Unlocking the Power of Integrated WealthTech: Why NDEX and Arch Point to Alternative Investment Focus

In today's rapidly evolving wealth management landscape, technology is no longer a luxury; it's the bedrock upon which firms build operational efficiency, client satisfaction, and ultimately, enterprise value. At Golden Door Asset, we conduct in-depth research on WealthTech adoption to provide RIAs with data-driven insights. Our 2026 Benchmark Report reveals a compelling trend: the frequent co-occurrence of NDEX and Arch within the technology stacks of "Integrated" firms strongly indicates a strategic focus on managing private assets and other alternative investments. This article delves into the significance of this finding, exploring the "why" behind this technology pairing and offering actionable advice for firms seeking to enhance their capabilities in the alternative investment space.

The State of RIA Technology Adoption: A Maturity-Based Framework

Our research categorizes RIA firms into four tiers based on the breadth and sophistication of their technology stacks: Nascent, Foundational, Integrated, and Optimized. This framework allows firms to benchmark their current state and formulate a strategic roadmap for technological advancement.

Maturity Score Distribution (N=75 Firms):

Tier 1 (Nascent): 16% of firms (0-2 detected tools)
Tier 2 (Foundational): 39% of firms (3-7 detected tools)
Tier 3 (Integrated): 33% of firms (8-15 detected tools)
Tier 4 (Optimized): 12% of firms (16+ detected tools)

As the distribution shows, a significant portion of the industry sits within the Foundational and Integrated tiers. These firms have moved beyond basic website and email communication, adopting more sophisticated tools like CRM systems, financial planning software, and portfolio management platforms. However, the jump to Optimized status – characterized by deep integration and automation across all aspects of the business – remains a challenge for many.

The Integrated tier, representing 33% of firms, is where the synergy between NDEX and Arch becomes particularly relevant. These firms possess a more comprehensive technology infrastructure compared to Nascent and Foundational firms. They're actively seeking to streamline operations and enhance client service, often by integrating specialized solutions into their core technology ecosystem.

NDEX and Arch: A Power Couple for Alternative Investment Management

So, why does the pairing of NDEX and Arch within an integrated technology stack suggest a focus on alternative investments? To understand this, it's crucial to understand the specific functions these platforms perform:

NDEX: NDEX is a technology platform specializing in alternative investment data management and operational support. It provides a centralized solution for aggregating, validating, and reporting on complex alternative investment data, spanning private equity, hedge funds, real estate, and more.
Arch (formerly known as iLEVEL): Arch, part of DiligenceVault (acquired in 2024), is a portfolio monitoring and reporting solution that focuses on private capital investments. It automates the collection, validation, and analysis of investment data, helping firms to track performance, manage risk, and ensure compliance.

The co-occurrence of these two platforms within a wealth management firm's technology stack is rarely coincidental. It signifies a deliberate decision to invest in specialized technology to handle the complexities associated with alternative investments. Here's why:

Data Aggregation and Management: Alternative investments generate vast amounts of unstructured data from disparate sources (K-1s, capital call notices, performance reports). NDEX and Arch help firms to consolidate and standardize this data, creating a single source of truth for investment information.
Performance Reporting and Analytics: Tracking the performance of alternative investments requires specialized tools and methodologies. These platforms provide advanced analytics and reporting capabilities, enabling firms to accurately measure returns, assess risk-adjusted performance, and provide transparent reporting to clients.
Compliance and Regulatory Requirements: Alternative investments are subject to complex regulatory requirements. NDEX and Arch help firms to maintain compliance by automating reporting processes, providing audit trails, and ensuring data integrity.
Operational Efficiency: Manually managing alternative investment data is time-consuming and error-prone. By automating data collection, validation, and reporting, these platforms free up advisors and operations staff to focus on higher-value activities.

The Strategic Advantage of Integrated Alternative Investment Technology

The adoption of NDEX and Arch provides Integrated firms with a significant strategic advantage in the increasingly competitive wealth management landscape. This advantage stems from several key factors:

Enhanced Client Service: By providing clients with clear, concise, and timely information on their alternative investments, firms can build trust and strengthen relationships. This transparency is particularly important in the alternative investment space, where performance data can be difficult to obtain and interpret.
Increased Operational Efficiency: Automating alternative investment data management frees up valuable time and resources, allowing firms to scale their operations and serve more clients without increasing headcount.
Improved Risk Management: By providing a comprehensive view of alternative investment portfolios, firms can better identify and manage risks, protecting both their clients and their business.
Attracting and Retaining High-Net-Worth Clients: Offering access to alternative investments is a powerful differentiator, particularly for firms targeting high-net-worth individuals and families. By investing in the technology to manage these investments effectively, firms can attract and retain clients who are seeking sophisticated investment strategies.

Building an Integrated Technology Stack for Alternative Investments: A Step-by-Step Guide

For RIA firms looking to enhance their capabilities in the alternative investment space, the integration of solutions like NDEX and Arch represents a strategic imperative. Here's a practical, step-by-step guide to building an integrated technology stack for alternative investments:

Assess Your Current Technology Landscape: Begin by thoroughly evaluating your existing technology infrastructure. Identify any gaps or limitations that hinder your ability to effectively manage alternative investments.
- CRM: Does your CRM system adequately capture and track client interest and allocations in alternative investments?
- Portfolio Management System: Can your portfolio management system handle the complexities of alternative investment accounting and reporting?
- Reporting Tools: Do you have the tools to generate accurate and timely reports on alternative investment performance?
Define Your Requirements: Clearly define your specific requirements for alternative investment management technology. Consider the types of alternative investments you plan to offer, the level of automation you need, and the regulatory requirements you must meet.
Evaluate Vendor Solutions: Research and evaluate different vendor solutions that address your specific needs. Consider factors such as functionality, integration capabilities, pricing, and vendor reputation. Don't limit yourself to NDEX and Arch; explore other options like Allvue, Investran, and Burgiss. Be sure to ask pointed questions:
- Integration Capabilities: How seamlessly does the platform integrate with your existing CRM (e.g., Salesforce, Dynamics 365), portfolio management system (e.g., Orion, Black Diamond), and financial planning software (e.g., eMoney, MoneyGuidePro)?
- Data Security: What security measures are in place to protect sensitive client data?
- Scalability: Can the platform scale to meet your growing needs as your alternative investment business expands?
Prioritize Integration: Emphasize seamless integration between different components of your technology stack. Look for platforms that offer open APIs and pre-built integrations with other popular wealth management tools.
Implement a Pilot Program: Before rolling out a new technology platform across your entire firm, implement a pilot program with a small group of advisors and clients. This allows you to test the platform in a real-world environment and identify any potential issues before they impact a larger audience.
Provide Comprehensive Training: Ensure that your advisors and operations staff receive comprehensive training on the new technology. This will help them to effectively use the platform and maximize its value.
Monitor and Optimize: Continuously monitor the performance of your technology stack and make adjustments as needed. Regularly review your processes and workflows to identify areas for improvement and optimization.

The Future of Alternative Investment Technology

As the demand for alternative investments continues to grow, the technology landscape will continue to evolve. We expect to see increased adoption of AI-powered solutions for data analysis, risk management, and client communication. Additionally, we anticipate a greater emphasis on mobile access and self-service capabilities, empowering clients to access information and manage their alternative investments on the go.

Conclusion: Embracing Technology to Unlock Alternative Investment Opportunities

The frequent co-occurrence of NDEX and Arch within integrated wealth management technology stacks is not merely a correlation; it's a signal of a strategic focus on alternative investments. By investing in specialized technology to manage these complex assets, firms can enhance client service, increase operational efficiency, improve risk management, and attract and retain high-net-worth clients. As the demand for alternative investments continues to grow, embracing technology will be essential for firms seeking to unlock the full potential of this asset class.

Call to Action

Is your firm ready to take its alternative investment strategy to the next level? Contact Golden Door Asset today for a comprehensive technology assessment and personalized recommendations on building an integrated technology stack that supports your unique business goals. Let us help you unlock the power of WealthTech and achieve sustainable growth in the dynamic world of alternative investments.

Take the Next Step

Want to see how your firm compares? This analysis is part of the 2026 WealthTech Benchmark Report, the most comprehensive study of RIA technology adoption.

📊 Read the Full Benchmark Report — Proprietary data on technology adoption, maturity tiers, and strategic roadmaps
🔍 Grade Your Website Free — Instant analysis of your firm's digital presence and technology stack
🏢 Explore the Software Directory — Compare WealthTech vendors and build your ideal stack

Unlocking the Power of Integrated WealthTech: Why NDEX and Arch Point to Alternative Investment Focus