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

MKC Invest backs robotics as physical AI takes off

MKC Invest backs robotics as physical AI takes off

Conducts four-week internal research project

Sophia Panayi
clock 03 July 2026 • 2 min read
Feel Good Friday: Free paraplanning mentoring initiative expands

Feel Good Friday: Free paraplanning mentoring initiative expands

The Paraplanner Club partners with Fundment

Professional Adviser
clock 03 July 2026 • 1 min read
Wesleyan launches two with profits funds for advisers

Wesleyan launches two with profits funds for advisers

Available on Aberdeen, Nucleus, Wealthtime and Hubwise platforms

Sophia Panayi
clock 03 July 2026 • 2 min read