Family Office Software Comparison

Asora vs Excel / Spreadsheets

Which platform serves family offices better?

Excel is the default tool for many family offices, but it was never designed for the complexity of modern wealth management. See how Asora compares.

TL;DR

While Excel remains familiar and flexible, modern family offices find that it requires manual setup for data aggregation and multi-entity consolidation. Asora offers automated data feeds, alternative-investment tracking, and enterprise-grade security that transform family-office operations.

Overview

Spreadsheets have been the backbone of family office operations for decades. They are flexible, familiar, and require no additional licensing.

However, as portfolios grow in complexity, managing data across multiple custodians and entities in Excel becomes unsustainable. Asora was built to replace the spreadsheet-driven approach with automated data aggregation, real-time performance monitoring, and a unified view of wealth.

Asora vs Excel: Head to Head

A side-by-side look at how each platform handles core family office capabilities.

Automated Data vs Manual Entry

Asora

Connects directly to banks, custodians, and investment platforms, automatically updating portfolios. Reporting cycles shrink from weeks to minutes with on-demand accuracy.

Excel

Requires manual login to multiple custodian portals, downloading statements, and inputting data. Time-consuming process introduces errors that can impact investment decisions.

Real-Time Reporting vs Spreadsheet Delays

Asora

Real-time visibility across entities and asset classes. Automatic performance metrics and historical data for trend analysis across trusts, holding companies, and direct investments.

Excel

Reports are static snapshots requiring manual updates. Multiple users working on different copies create conflicting reports and version control issues.

Security & Access Control

Asora

ISO 27001 certified, GDPR compliant, granular role-based permissions, two-factor authentication, end-to-end encryption, and comprehensive audit trail.

Excel

Security depends on Microsoft 365 configuration. Files often shared by email or stored on multiple devices without central access control, increasing risk of data leakage.

Alternative Asset Tracking

Asora

Standardises reporting across public securities, private equity, real estate, and direct investments. Manages capital calls, distributions, and valuations automatically.

Excel

Tracking alternative investments would require dozens of linked spreadsheets with manual formula maintenance and no native support for capital call workflows.

Feature Comparison

A detailed feature-by-feature comparison of Asora and Excel / Spreadsheets.

Data Management

FeatureAsoraExcel
Automated bank feeds
Custodian integrations
Automatic data cleansing
Real-time data updates
Custom data entry
Version control

Reporting

FeatureAsoraExcel
On-demand PDF reportsManual
Customisable dashboardsManual
Multi-entity viewsComplex
Performance attributionManual

Security & Access

FeatureAsoraExcel
ISO 27001 certified
End-to-end encryption
Role-based permissions
Two-factor authentication
Audit trail

Operations

FeatureAsoraExcel
Document management
Workflow automation
Mobile appLimited
Private asset trackingManual

This comparison is based on publicly available information as of March 2026 and is provided for informational purposes only. Features, pricing, and capabilities are subject to change. We recommend verifying current details directly with each vendor. All third-party product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Asora is not affiliated with or endorsed by any third-party vendor referenced herein.

Who is Asora best for?

Family offices looking to move beyond manual data management and spreadsheet-based reporting to a purpose-built platform.

Pricing

Excel is included with Microsoft 365 subscriptions but has hidden costs in manual effort. Asora pricing starts from €800/month ($900/month).

See Asora pricing

60%

Less time on data gathering

10 min

To create reports

≤4 weeks

To go live

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do family offices move away from Excel?

Manual entry and reconciliation become too time-consuming as complexity grows. Automation lets teams focus on investment analysis and governance.

Can I migrate my existing Excel data to Asora?

Yes. Asora supports imports from Excel and other systems while retaining historical data.

Is the cost of Asora justified compared to free Excel?

The hidden cost of manual entry, error correction, and delays often exceeds Asora's subscription. Automation enables teams to focus on higher-value activities.

Is Asora more secure than Excel for sensitive financial data?

Asora provides ISO 27001 certification, two-factor authentication, and role-based permissions. Excel security depends on your Microsoft 365 configuration.

Ready to switch from Excel?

Book a personalised demo to see how Asora can modernise your family office operations.