Manual, spreadsheet-driven trader compensation creates hidden costs, errors, delays, disputes, and poor visibility, that erode margins and frustrate teams. In 2026, CFOs need automated, flexible systems delivering real-time insights, auditability, and accurate payouts. Modern platforms transform compensation from an operational burden into a strategic tool for performance, transparency, and profitability.

Castine has launched AI capabilities embedded across its commission management platform for brokers and asset managers. The AI enhances broker reviews, research analysis, and invoice processing, reducing manual work and errors. Built to support, not replace, professional judgment, the tools improve productivity, transparency, and decision-making across research, payments, and evaluation workflows.

Research-payment rules are diverging across major markets. While the UK has introduced flexible joint-payment models under FCA reforms, the EU is cautiously opening its regime through the Listing Act. For global asset managers, this shift brings trading desks back into the center of research funding, execution strategy, and broker-relationship decisions.