Augmented Humanity: How AI Amplifies the Human Element of Advice

Two competing visions for AI are emerging in wealth advisory. The first emphasizes digitization and automation—scaling through higher client-to-advisor ratios and replacing advisors with processes. The second vision reflects our industry's actual trajectory: each technological advance has enabled advisors to serve fewer clients more comprehensively. This approach prioritizes effectiveness over efficiency, recognizing that guiding clients toward financial wellbeing is deeply human work—helping people understand their needs, navigate emotional barriers, and achieve their goals. Here, AI enhances our ability to serve as empathic guides with practical behavioral expertise, not just technical planners. Embracing this vision offers a constructive path forward for an industry defining its evolution.