Finatext Subsidiary Nowcast Launches AI-Ready Data Platform for Daiwa Asset Management
Nowcast, a subsidiary of the Finatext Group, has successfully completed development and deployment of "DAM-AICore," a proprietary generative AI application tailored exclusively for Daiwa Asset Management. The move marks a significant step in the asset manager’s digital transformation (DX) strategy, combining a custom front-end AI interface with a robust, backend data infrastructure overhaul.
The initiative addresses the growing demand within the financial sector to leverage large language models (LLMs) for operational efficiency and sophisticated market analysis. Nowcast, leveraging its expertise in alternative data and financial systems, designed the DAM-AICore solution to operate within a secure, independent AWS environment specific to Daiwa.
A Dual-Pillar Approach: AI and Infrastructure
Unlike standard SaaS deployments, this partnership focuses on what Nowcast terms an "AI-Ready" state. Recognizing that generative AI output is only as good as its input data, the project includes the construction of a new data infrastructure built on the Snowflake cloud platform.
By integrating Snowflake with the new AI application and Daiwa’s existing Box cloud storage, the system allows for the seamless, secure analysis of internal and external data. This architecture enables the AI to "read" and analyze proprietary corporate documents and market data with higher accuracy than off-the-shelf models.
Key capabilities of the new system include:
- Multi-Model Integration: Access to multiple leading LLMs, including OpenAI’s GPT series and Anthropic’s Claude series.
- Custom Financial Tools: Specialized features for URL loading, complex data analysis, and automated document review.
- Enterprise-Grade Security: A closed environment ensuring strict adherence to financial industry compliance standards—a critical requirement for the Daiwa Securities Group.
Operational Impact
The rollout, which targets Daiwa Asset Management’s workforce of approximately 700 employees, began following a development phase initiated in late 2025. The tools are designed to streamline workflows across the firm, from front-office sales support to middle and back-office administrative processing.
Nowcast has indicated that this deployment serves as a blueprint for its broader "Generative AI Solution" business, which offers consulting and bespoke environment construction for financial institutions grappling with the complexities of data governance and AI adoption.
Norbert Gehrke
