The challenge

UK financial services organisations are under pressure to modernise complex technology estates while continuing to meet demanding security, compliance and operational requirements.

Responsiv wanted robust, independent evidence showing how organisations are balancing legacy infrastructure, cloud adoption, AI implementation and regulatory pressure. The research needed to support a credible industry report while also creating useful material for PR, marketing, sales conversations and wider market positioning.

The approach

Arlington Research designed and delivered a quantitative study among 200 senior technology and business decision-makers working in UK financial services. Respondents included IT leaders, IT security professionals and C-suite executives with responsibility for technology strategy and investment.

The study explored:

• Current IT architecture and hybrid cloud adoption
• The impact of legacy systems on modernisation
• AI adoption and implementation
• Security, compliance and regulatory pressures
• Barriers to transformation
• Expectations of technology partners and managed service providers

The questionnaire was structured to generate publication-ready findings while retaining the independence and methodological rigour needed for credible thought leadership.

The insight

The findings showed that modernisation is increasingly about managing complexity rather than simply replacing existing infrastructure. Financial services organisations are adopting AI and hybrid environments at pace, but legacy systems, integration challenges and regulatory demands continue to shape investment decisions.

Among the standout findings:

• 58% of organisations operate a hybrid IT environment.
• 70% say legacy systems create barriers to adopting new technologies.
• Nearly 80% are already piloting or operationalising AI.
• 48% identify security and compliance as the biggest challenge when integrating legacy and modern technologies.
• 85% prefer fully managed or co-managed support models.
• 59% want technology partners with expertise across systems, application and network integration.

The impact

The research formed the evidence base for the UK Financial Services IT Insights 2026 report, combining original data with wider industry context to examine the future of technology transformation across the sector.

It gives Responsiv a strong platform for thought leadership, demonstrating a clear understanding of the pressures facing financial services organisations as they modernise technology estates, adopt AI and respond to increasing regulatory demands. The findings also provide reusable evidence for PR activity, content marketing, customer engagement and sales discussions.

Download the report