Is this it? What CEOs need to see from AI

clock • 3 min read

The public conversation about AI and jobs has been oddly naive. On one side, existential panic about mass unemployment. On the other, breezy reassurances that AI just makes us all a bit more productive. Both miss the point, writes Samantha McBride

We've been told artificial intellignce is the most transformative technology since the internet. So why do so many financial services CEOs shrug when you ask them what it's actually done for their business? Whenever I speak to C-suite leaders across the sector, the response is striking in its consistency: a kind of polite apathy. As one CEO put it: "The only thing AI gives me is that my team can spend their Fridays on the golf course." CEOs are currently thinking about AI in two ways. Can I reduce headcount? How much is AI going to cost me?  The public conversation about AI and job...

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

PlannerPal CEO: 'Not all integrations are equal'

PlannerPal CEO: 'Not all integrations are equal'

Xplan integration intended to tackle poor data quality and fragmented workflows

Isabel Baxter
clock 30 July 2026 • 3 min read
AI is transformative, but are investment portfolios too dependent on it?

AI is transformative, but are investment portfolios too dependent on it?

'In a market dominated by a single narrative, looking beyond today's leaders is not a contrarian stance'

Nisha Thakrar
clock 27 July 2026 • 4 min read
Saturn targets £800 advice journey with AI operating system

Saturn targets £800 advice journey with AI operating system

‘Project OS’ set to launch in September

Isabel Baxter
clock 24 July 2026 • 2 min read