New research by wealth management platform provider FNZ reveals how AI is poised to create a virtuous circle in wealth management—with back-office automation set to free up capacity for front-office personalisation.
The survey of 500 investment executives across asset managers, wealth managers, private banks, family offices and broker dealers in 16 markets shows where firms see AI’s greatest potential impact in their operations:
Where executives see AI’s future role:
- Business processes: 42%
- Custody services: 39%
- Financial statements and record keeping: 37%
Investment firms are already “well advanced in adopting AI from the back to the front office,” with AI automation of code development, business processes, and custody services beginning to yield “enormous efficiency and productivity gains.”
The AI circle: operations to personalisation
These operational efficiencies are proving crucial to what FNZ group president Roman Regelman calls “scalable personalisation”—where back-office automation creates a reinforcing cycle by freeing advisers from administrative tasks, allowing them to focus on relationship building and holistic guidance.
73% of executives believe AI will drive a step-change in adviser productivity, with AI handling operational areas while advisers focus on what only humans can do: understand goals, build trust and provide guidance.
The result, according to Regelman, is that “each client will become the centre of a personalised ecosystem—a seamless, personalised network of various financial services, products, and institutions, such as asset managers, banks, insurers and others. With the growth of AI, this level of individualisation is achievable and will redefine wealth management.”
From vision to reality
Overall, 63% of investment executives agree AI will revolutionise the wealth and asset management sector, with the most advanced firms already building the infrastructure: 81% of AI leaders have implemented formal governance frameworks and policies.
“What this study shows, with real data, is just how far the leaders have already moved,” said Regelman. “They are building modern platforms, industrialising data and governance, and using AI to free advisers to do what only humans can do.”
However, effective governance remains key, with 62% agreeing that clearer risk management guidelines will enable greater use of AI.
“AI is no longer a side project for the wealth and asset management industry, it is rapidly redefining the economics of advice,” Regelman said. “At FNZ, we see this as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to open up wealth.”
