Why would a talent agency consider signing an AI actress like Tilly Norwood? The economics are clear. She’s cheap, compliant, and controllable. She doesn’t need rest, royalties, or red carpets.
Emily Blunt is a world-class actor. But to a studio executive running the numbers, Tilly looks tempting.
National wealth managers think the same way. Thousands of their advisers are really salespeople acting as advisers, a performance designed to win trust. But AI can act too. It can follow a script, map client risk, and churn out recommendations at a fraction of the cost. From a firm’s perspective, that’s attractive.
But here’s the issue. Just as Tilly devalues acting, synthetic advisers devalue advice. The economics work for the agencies and wealth managers, but not for the audiences or the investors. The motivation isn’t to improve outcomes for you, it’s to protect margins and maximise profits.
That doesn’t mean AI is bad. Used properly, it can cut unnecessary costs, model scenarios, and empower investors with more information. But the question is always: who is the star of the show? You, or the business model?
Takeaway: If your adviser is just acting the role, you’re already watching a performance. Don’t let AI economics turn your financial future into a cheap production.
Nic Round is a Chartered Financial Planner and Chartered Wealth Manager, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.