Cryptocurrency, or “crypto” as it has become widely referred to, has been one of the quickest moving trends in the investment space of late, with retail and institutional investors throwing their hats in the ring. While traditional markets must obtain all their information from external entities, through conventional channels like Bloomberg or via alternative sources such as satellite and geolocation, cryptocurrency provides the opportunity to also look at global internal data. Thanks to blockchain technology, you can get real-time statistics for anything on-chain.

ESG is the hottest topic in the data world right now. Regulators and asset owners are putting increasing pressure on funds to invest in a more environmentally friendly and socially responsible way. This provides a great opportunity to funds who offer ESG solutions and we have seen massive growth in the AUM directed to funds claiming to incorporate ESG factors into their investment process.

Emerging Markets Asia, and China, in particular, have become a hotbed of activity for alternative data. At Eagle Alpha, we are seeing rocketing demand for data from the region. Initially, this demand was from international managers looking to better understand dynamics on the ground in the region, but increasingly we are seeing local managers show more interest in alternative data. We are seeing the supply side of the market wakening up to this increased thirst for data. The data market in EM Asia is growing in size and sophistication.