November 24, 2025
There’s a lot of talk about artificial intelligence (AI) and its ability to transform industries. Financial services are no exception. With AI tools capable of crunching numbers, running scenarios, and producing recommendations in seconds, some are asking, “Do I really need a human IFA any longer?”
As James Cole, Managing Director at Talis IFA, says: “It’s a fair question. AI can certainly do wonderful things. It can analyse vast datasets, identify trends, and generate reports faster than any person. For straightforward calculations, it’s efficient and accurate. But financial advice is not just about numbers—it’s about people. And that’s where the true value of an experienced, human IFA lies”.
Work with an IFA who cares about what you care about
AI can calculate, but it cannot care. It can present information, but it cannot sit across the table from you, listen to your concerns or your aims for your financial future, explain your options in plain English and understand the emotions behind your decisions. Financial planning is often triggered by life events—marriage, children, divorce, bereavement or retirement. These are deeply human experiences, and they require empathy as much as technical knowledge.
A human adviser offers recommendations shaped by understanding as well as experience. We don’t just look at the numbers; we look at the person behind them. We ask, “What matters to you? What are your values? What are you trying to achieve for your family, your business, your future?” AI cannot replicate that understanding.
Another challenge is ethics. AI systems are built on algorithms and data, but they don’t have morals. They can recommend strategies that look optimal on paper, but may not align with your values or the wider responsibilities you feel toward others.
As advisers, we apply wisdom. We weigh not just the financial outcome but the ethical implications. Should you invest in a fund that conflicts with your principles? Should you prioritise tax efficiency over family harmony? These are questions of judgement, not just mathematics.
Life first, money second
At Talis IFA, we understand that financial advice is ultimately about life, not spreadsheets. The numbers matter, of course, but they are a means to an end. The real goal is helping people gain confidence in making financial decisions, and set them on the path to financial freedom.
AI is numbers only. It can’t see the bigger picture of your life. It won’t notice the subtle cues in a conversation that reveal what’s really important to you. It won’t challenge you when your decisions don’t match your stated goals. A human adviser can.
At Talis IFA, we welcome the rise of AI as a tool. It can enhance efficiency, provide useful insights, and support decision-making. But it is not a replacement for human advice. The real value lies in combining technology with human judgement—using AI to handle the calculations, while our experienced advisers provide the empathy, ethics, and wisdom that machines cannot.
So should you bother with a real human being? Absolutely. Because financial advice is not just about money—it’s about you. And only a human adviser can truly understand that.
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