The State of Investor Relations 2025

In just a few months, the world has shifted—again. A new administration, escalating geopolitical tensions, and ongoing market volatility are reshaping corporate priorities in real-time. This environment directly challenges how IR professionals manage investor relationships, communicate their company’s value, and position their strategy for success.

Our latest 2025 State of Investor Relations Report, based on data collected in December 2024, offers a snapshot of where the industry stood just weeks ago. Yet, even now, the landscape is changing. This report highlights the trends shaping IR today and provides a critical foundation for anticipating what’s next.

Why This Report Matters Right Now

The role of IR has never been more strategic—or more scrutinized. With pressure mounting to demonstrate value, strengthen investor relationships, and manage heightened uncertainty, IR leaders must stay ahead of the curve.

Our findings highlight five major insights:

1. Strengthening shareholder relationships—52% of IROs now list this as their primary focus, signaling a shift toward stability amid market uncertainty.
   
   
2. The targeting paradox—71% of IROs still struggle with finding and engaging new investors, with mid-caps feeling this pressure most acutely at 82%.
   
   
3. Corporate storytelling hits its stride—69% of IR teams cite effective storytelling as a top priority, making it a core function of IR strategy.
   
   
4. Technology complexity grows—42% of IR teams are managing multiple tools, driving a shift toward better integration and efficiency.
   
   
5. AI adoption with measured caution—While 36% of IR teams are in the exploratory phase, 57% remain hesitant due to data security concerns.

Why These Trends Are Taking Hold

Shareholder Relationships Take Center Stage

With uncertainty dominating the markets, companies are doubling down on investor trust. Strengthening shareholder relationships isn’t just a best practice. It’s a survival strategy. This renewed focus aligns with broader economic disruptions, from tariffs on imports to shifting global trade policies, adding layers of complexity to investor engagement.

Corporate Storytelling is the Differentiator

It’s no longer enough to just disclose—companies must convince. With new SEC guidance requiring asset managers to provide deeper disclosures on ESG, IR teams are under pressure to refine their narratives. The best IR teams move beyond checking regulatory boxes to crafting compelling, investor-ready stories that stand up to scrutiny.

The “Mid-Cap Squeeze” 

Mid-cap companies are fighting harder than ever for institutional attention. With 82% of mid-caps citing investor targeting as a top priority, this trend reflects how competitive the landscape has become. As large-cap firms attract steady buy-side interest, mid-caps must work twice as hard to cut through the noise, identify aligned investors, and make their case effectively. 

AI Adoption Is Slow—but Strategic

Despite the AI hype, most IR teams are approaching adoption cautiously. With 57% of IROs citing data security as a major concern, there’s little appetite for AI-driven risk. Instead, the focus is on practical, high-impact applications—like content summarization and administrative automation—that streamline workflows without creating compliance headaches.

What’s Next for IR in 2025?

These shifts matter, and understanding them is important. IR is evolving fast, and the best teams are staying ahead by adapting with intention. 

Our advice?

• Cut through market noise with a clear strategy.
• Engage investors with confidence in a shifting landscape.
• Tell stories that don’t just inform—but influence.

Download the full 2025 State of IR Report to uncover the insights, strategies, and data that will help you navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.