Morningstar launches Direct AI, bringing its independent research to three AI agents for investment professionals
8 OCT, 2026
By Joanna Piwko from RankiaPro Europe
On October 7, Morningstar launched Direct AI, a redesigned version of its flagship Morningstar Direct platform that incorporates artificial intelligence agents for product development, distribution, and manager research. It is now available to users worldwide.
The tool is built on the firm’s data and ratings, as well as the work of its more than 1,100 research analysts. According to Scott Brown, president of the Direct platform at Morningstar, the quality of that data is what sets the offering apart.
A new interface and three agents for critical tasks
Direct AI introduces a browser-based interface. Its goal is to bring together in one environment analyses that were previously spread across different tools, depended on institutional knowledge, or required extensive manual work. The first phase includes three agents:
| Agent | Users | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Product Development | Asset managers | Refine positioning and make launch decisions based on flow data and category analysis |
| Distribution Agent | Sales and marketing teams | Identify gaps in model portfolios or approved fund lists, show where a fund fits, and prepare for review meetings |
| Manager Research Agent | Due diligence teams | Evaluate strategies using the same framework as Morningstar analysts |
The distribution agent can analyze portfolios that combine publicly traded and private securities, thanks to the firm’s portfolio tools.
Morningstar’s proprietary frameworks, built into the agents’ logic
All three agents work with Morningstar’s data, analysis, research, and ratings. This foundation covers millions of securities and fund entities across equities, fixed income, and other financial products. They also incorporate the firm’s proprietary frameworks, such as Morningstar Categories, Medalist Ratings, the new Active/Passive Strategy, and the Semiliquid Adjusted Cost Estimate.
AI and agents are only as valuable as the data that powers them. With Direct AI, we’re bringing the full breadth of our independent research, data, and analysis into agents that naturally adapt to our clients’ workflows. This accelerates our mission to empower investor success.
Scott Brown, President of the Direct Platform, Morningstar
Access also available through Claude, Microsoft Copilot, and ChatGPT
In addition to launching Direct AI, Morningstar is making its investment intelligence available through Claude, Microsoft Copilot, and ChatGPT. This allows users to access its analysis from the environment where they already work.
