Apart from the standard functionality, there are two key elements that set ‘Robo-advice’ apart from historical wealth management offerings. Firstly, investors can access the service at very low minimum threshold investment amounts, and secondly, investments carry a very low management fee (charged to run the portfolio). Combine these elements with relatively sophisticated risk profiling and investment goal determination, intuitive customer UX, and Robo-advisers provide a channel that offers investment advice to everyone, regardless of how much money they have and their level of financial knowledge. These platforms go some way to democratising participation in capital markets and can ultimately provide a level playing field for inclusive wealth creation.  

An evolving suite of tools that we collectively call Intelligent Process Automation [IPA] software have emerged in recent years and are beginning to gain traction with service industry leaders. These software applications increase efficiency and have been proven to deliver productivity gains that could go some way to correcting the overall weakness in UK productivity.

Actual Intelligence's Managing Director Ben Stokes took part in a series of lively workshops at the 2016 International Fund Forum in Berlin. The subject was the imaginary future asset manager. The topics covered centered around the changing face of the Asset Management Industry as a result of the impact of disruptive technology.

So far we have seen industrial revolutions in agriculture and manufacturing, now we are experiencing an industrial revolution of the service sector. As a fully linked in white collar professional you are a part of this, what role can you expect to play in this new industrial revolution? 

An interesting article from Mark Staples, Principal Researcher in Software Systems, Data 61. Published 23rd May 2016. Article published in collaboration with the conversation.  

As the FCA conducts its Financial Advice Market Review, are they heralding an era of automated investment advice for consumers? Could low cost and low entry thresholds hold the key to encouraging consumers back to wealth management in a post RDR environment characterised by large groups of investors not paying for investment advice and holding cash? 

Times supplement from Raconteur on business transformation. Many of these themes are relevant to Enterprises in the Financial Services sector. 

Raconteur Media Ltd. © 2016 All rights reserved.