Disclaimer: The following is my brief commentary based on an article published by U.S. News & World Report discussing AI’s role in retirement planning. To read the original piece in its entirety, please click here.
When journalist Kate Stalter reached out for my thoughts on artificial intelligence in wealth management, I was happy to share how we at RGA Investment Advisors approach this evolving technology.
As I told her:
“AI has become a valuable complement to our research process, particularly in equity analysis, where it enhances our ability to identify patterns, analyze vast amounts of financial data, and surface insights that support our decision-making.”
Yet, I was equally direct about its limits:
“Artificial intelligence lacks the judgment, intuition, and forward-looking perspective that come from decades of experience.”
At RGA Investment Advisors LLC, we leverage artificial intelligence tools to enhance our research, but every portfolio management and financial planning strategy is still crafted by a human advisor.
These advisors understand the nuanced contexts and market cycles that algorithms cannot grasp, ensuring each strategy is ultimately signed off by a human.
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Perspectives from Across the Industry
What struck me about the broader conversation in the article was how other financial professionals are finding their own balance between technology and human expertise:
Fahad Hassan of Range Finance offered an insightful perspective, framing the tech-vs-human debate perfectly:
“We don’t view automation versus personalized financial planning as a binary. Instead, our proprietary AI technology powers our expert financial advisors to give customers radically better value at a fraction of the cost.”
His view aligns with my philosophy that technology should enhance—slash busywork so skilled planners can focus on strategy—rather than replace the human element.
Ben Loughery and Ryan McGonigal highlighted a simple but powerful win: AI-powered meeting tools.
Loughery noted how they allow him to:
“Stay present in the conversation and capture everything so I don’t miss something.”
While McGonigal emphasized that by automating tasks like data entry and research:
“AI gives advisors their time back to focus on building client relationships and spend their mental energy on complex financial planning needs.”
I’ve tested similar tools and agree—they free an advisor to stay fully present with clients while still capturing every detail.
Ryan McLin added the essential reminder that efficiency alone isn’t the goal; empathy and nuanced guidance are irreplaceable. As he put it:
“AI is powerful, but it does not replace the element of human interaction.”
I couldn’t agree more. Technology should amplify rapport and enhance the client experience, not elbow it aside.
Key Takeaways for Investors
Based on my experience and the insights shared in this article, here’s what retirement savers should consider:
- Robo-advisors serve a purpose, but have limitations. While nearly every major brokerage now offers algorithm-based portfolio management, these platforms primarily focus on ETF allocation and rebalancing. Treat them as a starting point, not a finish line, as they often miss the holistic picture of your financial life, including taxes, estate plans, and behavioral quirks.
- AI excels at pattern recognition, but humans excel at judgment. Technology can process massive amounts of data at lightning speed, but seasoned advisors translate those patterns and insights into strategies that account for market cycles, emotions, and personal circumstances—helping you stick with a plan through good times and bad.
- Look for advisors who thoughtfully integrate technology. The most effective approach combines AI’s efficiency with human expertise. The best setups channel tech savings back into deeper client conversations and strategic planning, not just into shareholders’ pockets.
- Stay curious about how your advisor uses AI. As these tools evolve rapidly, understand how they’re being applied to your financial planning, why they are trusted, and what guardrails exist to maintain the human judgment that remains central to sound advice.
Conclusion
The future of retirement planning isn’t about choosing between AI and human advisors—it’s about finding the right blend of both to create more personalized, efficient, and ultimately more successful financial outcomes.
Disclaimer: This commentary references my contribution to an article originally published by U.S. News & World Report. For the complete analysis and additional expert insights, please visit the original publication on the U.S. News website.