AI Deepens Human Role in Wealth Management as Edward Jones Advisors Shift Focus — Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P.

Event summary

Edward Jones and Morning Consult survey of 201 financial advisors in May 2026 finds 69% say AI has had a positive impact on the industry.
53% of advisors view AI as an opportunity to focus on higher-value client work, while 68% emphasize the human touch for long-term trust.
38% of advisors report clients comparing advice from financial advisors to online or AI tools.
Edward Jones embeds AI in proprietary systems to automate administrative tasks and free up advisor time for complex client conversations.

The big picture

Edward Jones' research underscores a broader industry shift where AI is not replacing financial advisors but enabling them to focus on deeper, more meaningful client relationships. As clients become more informed through digital tools, the role of advisors evolves toward providing context, trust, and personalized guidance—qualities that technology alone cannot replicate. With $2.4 trillion in assets under care as of March 2026, Edward Jones' findings highlight how AI adoption is reshaping client interactions and advisor workflows across wealth management.

What we're watching

Human-AI Synergy: How financial advisors will balance AI-driven efficiency with the irreplaceable human elements of trust and judgment.
Client Expectations: Whether clients' increasing reliance on digital tools for financial advice will reshape advisor-client dynamics long-term.
Industry Adaptation: The pace at which wealth management firms beyond Edward Jones integrate AI to enhance, rather than replace, human advisory roles.