Can AI become my financial adviser?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is taking such big strides ahead. It seems to be saving money and time for people. It can answer anything from for how long to boil an egg to how to install new software.

Is it possible that it can take over financial advice?

What humans can do that AI can't

In a 14 Jul 2026 interview with Netwerk24open_in_new, behavioural strategist Joni Peddie talked about her book From CAN'T to CAN DO – The 9 human capabilities that AI can't replicate.

The uniquely human traits she focuses on are having a vision, chasing after your goals and mastering decision-making. As opposed to that, she warns AI can be very transactional. It means it lacks nuance, and how well-thought through can machine decisions be?

Will a robot understand what makes you tick?

The challenge is that each of us is unique. Yes, it is possible that a lot of our demographics overlap. But what will a robot understand about what makes me tick? Will it understand that I have cultural obligations others may not have? That I have an emotional debt to my significant other that goes beyond picking a one-size-fits-all answer? That I have a parent or a child with special needs?

And, to get back to what Peddie's research shows, even if the robot can suss my current needs out, I'm not so sure it can envision what lies beyond my next horizon. Can a machine come up with a brilliant solution if my world is turned upside down?

Who could manage with AI?

People who have a lot of financial knowledge and can navigate pitfalls stand a better chance of managing with AI. Especially if they are also highly independent. They can assess and question suggestions.

Young clients who are extremely cost-sensitive and comfortable that they can figure out all the complexities and risks themselves, also have a sporting chance of giving AI a go. That is, if they are happy for algorithms to determine their high-level needs.

The trust of a relationship built over years

For people at the end of their investment journey, we should perhaps refer to Peddie's knowledge again. She also mentioned “building relationships” as something AI is not yet able to do. When we're getting more vulnerable and need protection from money wolves (this will make you rich quickly, I promise) or desperate relatives or maybe even our own emotional decisions, nothing will beat the trust of a relationship cemented over years.

A financial adviser who has always analysed our needs and knows how to prioritise them, even as they change. Someone who has gotten to know our risk aversity. Someone who can save us time and money and offer tax advice. Someone who has stayed on top of legislative changes and economic challenges. Someone who is not intimidated to tell us what the consequences of our decisions are. (And anyone who uses AI regularly will tell you what a people pleaser a robot is.)

Real numbers for real decisions

The best is that a financial adviser can calculate our current financial position and based on that, project what our future position will be. They can give us numbers. Especially if we are considering big moves like moving, going smaller or even emigrating to where the children are.

They know what investments are appropriate for our age bracket.

Specialist knowledge is worth every penny

We would all like to feel capable of handling our own affairs. But there are certain fields where specialist knowledge is worth every penny. Let's say the medical or property fields, and something like estate planning.

Financial advisers are subject to serious legislation – they can't mess up, or you can take them to task. But it won't be that easy to sue Mr. Bot.