Level E Research

Edinburgh-based Level E Research is transforming asset management with cutting-edge AI and Machine Learning, delivering autonomous AI agents via an innovative SaaS platform. Developed from pioneering research at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Informatics, our AI-driven solutions empower asset managers to increase efficiency, reduce operational costs, and drive productivity.

Our go-to-market focus, AICA (AI Compliance Agent), tackles one of the industry’s biggest pain points – compliance. Developed in close collaboration with asset managers in response to increasing scrutiny and outdated systems, AICA leverages advanced machine learning algorithms to uncover complex data patterns, enhancing compliance surveillance and reducing costs – going beyond simple automation.

Level E uniquely combines deep AI expertise with proprietary platform technology, enabling the integration of intelligent AI solutions across the entire asset management process. Our team of scientists, engineers, and finance experts brings over 30 years of combined experience, with a track record of prestigious awards, internationally published works, and competitive research grants.

Our mission is clear: to transform asset managers with the power of AI, helping them build smarter, more efficient businesses that deliver better outcomes for their clients.

Level E Research was born from groundbreaking academic research at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Informatics, where our Founder & CEO, Dr. Sonia Schulenburg, pioneered the application of Agentic AI in asset management. Backed by grants from the EU, Royal Society of Edinburgh, Scottish Enterprise, and the UK Government, this research laid the foundation for our innovative AI solutions.

Investment management plays a critical role in the financial services sector, bridging the gap between investors seeking long-term, valuable investments and businesses requiring funding for future growth. According to Boston Consulting Group, Global Assets Under Management (AUM) stand at $98.3 trillion and are forecast to grow to $128 trillion by 2027. The UK investment management industry alone holds $10.3 trillion in AUM, making it the largest in Europe and the second largest worldwide, following the United States. Despite its size, the industry faces immense pressure due to several factors:

• The rise of passive funds.
• Increasing fee compression.
• Rising operational costs.

These pressures have led to diminished revenue and escalating costs, eroding the profitability of traditional business models. Active management requires a revolution in both investment and back-office operations to remain competitive, without compromising its regulatory and operational integrity.

AI is a key solution to these challenges. EY asserts, “AI can help unlock the radical strategic transformation investment managers need to overcome acute margin pressure.”

At Level E. we are at the forefront of this transformation, developing Agentic AI solutions that drive efficiency while reducing operational costs. We are collaborating with two of the UK’s leading asset managers to revolutionise buy-side trading compliance – an area long underserved by existing market solutions. This collaboration has led to the launch of the AI Compliance Agent (AICA) – our go-to-market solution – positioning Level E for rapid expansion.

Dr. Sonia Schulenburg | Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Dr. Sonia Schulenburg is the Founder and CEO of Level E Research. A pioneer at the intersection of AI and institutional finance, her career spans deep-tech research and enterprise asset management. She has built Level E into an institutional-grade firm backed by Tier-1 strategic investors and blue-chip financial partners. Prior to founding Level E, she served as Head of Innovation at Citibank (Banamex-Accival). Sonia holds a PhD in AI from the University of Edinburgh and is an Enterprise Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh as well as a Computational Modelling and Complexity Fellow of the Santa Fe Institute. She champions Explainable AI as a core governance principle, actively mentors emerging STEM founders, and is a committed advocate for the UK as an architect of AI, not merely a consumer of it.

Dr. Ben Williams | Chief Technology Officer

Dr. Ben Williams leads core technology infrastructure at Level E to ensure the stability, security, and proprietary edge of the Agentic AI engine, serving as the lead architect of the firm’s autonomous investing engine alongside Dr. Schulenburg. Bringing 15+ years of applied machine learning experience, his expertise centers on advanced mathematical modeling and deep learning. Ben holds a PhD in Machine Learning and an MSc in Neuroinformatics (Distinction) from the University of Edinburgh’s School of Informatics, as well as a First-Class MEng in Electrical Engineering from Imperial College London.

Ruaridh Munro | Head of Client Solutions

Ruaridh Munro leads global client solutions and commercial expansion at Level E, driving institutional adoption of the firm’s core platform. A trainee actuary with the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, Ruaridh holds a BSc (Hons) in Actuarial Science from Heriot-Watt University and brought early industry experience from Aviva. He specialises in bridging complex AI architectures with institutional risk mandates to deliver scalable solutions for global asset managers.