Articles

AI and the Future of Advice

AUSTRALIAN RETIREMENT TRUST

2025 ROAD SHOW REPORT

AI, PORTFOLIO STRATEGY & THE FUTURE OF INVESTING

By Bruce Apted Head of Portfolio Management,
Presented at The Establishment, Sydney – April 9, 2025

 

🤖 Artificial Intelligence and the Investment Revolution

Bruce Apted’s session was a fascinating dive into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it’s being harnessed to transform portfolio construction, research, and adviser productivity.

“We’re only at the beginning of this AI revolution,” Apted said. “And yet, even now, its applications are powerful and practical.”

He stressed that AI is not a replacement for human decision-making—but rather a partner that helps streamline complex processes and generate insights faster than ever before.

🧪 Real-World Use Cases for Advisers and Investment Teams

Apted shared several real-world examples that showed how AI is already delivering value across ART’s investment operations:

✅ 1. Fundamental Company Research

Using AI, ART’s team processed thousands of pages of earnings call transcripts and company filings in seconds.

• Case study: Salesforce strategy analysis across 10 years of transcripts—delivered in 20 seconds with 90% accuracy.
• Bonus: AI-generated SWOT and sentiment analysis for global companies in multiple languages.

✅ 2. Portfolio Optimization

With purpose-built AI tools like Portfolio Management GPT, the team can:

• Construct diversified portfolios based on volatility or client preferences.
• Run real-time scenario analysis for events like market crashes or global recessions.

“In seconds, we can now map how a portfolio might respond to eight different global shocks.”

✅ 3. Market Commentary and Productivity

AI is helping advisers and investment teams quickly draft performance summaries, commentary, and insights tailored to client portfolios.

⚠️ The Limitations: Use Wisely, Use Carefully

Apted urged caution around AI hallucinations—where the model makes up data or misinterprets context.

“You still need human oversight. Use AI where mistakes won’t be catastrophic—use it for insights, not final decisions.”

📌 What Advisers Should Do Now

• Experiment in low-risk areas: Try AI for market summaries, initial analysis, or scripting communications.
• Focus on prompting skills: “Prompt engineering” is becoming the new spreadsheet mastery.
• Understand compliance and privacy concerns: Make sure any AI use doesn’t compromise sensitive data.

💡 Final Word

“AI won’t replace advisers. But advisers who use AI effectively will outperform those who don’t,” said Apted.

 

General Advice Warning

The information provided in this blog is of a general nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice. It has been prepared without considering your individual objectives, financial situation, or needs. Before acting on any information, you should consider its appropriateness to your circumstances and seek professional advice.

Disclaimer

Familia Wealth and Shartru Wealth do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any third-party content referenced in this blog. The views expressed by third parties are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Familia Wealth or Shartru Wealth. While care has been taken to ensure the information is accurate at the time of publication, neither Familia Wealth nor Shartru Wealth accepts liability for any errors or omissions.

 

Posted in Articles at 15 April 25