AI will not replace paraplanners even as 'traditional' roles change

Upskilling is vital, conference hears

Sahar Nazir
clock • 2 min read

Artificial intelligence (AI) is not putting paraplanner roles at risk, but paraplanners need to upskill to survive in this industry, Chesterton House Financial Planning Programme manager of operations Sapna Shapero has said.

Speaking at the Financial Technology Research Centre's (FTRC) Empowering Advice Through Technology 2025 conference today (30 January), Shapero said she is witnessing a shift in traditional advice roles, particularly among paraplanners and administrators. "We're seeing change in teams managing data. They're transforming into more creative roles. There's a shift in traditional roles due to AI," she told delegates. Shapero explained that the reason for the shift is because the younger generation are in the digital space and want answers now. TFAS Wealth CEO Jeff Lange echoed Shapero's...

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

News editor's view: The devil in the Budget detail

News editor's view: The devil in the Budget detail

The news editor's Friday Night Takeaway from 30 October

Isabel Baxter
clock 30 October 2026 • 2 min read
What's spooking financial advisers this Halloween?

What's spooking financial advisers this Halloween?

Experts share what's keeping the profession awake this spooky season

Professional Adviser
clock 30 October 2026 • 4 min read
Feel Good Friday: CISI urges financial planners to give 'one hour' to upcoming Financial Planning Week

Feel Good Friday: CISI urges financial planners to give 'one hour' to upcoming Financial Planning Week

Event takes place January 2027

Professional Adviser
clock 30 October 2026 • 1 min read