InvestmentNews has revealed the winners of its third annual 5-Star Technology Awards, recognizing the best new technology and software for investment management professionals for 2026. After a rigorous selection process, 42 providers earned top marks, with 21 qualifying under the New Technology category for solutions launched within the past 24 months.
This year's field delivered a clear verdict: winning platforms weren't those with the longest feature list or the most AI bolted on for its own sake. Instead, sharper-edged tools that help advisors build their business and better serve clients took the spotlight. As Robert Norris, partner at Capco in Fort Collins, CO, noted in the 2026 5-Star Technology report, a leading platform "will not be defined by whether it has CRM, planning, portfolio management, communications, or AI," but by whether a firm can make those tools work from the same trusted data toward a clear outcome.
M&A matchmaking and embedded intelligence
Alaris Acquisitions, a wealth management M&A advisory firm that has more than doubled its team in the past 12 months as dealmaking accelerates to a record pace across the RIA industry, stood out with its AI-driven buyer-seller matchmaking tool, Lens. Founder Allen Darby built the platform to curate compatibility-based shortlists rather than run a traditional auction, saying, "We are the best in the country at how we go to market, and that's our differentiator."
Orion, the all-in-one wealthtech suite provider, earned recognition for Denali AI, an intelligence layer designed to integrate directly into advisors' existing workflows. Orion also became one of the first wealthtech firms—and the first portfolio accounting provider—to earn the ISO/IEC 42001 certification for AI management systems. "We believe AI should not live in a separate app. Intelligence belongs inside the tools advisors use every day," said Orion president Reed Colley.
Data governance over feature lists
Vestmark, with its proactive AI-powered portfolio monitoring system Pulse, emerged as part of a winning class of providers proving that trustworthy, well-governed data infrastructure now matters more to advisors than a dizzying laundry list of capabilities. This trend aligns with broader industry moves, such as LPL's $2B tech overhaul and the rise of AI assistants like Cyan, as well as Vanguard's customizable models responding to advisor demand for personalization.
The awards also come amid a wave of AI-focused leadership appointments, such as Osaic's first chief AI and technology officer, underscoring the industry's pivot toward embedding intelligence into daily workflows. Meanwhile, regulatory developments like the SEC's crypto framework are prompting advisors to seek technology that ensures compliance and data integrity.
Winners reflect advisor priorities
The 42 ranked winners span a range of categories, from portfolio management and client communication to AI-driven analytics and M&A tools. The common thread is a focus on solving specific pain points rather than offering broad, generic platforms. As the report emphasizes, advisors are increasingly looking for technology that unifies data across systems, reduces manual work, and provides actionable insights—all while maintaining robust governance and security.
For advisors evaluating technology in 2026, the message is clear: prioritize platforms that demonstrate AI governance, data integration, and a clear return on investment. The 5-Star Technology Awards serve as a guide to the solutions that are leading the way, helping firms navigate an increasingly complex and competitive landscape.
