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 Developed in close collaboration with asset managers in response to increasing scrutiny and outdated systems, AICA leverages advanced machine learning algorithms to uncover complex data patterns, enhancing compliance surveillance and reducing costs – going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

With three decades of experience in AI and ML for investment management, Dr. Sonia Schulenburg has raised over $160M through awards, grants, and private investments, fuelling technology development, fund management, and research. She holds a PhD in AI from the University of Edinburgh and a BEng in Computer Engineering (summa cum laude) from ITAM, alongside qualifications in accounting, corporate strategy, and finance. A former Head of Innovation at Banamex-Accival (now Citibank), she has contributed extensively to AI research, earning prestigious fellowships from the Santa Fe Institute and the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Passionate about STEM diversity, she mentors students and, outside of tech, is a former Scottish Champion in Natural Bodybuilding.

Dr. Ben Williams

Chief Technology Officer

With over 15 years of experience in AI and Machine Learning, Dr. Ben Williams has played a key role in developing Level E’s autonomous investing technology, working alongside Dr. Schulenburg since the company’s inception. He holds a PhD in Machine Learning from the University of Edinburgh, where he pioneered novel models of human handwriting, as well as an MSc in Neuroinformatics (Distinction) and an MEng in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (First Class) from Imperial College. A skilled musician, he has performed with the Edinburgh University Chamber Orchestra and continues to play in California, where he resides with his family.

James Shekerdemian

Chief Commercial Officer

With over 30 years of experience in global markets, James Shekerdemian specialises in prime brokerage, derivatives, and institutional sales. He has held senior leadership roles at Lehman Brothers, Bear Stearns/JP Morgan, and Societe Generale, where he led global hedge fund sales and managed Prime Services for APAC. A seasoned executive, he has served on management committees, advisory boards, and as a board member for securities firms in Hong Kong and Australia. James holds an MBA with Japanese from Thunderbird (ASU).

Case studies

Level E Research – Case Studies