09/02/2026
I recently came across a podcast with Robinhood's CEO Vlad Tenev.
Remember, Robinhood is one of the larger self-directed/AI investing platforms.
When asked whether financial advisors will become obsolete because of AI and self directed investing, his answer was interesting.
He said advisors provide something different. They're often the person clients turn to when making important life decisions. Over time, they become a trusted relationship, sometimes almost an extension of the family.
AI can provide information. It can analyze data. It can make recommendations.
But trust, accountability, and responsibility are different.
When markets become volatile, a loved one passes away, retirement approaches, or a major financial decision needs to be made, many people still want a person sitting across from them who understands their goals and is there to help guide them.
Technology will continue to transform our industry. But I believe the human side of advice remains just as important. Interestingly, that's not just the view of a financial advisor, it's also the view of the CEO of one of the largest self directed investing platforms in the world.
