The Q2 2026 Capital Markets Benchmarks Report: Are You Keeping Pace?

The capital markets advisory sector is experiencing a definitive shift. Following a prolonged period of high-volume prospecting, top-performing sell-side firms are actively pivoting their strategies. The new mandate? Deepening existing client relationships and finding the optimal balance between scale and highly personalised engagement in the AI era.

But as the industry adapts, a critical question emerges: Is your firm’s strategy ahead of the curve, or are you falling behind the Street?

To help you to answer this question, Singletrack has released the Q2 2026 Quarterly Benchmarks Report, analysing data across dozens of investment banks and independent research providers (IRPs). Here is a preview of the trends reshaping research, sales, and corporate access this quarter.

 

How is AI Impacting Sell-Side Research Production?

The adoption of AI-driven authoring tools is no longer a future concept; it is actively altering output right now. Our Q2 data reveals a steady, year-on-year climb in average monthly research production.

However, as production scales, the battle for buy-side attention is intensifying. The report exposes a widening gap between traditional distribution methods and modern, intent-driven strategies. We tracked the exact engagement differences between bulk distributions and targeted outreach—and the data proves that firms clinging to the “blast” approach are leaving significant ROI on the table.

Discover the exact engagement multiplier of targeted distribution in the full report.

 

What is the “New Normal” for Equities Sales Activity?

Sales activity has officially rebounded, but the playbook has fundamentally changed. As transaction volumes stabilise, the number of weekly interactions per salesperson is climbing.

More importantly, how those interactions occur has shifted. The Q2 Benchmark Report details a significant transition toward a hybrid communication model. Traditional phone coverage is being rapidly supplemented by digital channels, prompting sales leaders to take action to capture intent data.

See the exact percentage breakdown of email and instant messaging vs. traditional sales touches in the full report.

 

Are Corporate Access Events Growing or Shrinking?

The logistics of corporate access are evolving to meet new market demands. While the industry is seeing fluctuations in the sheer volume of weekly events, the shape of these interactions is changing.

Our data points to a move toward larger-scale, high-quality interactions. Firms are prioritising higher-value access, resulting in a surge in the average number of participants per event. For corporate access teams, this means the logistical lift is heavier, and the need for purpose-built event management technology is higher than ever.

Get the exact year-over-year growth metrics for meeting volumes and participant attendance in the full report.

 

Stop Guessing. Start Benchmarking.

In a market defined by closer banking integration and rapid technological adoption, relying on gut feeling is a strategic risk. Hard data will help you to align your resources, secure your IP, and defend your monetisation models.

The Singletrack Q2 2026 Benchmark Report provides the underlying details, emerging trends, and the current status of activity across capital market advisory firms.

Download the Full Q2 2026 Benchmark Report Now.