AI: The Workhorse Driving Investment Productivity

Thursday 8 January 2026

Written in partnership with AlphaSense

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way investment professionals work, ushering in a new era of efficiency and strategic focus. Its capabilities go far beyond simple tasks like generating to-do lists or identifying diary clashes. By automating repetitive, low-value activities, AI enables professionals to redirect their time and expertise toward high-impact decision-making.
A recent study by Lloyds Banking Group found that 59% of the UK’s largest banks, asset and wealth managers, insurers, and financial sponsors reported improved productivity from AI—up from 32% the previous year . This sharp increase signals a growing maturity in how financial institutions are integrating AI into their workflows.

From hype to High-value impact

To thrive in this evolving landscape, investment professionals must adopt a proactive and strategic approach to AI. Rather than viewing it as a threat to jobs, AI should be seen as a tool to enhance human judgment, reduce error, and unlock new sources of insight. When paired with human hard-earned expertise, AI can accelerate research, uncover patterns, and support more informed investment decisions. All while reducing time spent on manual reporting and data preparation.

Companies like AlphaSense are at the forefront of this innovation, addressing a key challenge in finance: synthesising relevant research from credible, traceable data sources to deliver actionable insights. And the industry is responding. According to the CFA Institute’s Creating Value from Big Data survey, 23% of EMEA members surveyed reported using AI in their investment process in 2024 .

As Karem Levent, Sales Director at AlphaSense, explains:
“AI isn't here to replace human judgment and experience. Rather, it's designed to augment professionals' capabilities, enabling them to amplify their impact and efficiency. It’s like having a digital colleague who’s doing all the groundwork for you.”

AI as a Strategic Partner

AI is most powerful when used as a strategic partner. Success lies in knowing how to harness it effectively. This includes asking the right questions, interpreting outputs with nuance, and integrating machine intelligence with human insight. Firms that master this balance will be well-positioned to lead in the AI-powered future of investment management.

Building Trust in AI

Trust is foundational. In 2024, 54% of respondents in a Mercer study reported using AI within their investment strategies, with another 36% planning to adopt it.  As AI becomes more embedded in investment workflows, confidence in both the insights and the systems that generate them is essential.

AI is only as reliable as its data sources. In investment, traceability and transparency are non-negotiable. Platforms like AlphaSense prioritise these principles, allowing users to trace AI-generated insights back to original, verified sources. This visibility ensures professionals can rely on the information with confidence.

Strategic Skills for the AI Era

To fully realise AI’s potential, investment professionals must develop new strategic skills. Those who can craft effective prompts, interpret results critically, and integrate AI outputs with their own expertise will be best equipped to thrive in this new paradigm.