HSBC Asset Management Invests in Model ML’s ‘Agentic Operating System’ for Banks
HSBC Asset Management has taken a stake in Model ML, a London startup building what it calls an "agentic operating system" for financial services. The deal highlights the industry’s growing belief in the value of enterprise AI, not tied to specific models.
August 11, 2026 – 11:00 am
Model ML’s platform routes tasks to the most suitable AI model, allowing clients to adapt to evolving AI advancements without disrupting existing workflows or retraining staff. It aims to automate routine tasks while preserving governance, accuracy, and consistency—concerns paramount to compliance officers.
The company already partners with many leading banks, asset managers, and advisory firms, having raised over $100 million since its launch less than two years ago, including a $75 million Series A, one of the largest in fintech history.
HSBC AM’s venture strategy, a curated fund-of-funds program within its $81 billion alternatives platform, backed Model ML, along with other select co-investments in high-growth startups. This strategic move signals confidence in AI tailored for finance.
"The differentiator is increasingly the software that can orchestrate multiple models across complex financial workflows," said Chaz Englander, Model ML’s CEO and co-founder.
Patrick Sixsmith, HSBC Asset Management’s venture capital lead, stated the investment focuses on supporting companies at "the forefront" of AI and next-generation software driving economic innovation.
The shift from individual models to system-level infrastructure for AI is timely. Enterprise attention turns towards integrating AI tools across various platforms, with startups deploying AI agents into broader enterprises and specialists developing agentic banking solutions within financial services—an area with significant budget and rulebook flexibility.