In Celent's latest study on technology and operations in Alternatives and Private Markets, I emphasized the areas where companies are exploring innovative technological advancements and paving the way for digital transformations in next-generation operational ecosystems.

In this regard, the one important consideration that forms the basis of stronger operational ambitions is that, in order to achieve maximum impact, companies need to develop a unified architectural vision and establish strategic foundations for their technology and data management infrastructure. Firms encounter a diverse array of choices and complex factors to consider in relation to the constantly evolving landscape of technology and operational solutions in private markets.

Over the years that we have covered buyside technology and operations, we recognized that the forces of convergence are aggressively playing out. Here, Blackrock's recently announced acquisition of Preqin continues this trend. There are many aspects to this transaction, some of which are more noteworthy than others.

For our purposes here, I will underline a few that stand out to me: