Partner Research
Data Debt: The Hidden Cost of Fragmented Distribution Tech
Ignites Article by Synfinii
Data Debt: The Hidden Cost of Fragmented Distribution Tech
Oct 23, 2025 | Thought Leadership
Oct 22, 2025, by Chris Poisson – Chief Transformation Officer, Synfinii
Asset managers are facing growing data debt—a cost stemming from fragmented distribution technology and manual workarounds. Like technical debt, data debt accumulates through quick fixes: spreadsheets for broker-dealer relationships, CRM tweaks for product hierarchies, and one-off integrations for market data. These isolated solutions compound into strategic paralysis.
A recent Ignites article authored by Chris Poisson outlines how this operational burden erodes trust in data, stalls innovation, and weakens distribution effectiveness. According to McKinsey, firms spend up to 80% of their tech budgets maintaining legacy systems, leaving little room for innovation. Forrester reports that nearly one-third of analysts spend over 40% of their time just validating data before making decisions.
The article also warns that AI amplifies these risks—not solves them. Poor data quality leads to confidently wrong insights, undermining distribution strategies.
To move forward, Poisson points to a more sustainable approach: domain-native data architecture designed specifically for asset management. He highlights the importance of industry-specific data models, flexible integration frameworks, and embedded domain expertise—all aimed at helping firms shift from patchwork fixes to scalable, trusted distribution strategies.
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This excerpt is used with permission of Ignites – Financial Times Specialist. Ignites is a copyrighted publication available solely to employees of subscriber companies.
Chris Poisson
Chief Transformation Officer
Chris Poisson has been a pivotal leader in Synfinii’s technological advancements since joining the company in 2000. With a strong foundation in mathematics and computer science, Chris has consistently driven innovation, focusing on developing solutions that meet the complex technical and business needs of asset managers. His strategic vision has been instrumental in shaping the direction of Synfinii’s technology and product offerings, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of industry trends.
Before moving into Synfinii’s C-suite, Chris served as a Senior Software Architect and Technical Director, where he led several of Synfinii’s (then SalesPage) most significant projects, including the groundbreaking collaboration with SS&C to develop SalesConnect. His passion for mentoring and leading the Synfinii technical and data engineering teams is matched by his dedication to staying ahead of technological trends that benefit clients and the broader asset management industry.
Chris holds a master’s in mathematics and a bachelor’s in computer science from Western Michigan University. Outside of SalesPage, Chris enjoys spending time with his family and tackling fun home improvement projects.