Financial advisers need to 'wake up' to AI jobs threat

'AI is the greatest opportunity, but if you ignore it, it’s the biggest threat’

Sahar Nazir
clock • 1 min read

Financial advisers “need to wake up and smell the coffee” if they believe artificial intelligence (AI) is not going to take over their jobs, Financial Technology Research Centre founder and director Ian McKenna said.

Speaking to Professional Adviser, McKenna said the financial advice industry "has been engaged in a lie that technology can never do what advisers do". "Advisers are resistant to change, particularly the older advisers, which is why AI will be a catalyst for them," he said."We will see AI bots giving financial advice, and if you think it's not going to happen then you need to wake up. "AI is the greatest opportunity, but if you ignore it, it's the biggest threat." McKenna also warned that AI is affecting all industries, and this is not just about financial advice. He urged advisers...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

Feel Good Friday: Wise Investment employee takes on the Great Wall of China for charity

Feel Good Friday: Wise Investment employee takes on the Great Wall of China for charity

Raising funds for Katherine House Hospice

Professional Adviser
clock 13 March 2026 • 1 min read
Directly authorised numbers fall as networks continue to attract advisers

Directly authorised numbers fall as networks continue to attract advisers

‘The DA market is shrinking’

Isabel Baxter
clock 12 March 2026 • 3 min read
Almost half of clients report increase in advice fees

Almost half of clients report increase in advice fees

One of five advisers plan to increase initial fees in next 12 months

Isabel Baxter
clock 12 March 2026 • 2 min read