Striking the balance: AI and the human touch in financial services

'We should view AI as a new kind of team member'

clock • 4 min read

But how do we harness AI's efficiency without losing the human touch clients value? James Sullivan explores the issues...

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already reshaping financial services – according to a recent Bank of England survey, 75% of firms are already using AI in some capacity. But how do we harness its efficiency without losing the human touch clients value? The financial services community has historically been built on trust, collaboration and personal service, particularly in tri-party relationships between clients, IFAs and their appointed discretionary fund managers (DFMs). As AI advances, it is increasingly important for businesses to embrace technological efficiencies without replacin...

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

Adventures in AI: Words of wisdom on chatbots

Adventures in AI: Words of wisdom on chatbots

Part four in the series...

Mike Morrow
clock 19 August 2026 • 3 min read
The integration trap: Five questions wealth managers should be asking

The integration trap: Five questions wealth managers should be asking

A practical lens for leaders navigating integration

Barry Frame
clock 17 August 2026 • 4 min read
Licence to advise: Ensuring AI agents are designed for human clients

Licence to advise: Ensuring AI agents are designed for human clients

'Behavioural science needs to sit at the centre of how agentic AI is designed for financial advice'

Louis Williams
clock 17 August 2026 • 4 min read