We use cookies to provide you with a great experience and to help our website run effectively. By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy.
"AI is a tool that helps us be more thorough and efficient. At the same time, we are very clear about its limitations."
February 1, 2026
As artificial intelligence continues its mass adoption and evolution, it seems to be slowly (or not so slowly) making its way into every corner of our and our clients’ lives. Personally, I’m having a ton of fun using it hack together DIY home projects, make travel itineraries for a family with 2 kids, build recipes from leftover groceries, and more! As the technology becomes increasingly ubiquitous, we’re finding more clients are curious how we view AI both as a utility and/or a threat to our industry. Building on an earlier discussion, I sat down with our CMO, Karen Hebert-Gordon, to explore how AI is being applied in the practice today and what it means for our clients going forward.
Here’s our conversation:
Karen: Evan, following up on my last discussion with Steve, how do you see AI changing the day-to-day experience for clients working with a financial advisor?
Evan: The biggest impact for clients is the depth and responsiveness of advice. AI allows us to analyze more variables, more quickly, and in a more organized way than ever before. That doesn’t change the foundation of advice—but it enhances it. Clients benefit from more comprehensive planning conversations, whether that’s around tax efficiency, retirement income strategies, or estate planning considerations. It ultimately helps us bring more clarity to complex decisions in a timely manner.
Karen: Where are you seeing the most meaningful improvements internally in the way advisors operate?
Evan: A lot of it is in preparation and ongoing monitoring- as well as in the speed to implementation of advice. AI helps advisors synthesize large amounts of information—from market developments to client-specific data like tax returns—so we can spend less time organizing inputs and more time interpreting them. That shift is important. It allows us to be more proactive rather than reactive, which clients experience as more thoughtful and timely guidance. We’re also able to leverage tools like note takers and highly customized “prompts” to create the follow up work flows within minutes of a meeting ending rather than hours or even days- this leads to implementing and following through on action items- for both clients and advisors quickly.
Karen: There’s a lot of discussion across the industry about responsible AI use. How are firms thinking about that balance?
Evan: The industry is being very deliberate, which I think is appropriate. Financial advice involves sensitive personal and financial information, so privacy and data security remain paramount. Most firms are considering AI as an extension of existing systems rather than a replacement. There’s a strong focus on ensuring that any use of AI is aligned with compliance standards, and that human oversight is always maintained. The goal is to enhance decision-making, not automate it.
Karen: AI has come a long way, but where do you still see it falling short today?
Evan: That’s an important part of the conversation. AI is powerful, but it’s not infallible. We still see models make basic mistakes at times—whether that’s in calculations, interpreting nuanced financial rules, or keeping up with the most recent tax law changes. In a field like ours, small errors can compound into meaningful consequences if they go unchecked. That’s why it’s critical that AI is used as a tool within a process, not as a final authority. Human advisors play an essential role both on the front end—framing the right questions and inputs—and on the back end—reviewing, validating, and applying judgment to the outputs. That combination is where the real value comes from.
Karen: How do you communicate the role of AI to clients who may be unsure or even skeptical about it?
Evan: It comes down to transparency. Clients should understand that AI isn’t making recommendations for them—we are. It’s a tool that helps us be more thorough and efficient. At the same time, we are very clear about its limitations. Financial advice requires context, judgment, and an understanding of individual circumstances and psychology that technology alone can’t replace. When clients understand that balance, it tends to build confidence rather than concern.
Karen: As adoption continues, how do you see the competitive landscape evolving within wealth management?
Evan: I think we’ll see a wider range of service models. At one end, AI will continue to increase the amount of information available to the average “do it yourselfer”. At the other end of the spectrum, for clients who value a relationship-driven approach, technology will elevate the level and breadth of personalization and insight they receive. In my opinion, the firms that succeed will be the ones that integrate AI in a way that strengthens—not dilutes—the client experience.
Karen: I notice you used the word “information” that will be available to “do it yourselfers” and not “advice”- was that intentional?
Evan: Interesting that you picked up on that- yes, quite intentional. For years I’ve been saying that the internet is full of “financial information” but not “financial advice”. How can a generic article titled “Why you should be maxing out your 401k” apply to every person in every situation? AI simply expands and compounds this idea. Without the right prompt or knowing to ask the questions you don’t know to ask, the current status of “advice” via these AI tools is more like information overload that still requires refinement. Plus, life and financial decisions don’t happen in a vacuum- AI doesn’t have the relational capabilities or interpersonal connections often required to coach a client through a decision they may not want to make but need to make. It’s not calling you to follow up on paperwork or reaching out proactively during a volatile period (either personally or in the markets) to check in and avoid costly mistakes. Lastly- the truth is that people tend to overestimate their own intelligence as well as their risk tolerance. This may be fine in a bull market- but if you haven’t been totally honest with yourself or your AI, it may lead you down a path that isn’t suitable for your goals or real-life appetite for risk in less than ideal conditions.
Karen: If you had to summarize the long-term opportunity for clients, what would it be?
Evan: More informed decisions that can be made as efficiently as possible. At the end of the day, that’s what this is about. If AI helps us surface better insights, test more scenarios, and communicate more clearly and efficiently, then clients are in a better position to make informed choices. And when combined with a trusted advisory relationship, that’s where the real value comes from.
As the financial services industry continues to evolve, our approach remains grounded in using technology thoughtfully and responsibly. AI is an important part of that evolution—but always in service of enhancing the client experience, and always paired with the judgment, accountability, and relationship that only a human advisor can provide.
Thank you for reaching out! We look forward to speaking with you and will be in touch asap. If you have an immediate need, please give us a call (408) 547-3390.