16 January 2026
Artificial intelligence — especially generative AI (GenAI) — is rapidly altering the landscape of investment management, creating new opportunities for productivity while prompting a reassessment of traditional roles. According to a recent CFA Institute article, GenAI is reshaping investment workflows faster than many firms can adapt, making it essential for professionals and organisations to rethink how they work, what skills they need, and how human judgment will coexist with machine intelligence in the years ahead.
The article, authored by Rhodri Preece, CFA, highlights that the launch of industry-focused tools such as Claude for Financial Services reflects a broader trend: AI platforms are not just general-purpose assistants, but increasingly specialised systems tailored to financial workflows. These tools can automate time-consuming tasks such as data extraction, document synthesis and initial report drafting, allowing professionals to redirect time toward higher-value strategic activities.
Transforming work, preserving judgment
Financial firms are confronting what may be the most significant technological overhaul in a generation. AI-driven transformation is not only reshaping investment processes — from research and analysis to risk management and client engagement — but also redefining job roles. As the article notes, projecting how workflows and responsibilities will evolve remains challenging given the pace of innovation and the uncertainty around future pathways. However, understanding these shifts is essential for both firm leaders and individuals planning their careers.
One key question the piece examines is whether AI will replace human professionals. CFA Institute’s perspective is clear: the future lies in a complementary model, often described as “AI + HI” (artificial intelligence plus human intelligence). In this paradigm, machines handle routine and data-intensive tasks, while professionals provide oversight, judgment, accountability and strategic insight — capabilities that machines currently cannot replicate.
Current adoption and practical examples
The article references CFA Institute’s own survey-based research on technology adoption, which found that while traditional tools like spreadsheets and databases remain central, many professionals are layering AI and programming languages like Python into analytic workflows. For example, in valuation, industry research and report preparation, professionals are increasingly using AI to assist with data gathering and summarisation, but human analysts continue to lead interpretation and decision-making.
Such integration illustrates how AI expands capacity — automating repetitive work and managing large volumes of information — but does not diminish the need for critical thinking, professional skepticism, and ethical judgement. These uniquely human competencies remain essential to validate model outputs, understand assumptions, and make informed decisions in complex and uncertain environments.
Future skills and career implications
For finance professionals, the evolution of AI workflows presents both a challenge and an opportunity. The article underscores the importance of rethinking skill development, with a growing emphasis on data literacy, strategic thinking, interpretive analysis, and adaptability. Firms must not only upgrade technology stacks, but also invest in human capital that can harness AI tools effectively and responsibly.
Why this matters for CFA Society Italy Members
For members of CFA Society Italy, these developments have clear professional implications. As AI becomes more embedded in investment processes, strong foundational knowledge in finance and investment analysis will continue to be the bedrock on which advanced workflows are built. Yet the value of human-centric skills — such as ethical judgment, client communication, and contextual interpretation — will only increase as automation expands. Analysts, portfolio managers, and risk professionals who cultivate both technological fluency and deep domain expertise will be positioned to lead in an AI-augmented industry. Moreover, understanding how workflows are evolving will help members better advise clients, guide teams, and shape strategic decisions within their organisations.
CFA Institute has emphasised its commitment to monitoring AI developments and equipping professionals with guidance and education to navigate these shifts — an effort that aligns with the Society’s broader mission to support lifelong learning and ethical excellence in the investment profession.