Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere, overwhelming industries, trades and modes of decision. In asset management, this technological revolution is much more than a trend.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere, overwhelming industries, trades and modes of decision. In the management of assets, this technological revolution is much more than a trend: it radically transforms the way in which we analyze the markets, build portfolios and execute transactions. However, behind this promise of progress hides an essential question: is AI an opportunity to fully seize or a threat to master with vigilance?
A promise of performance and efficiency
AI’s capacities to analyze immense volumes of data in record time make it possible to identify trends, correlations and weak signals invisible to the human eye. By integrating sophisticated predictive models, managers can optimize their decisions, reduce costs and improve responsiveness to volatile markets. According to a study by Mercer published in 2024, 91 % of asset managers already use AI or plan to integrate it into their investment or research strategies on asset classes.
The AI also offers automation of repetitive tasks, freeing time to teams to focus on qualitative analyzes, customer council, or strategic reflection. This man-machine complementarity is a real opportunity to improve the overall performance of funds.
A risky dependence on the “black box”
But behind this attractive painting are hidden several major risks. AI algorithms often work as “black boxes”: their internal mechanisms are complex, opaque, and difficult to explain. When a model recommends an investment or performs a transaction, which can really understand and validate the decision? Who guarantees that these systems do not include hidden biases or react properly in an unprecedented scenario, as a major financial crisis?
Excessive dependence on these algorithms can cause a loss of human alertness and blind confidence in results that are never infallible. AI does not replace intelligence or human judgment, it must remain a tool at the service of critical reflection.
Ethical, regulatory and governance issues
Artificial intelligence also raises complex ethical questions. The transparency of models, the management of biases (for example, prejudices that can lead to discriminatory or inequitable decisions), the protection of personal data, and responsibility in the event of error or dysfunction must be at the heart of concerns.
European and global regulators are starting to supervise these technologies, but the standards remain moving and often late in the face of the speed of innovations. Asset management requires solid executives to ensure regulatory compliance, protect investors and guarantee the reliability of systems.
Build controlled and responsible artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence is an essential lever of innovation to meet current economic and social challenges. But this innovation must be thought and deployed with rigor.
This implies investing massively in team training, so that managers retain control of tools and develop a fine understanding of algorithms. It is also necessary to promote transparency: the models must be audited, understandable, and the decisions explainable.
Finally, governance must be reinforced. This involves a close collaboration between players in the sector, regulators, technological experts and customers, to build ethical, sustainable, and efficient solutions.
Humans, always at the heart of asset management
The most fundamental issue remains the place of humans in this revolution. Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool, but it should never become an end in itself. The meaning, responsibility, ethics and creativity are irreplaceable human qualities.
It is imperative to build a relationship of trust between man and machine, where each decision is based on a synergy between data, expertise and values. It is only in this condition that the management of assets will be able to take full advantage of the promises of the AI without suffering the drifts.
In conclusion, artificial intelligence in asset management is a great opportunity, but also a major challenge. The actors who will be able to combine technological innovation, human mastery, and responsible governance will be those who will build the finance of tomorrow: efficient, ethical and sustainable.
It is time to go beyond fantasies and fears to build an artificial intelligence at the service of humans, transparency and lasting performance.
