CEM is a leading data and insights firm. For us, high data integrity is non-negotiable. Our data strategy is built on a set of core principles that serve as our north star, guiding every decision we make. These principles are owned by our CEM’s Data Governance Committee and revisited at least annually.
Our execution rests on three pillars: industry-wide standards through our Global Reporting Principles (GRP), individual data integrity scores for each institutional investor, and ongoing investments in our team and internal processes. With over 30 years of experience, CEM employs custom systems and processes to identify and resolve data issues — always in close collaboration with our clients.
1. Living our data principles
In 2022, CEM embarked on a multi-year initiative to develop the Global Reporting Principles for the investment industry. Launched in 2024, these principles address a critical gap: while reporting standards existed in specific countries like Australia, the Netherlands, and the UK, the global institutional investment industry lacked a single consistent framework spanning performance, cost, and timing.
The elements of GRP pertaining to public reporting were previously connected to the Global Pension Transparency Benchmark (GPTB), which assessed public reporting funds across fifteen countries on performance, cost, responsible investing, and governance. GPTB concluded in 2025.
2. Data integrity scores for institutional investors
For over 30 years, institutional investors globally have provided CEM with fund cost, performance, and structure data. We carefully assess the quality of this data through a combination of validation rules and deep subject-matter expertise.
In 2024, we began quantitatively scoring the quality, completeness and comparability of data provided by each of CEM’s defined benefit investment benchmarking pension fund clients. Each client receives a scorecard covering performance data, cost data, and timeliness — and is invited to review their results and make improvements.
In 2026, the scoring has been expanded to CEM’s Defined Contribution Investment Benchmarking clients as well as Defined Benefit Administration Benchmarking clients. The scoring will evolve over time, based on market feedback and allowing institutional investors time to develop the systems, data, and personnel needed to act.
3. Our team's seven-step validation process
CEM’s data principles are embedded directly into our systems, processes, and team training. Our data experts apply a seven-step process to validate all incoming data:
- Initial data intake and onboarding checks
- Application of automated validation rules and custom data tools
- Expert review by experienced CEM analysts
- Identification and flagging of anomalies and outliers
- Client follow-up and clarification where needed
- Enrichment or exclusion of data based on defined criteria
- Final quality sign-off before inclusion in benchmarking
In addition to these internal measures, CEM retains a leading third-party cybersecurity firm to conduct an annual information security assessment. All high and medium-risk items identified in the most recent assessment have been fully resolved.
Questions or feedback on our data integrity approach? We'd love to hear from you. Contact Us: product@explorecem.com