2025 in the Rearview Mirror: A Conversation with Leigh Walters

As 2025 wraps up, we sat down with Leigh Walters, CEO at TRG Screen, to talk about AI pivots, unexpected challenges, and what's next. Spoiler: Leigh's got some bold predictions for 2026, and a personal commitment that might surprise you...

Q: Leigh, you've watched customer sentiment around AI completely flip this year, from "we're not sure about this" to "how fast can you innovate with it?" What was the moment you realized this shift was happening, and how did it change TRG Screen's strategy?

Leigh: The turning point came when AI moved from being seen as a “nice-to-have” to a genuine driver of efficiency. Early in the year, customers were curious but cautious – chatbots felt like a gimmick. Then, almost overnight, the conversation changed. Firms were under pressure to do more with less, and suddenly they were coming to us asking, “What AI tools can you deliver to help us in 2026?” That pull from customers was unmistakable.

For TRG Screen, it meant accelerating our roadmap: embedding AI not as an add-on, but as a core capability to deliver hard time and labour savings. It wasn’t optional, it became central to how we innovate.

Q: Every year has its curveballs. What was the biggest challenge TRG Screen faced in 2025 that you didn't see coming, and what did it teach you about the business?

Leigh: The biggest challenge was the sheer pace of AI adoption. We knew it was coming, but not this fast. Suddenly, decades of code could be replicated in weeks, and that forced us to rethink everything; how we build products, how we allocate resources, and even how we lead. For me personally, it started at the top: I had to educate myself quickly.

But education alone wasn’t enough. We had to divert real dollars and talent into AI initiatives. The lesson? Adaptability isn’t optional. In this environment, standing still is the same as falling behind.

Q: If you had to make one bold prediction about market data management in 2026, something that might make people raise an eyebrow, what would it be?

Leigh: My prediction is simple: evolve or die. The firms that embrace AI and technology will unlock transformative change, not incremental gains, but step-change improvements in efficiency and insight. Those that cling to old ways of working will struggle. You can’t keep doing the same things and expect different results. The winners in 2026 will be the ones willing to rethink their entire approach to market data management.

Q: What's the one thing you're personally committing to in 2026, not as CEO of TRG Screen, but as Leigh Walters?

Leigh: For me, it’s about enjoying the journey, not just the destination. Professionally, the pace is relentless, and it’s easy to focus only on the next milestone. Personally, I want to slow down and appreciate the process. And on a lighter note,  I’m committing to run a half marathon. It’s a challenge outside the boardroom that will keep me grounded and energized.

So here's to 2026. Let's make it a good one!