AXA Investment Managers is to scale up use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies across its business as part of its restructuring programme announced in the summer.

The French asset manager said it had already made “good progress” with implementing AI in some areas, “including enhancing data capabilities and ensuring cybersecurity processes remain robust”.

In a statement published today, the company said it was making investments into digital services, data analytics and science capabilities in order to improve efficiency and “identify new sources of alpha”.

The plans form part of a €100m investment programme and restructuring, announced in June.

Hans Stoter – hired from NN Investment Partners earlier this year – has been appointed global head of core investments, overseeing AXA IM’s fixed income, active equities and multi-asset teams.

AXA IM said: “This will foster synergies and innovation with a view to develop new offers aligned with evolving market and client needs. The investment process and philosophy of each underlying investment platform will remain unchanged.”

Meanwhile, Francisco Arcilla has been appointed global head of institutional client group, having joined the company’s management board in June. He has taken on institutional distribution responsibilities from Christophe Coquema, who has left AXA IM “to pursue new opportunities”, the manager said.

Bettina Ducat has been named global head of distribution client group, overseeing retail sales.

Andrea Rossi, CEO of AXA Investment Managers, said: “By enhancing the client offering and experience, for example improving our customer journeys digitally, providing education where appropriate and creating simpler processes, we believe [we] can get closer to our clients and focus on providing them with what they need and in the format they want it. We look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm, building on our strengths as an active asset manager to continue our journey.”