessibility as part of their remit. There were immediate calls for deeper sessions next time, particularly around Office and PDF accessibility.
Corbb O’Connor, Director of Accessibility Advocacy at Level Access.
We also ran a light-hearted giveaway – a free 1-hour accessibility consultation, hidden in a prize cookie.
Data remains one of the toughest challenges across asset management. The conversation quickly moved beyond technology to culture, structure, and mindset.
We shared our perspective on treating data as a product, not a project. That means:
- Funding dedicated teams, not just one-off programmes
- Delivering value early and often, rather than at the end of long timelines
- Measuring success by outcomes – time saved, costs reduced, compliance improved – not by effort or complexity
The panel also explored the shift away from fragmented spreadsheets and email chains toward connected, cloud-based platforms like Snowflake, where shared data foundations enable scale, reliability, and insight.
We ended on a high, with a rapid-fire round that brought clarity, energy, and even a few laughs.
Closing the day with a feedback session
We ended the morning with a live feedback session. As always, we’re incredibly grateful for every comment shared.
Here’s what stood out:
- Our clients value the partnership. Many of our clients see Kurtosys as more than just a vendor – and we’re proud of that. They want to be involved, informed, and part of the journey.
- Our culture and transparency matter. The energy and openness of the team resonated. It’s clear that how we show up makes a difference.
- Product direction is a hot topic. There’s a strong appetite for updates on what’s coming, what’s changing, and when.
- Focus on self-serve. There’s a growing need for tools that put power in our client’s hands – from reporting to content updates.
What’s next
Planning is already underway for the next Client Day – this time in an afternoon event, with scones and Prosecco instead of sausages and tea. But the principles stay the same: keep it focused, keep it honest, and make space for real conversation.
To everyone who joined us: thank you. Your time, insight, and partnership shape what we do – and how we do it.
