Harnessing AI to rethink asset valuation

Overcoming inefficiencies in asset valuations

Investment decisions rely heavily on accurate and timely financial assessments, particularly the calculation of net asset value (NAV). Historically, asset managers have faced bottlenecks in their investment reviews due to labour-intensive manual processes. For one asset management firm, the manual nature of data entry and reconciliation across multiple sources and formats resulted in a highly time-consuming and error-prone process.

To overcome these challenges, the asset manager engaged PwC Singapore's Corporate Support Services (CSS) team to optimise the process. As part of the engagement, the CSS team assessed a wide range of financial documents, such as management accounts and valuation reports, frequently received in unstructured formats such as spreadsheets and PDF reports.

Harnessing AI-driven automation for transformation

With the valuation process marked out, PwC Singapore’s AI team introduced an AI-enabled solution under its Information Transformer framework, tailored to support the asset manager’s asset valuation process. The tool was designed to eliminate manual data entry by automatically processing multiple input formats and organising them into a standardised output template. A built-in maker-checker feature flags discrepancies between documents instantly, enabling the CSS team to follow up within 24 hours of receiving input. The tool also drafts emails with discrepancy reports attached, pre-filling investment details for the CSS team to review and send, ensuring a human-in-the-loop approach.

This capability replaces weeks of manual checks with a streamlined, overnight process, ensuring accuracy and timely data delivery for the calculation of NAV.

Delivering measurable improvements in speed and accuracy

Key performance improvements include:

• Significant time savings: Overall asset valuation turnaround time reduced by approximately 40% across the end-to-end process.
• Increased accuracy: 80% automated accuracy rate in data extraction, with the remaining validated through human review, significantly reducing manual effort.
• Early issue detection: Automated cross-checks flag discrepancies proactively, minimising costly mistakes and rework.

Redefining workflows for greater efficiency and focus

The adoption of the machine learning-enabled solution has transformed workflows for the asset manager. Tasks that once required hours of manual effort are now completed overnight, enabling the CSS team to focus on higher-value activities such as validations, stakeholder communication, and resolution of flagged issues. This shift enables the asset manager to handle growing volumes without additional resources, while maintaining consistent, accurate, and timely delivery. The tool’s proactive error detection has also contributed to improved productivity.

Building confidence through phased implementation

The AI-fuelled solution has transformed the asset manager's experience with PwC Singapore. A phased rollout approach, underpinned by close collaboration within the firm, ensured that the tool was incrementally introduced in phases, building trust with the asset manager as functionalities were demonstrated successfully. By maintaining accuracy and timeliness despite rising volumes, the Information Transformer strengthens the asset manager’s ability to provide reliable asset valuation to investors and stakeholders.

Driving cross-border integration for scalable operations

The success of the Information Transformer’s solution for the asset manager in Singapore has paved the way for broader applications. As a testament to its adaptability, the asset management firm plans to extend this solution to its operations across regions, integrating workflows previously managed by another PwC firm in the region into a consolidated, efficient operating model overseen by the Singapore CSS team. This cross-border integration enhances operational cohesion by streamlining tasks undertaken by the CSS team and providing the asset manager with consistent delivery at scale to maintain a competitive edge.

Setting a new benchmark for operational excellence

By leveraging the Information Transformer’s capabilities, PwC Singapore has turned a manual, error-prone process into a highly automated, scalable solution. This case study illustrates the transformative impact of intelligent automation in asset valuation-delivering efficiency gains, reducing operational risk and enabling strategic growth. By continuously enhancing its AI capabilities, PwC Singapore is well-positioned to develop and deploy solutions that enable organisations to handle increasing complexity while maintaining robust performance in a dynamic market landscape.