Manuj Sarpal

Part of the IT Leaders 100 - a list of the most influential IT leaders in the UK in 2025.

Manuj Sarpal, CTO at GraniteShares, is a tech visionary with over 25 years in asset management and banking. He grew GraniteShares from $300 million to $10 billion assets under management (AUM), building scalable tech and operations teams across the USA, Europe, and Asia. Previously, at ETF Securities, he scaled AUM from $9 billion to $32 billion, integrating tech for efficiency.

With expertise in AI, SQL, and Python, plus an MBA and certifications, Manuj excels at simplifying complex problems. A mentor and speaker, his leadership aligns tech with business goals, driving revenue and transforming startups into billion-dollar firms.

What's the most exciting part of your current role?

For me, the most exciting part of my current role as CTO in asset management is being at the forefront of transformative trends that redefine our industry. Leveraging AI to supercharge investment strategies - like predictive analytics and new product innovative ideas - is a game-changer that keeps me energised.

Then there's the push for delivery growth: building scalable, tech-driven platforms that streamline operations and enhance how we deliver value to clients, such as real-time insights or seamless digital experiences.

Mentoring the next generation of tech leaders is also incredibly rewarding - guiding bright minds to innovate responsibly in this complex, regulated space. And honestly, the constant opportunity to learn new things keeps me going, whether it's mastering emerging tech or adapting to market shifts, that growth fuels my passion every day.

What do you consider your greatest IT achievement of the last 12 months?

Leading the development and successful rollout of a new portfolio management system that seamlessly integrates with 12 counterparties. Finalised by April 2025, this system has transformed how we manage and track investments, enabling real-time data sharing and streamlined operations across our ecosystem.

The project supported the creation of new product innovative ideas by providing a robust foundation for future offerings, while also enhancing delivery growth through improved efficiency and client-facing capabilities.

Mentoring a skilled team to navigate the technical and regulatory complexities of this integration was a key part of the success. It's a milestone I'm incredibly proud of, as it showcases innovation, operational excellence, and leadership development in action.

What's the biggest challenge facing IT leaders today, and how are you tackling it?

It revolves around several key areas. First, keeping pace with rapid technological evolution - particularly integrating AI and innovative systems like our recent portfolio management platform - while ensuring they align with strict regulatory requirements is a constant balancing act.

Second, cybersecurity threats are escalating, especially with 12 counterparties now integrated into our ecosystem, requiring robust defences to protect sensitive financial data.

Third, talent management poses a challenge; mentoring new leaders and retaining skilled professionals in a competitive market is critical yet demanding.

Finally, delivering consistent growth through tech - whether it's enhancing client experiences or scaling operations - puts pressure on IT teams to innovate under tight deadlines. Navigating these complexities demands strategic foresight, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning.

What piece of technology could you not live without, and why?

I can't live without MS word and Excel on daily basis, as I assume is the case for others as well.

As CTO, the technology I can't live without is our cloud-based infrastructure, particularly the platforms that enable seamless integration and real-time data processing across our operations. With our recent portfolio management system, the cloud ensures we can manage massive data flows, maintain uptime, and scale efficiently to support delivery growth. It's the backbone of our ability to innovate - like developing new product ideas - and it powers the AI tools we rely on for predictive analytics. Plus, it supports secure collaboration, which is critical in a regulated industry like asset management.

By March 2025, this technology had become indispensable for driving our strategic goals and keeping us competitive.

What excites you most about the future of IT?

The limitless potential to transform asset management through emerging technologies. The continued evolution of AI promises to unlock even deeper insights, building on our portfolio management system's success with 12 counterparties, potentially automating complex strategies and personalising client offerings with new product innovative ideas.

I'm also thrilled by the advancements in quantum computing, which could revolutionise risk modelling and optimisation by 2025 and beyond. The push for delivery growth through enhanced digital platforms - delivering faster, more intuitive experiences - keeps me energised, as does the opportunity to mentor the next wave of leaders who will shape this future.

Above all, the chance to keep learning and adapting to these breakthroughs fuels my passion for what's ahead.

What’s the strangest job you’ve ever had?

Selling discount cards door-to-door in the 1980s, long before my tech career took off. Picture me as a teenager in the pre-digital era, lugging around a stack of flimsy paper cards that offered deals at local diners and shops, trying to convince sceptical homeowners to buy them for a few bucks.

I'd spend hours walking suburban streets, dodging barking dogs and perfecting my sales pitch - sometimes even bartering with folks who'd offer me lemonade instead of cash! It was a bizarre gig, far removed from the high-stakes world of asset management, but it taught me persistence and how to connect with people, skills I still use today when mentoring my team or driving projects

If you could instantly master one new skill, what would it be?

As a CTO, I'd want to get really good at quantum tech AI and understanding complex AI models - basically becoming an AI tech leader! Mixing powerful AI with quantum tricks to solve problems fast and smart. I'd also be able to figure out how tricky AI systems work inside and out.

With these skills, I'd like to use these to come up with big ideas with new use cases for smooth AI driven transition.