FIF25: Microsoft's Garfield - Every job will be 'touched' by AI

Garfield outlines how generative AI will transform adviser workflows

Sahar Nazir
clock • 1 min read

Advisers cannot afford to stay on the sidelines when it comes to artificial intelligence (AI) as “there won’t be one job that won’t be touched by this”, warned Microsoft director of capital markets AI and digital strategy Symon Garfield.

Speaking at the Future of Investment Festival yesterday (4 June), Garfield outlined a framework for understanding the economic and operational impact of AI on the industry, urging firms to prepare for what he called the "next wave of transformation" in knowledge-based work. "Every employee will have a co-pilot. Every business process will have an agent," he told delegates. He also explained that generative AI is distinct from traditional machine learning and enables novel content creation and boosts productivity for non-technical users, while AI-powered agents can autonomously execute...

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 Technology

AI in financial advice starts with data that's fit for purpose

AI in financial advice starts with data that's fit for purpose

'The firms that benefit most from AI will be those that fix their foundations first'

Luke Miles
clock 26 March 2026 • 4 min read
Adventures in AI: Where next for AI in advice?

Adventures in AI: Where next for AI in advice?

Part three in the series...

Mike Morrow
clock 25 March 2026 • 4 min read
Can small advice firms still compete in a tech-driven market?

Can small advice firms still compete in a tech-driven market?

When AI is finally cracked in the context of financial advice, the competitive advantages will be enormous. The question is whether the economics of the technology market will let smaller firms share in them, writes Max Anderson

Max Anderson
clock 25 March 2026 • 3 min read