When Artificial Intelligence Meets Human Authenticity
In a world where artificial intelligence is transforming industries at warp speed, we move forward with intention – adopting technology with thoughtfulness and care. Because as AI transforms the way we experience life, it also gives us a chance to strengthen what endures: authentic human connection.
At Baird, we’re continuously exploring new investments in technology because we know they make a meaningful difference in how we support you. When it comes to enabling them – like AI – we do so with care, ensuring they strengthen the trust and relationships that have defined our firm for over a century. In the following article, we explore both sides of Baird’s approach to AI: how we’re thoughtfully integrating AI into advisor teams’ practices, and how we’re ensuring human connection endures.
So, how is Baird weaving AI into the way advisor teams work?
What It Takes for AI To Earn Its Place at Baird
Behind every new technology at Baird are processes and protocols designed to protect clients and preserve trust. The balance between cutting-edge innovation and authentic relationships is evaluated long before any tool reaches an advisor’s desk. Our experts must ensure every tool honors the integrity and human connection that define our wealth management services.
Our AI journey isn’t just about innovation – it’s about integration: integrating technology into the advisor experience in a way that’s natural, human and enhances advisor teams’ personal touch.
– Jordan Bathey, Manager of PWM Analytics & Insights
That’s why we take a “safety-first” approach to adoption – using AI in secure, compliant environments where privacy and data protection are top priorities. While countless AI tools exist, we invest only in those that work for our firm and keep your information safe – and give teams the foundational training they need to use them effectively.
How Advisor Teams Can Use AI Today
With responsible practices guiding us, advisor teams can use AI to empower daily work. Financial Advisors and Client Specialists often use it as a tool to streamline tasks like preparing for meetings, managing routine responsibilities and capturing meeting notes. Simplifying these to-dos is game-changing for efficiency, allowing teams more time for what matters most: listening and strategizing with clients.
AI can also act as an initial reviewer for documents and processes. With human oversight, Baird’s tools can check forms for accuracy and summarize complex reports – helping your advisor analyze a broad range of information about your situation and uncover deeper insights and strategies. AI tools at Baird can also help flag unusual transactions that may indicate identity theft, adding another layer of protection.
Technology continues to be incorporated in more engagements, supporting our advisors in offering the best experience. In 2025, we reviewed tens of thousands of tax returns to bolster financial planning – something unimaginable without technology.
– Ryan Burwell, Director of PWM Technology Strategy
By thoughtfully integrating AI, advisor teams are showing that technology can streamline processes, enhance service and expand what’s possible in wealth management. But as AI becomes more common, the true value of human advisors becomes even clearer.
In an increasingly digital world, where do Financial Advisors’ insights matter most?
AI Provides Information – Advisors Provide Context
AI has, in some ways, become the new search engine. What we once typed into Google, we now type into an AI digital assistant. Why? Because it synthesizes complex information into concise answers.
But convenience doesn’t always mean completeness. Ask AI how much to save for retirement, and it may suggest 15% of your income – unaware whether you’re caring for aging parents, planning to downsize or travel internationally every year.
While AI is interpreting the data, your advisor is interpreting you – helping you plan for more than just a moment in time, but your long-term vision.
– Kelsey Clair, CPA, CPWA®, Senior Tax Strategist
Without the right context and input, even the best tools can miss the mark. Advisors bridge that gap by asking the right follow-up questions and applying what they’ve learned about you over time – offering guidance shaped not just by the information you include in an AI prompt, but by the insight they’ve gained after years of knowing you. Through building a relationship with you, your advisor knows your story. Quick AI responses are useful reminders that what Baird Financial Advisors do is far beyond technical – it’s helping you find the intersection of purpose and money.
AI Is Reactive – Advisors Are Proactive
AI can analyze history and identify trends, but only advisors bring the human perspective that turns those insights into strategies that fit your life. After all, AI certainly won’t call you to talk about Medicare because you’re turning 65 or adjust your portfolio based on your changing tolerance for risk.
Financial Advisors plan forward. They anticipate evolving goals, shifting conditions and moments of uncertainty that may call for new strategies. Their foresight helps you prepare before change happens – not just respond after it does. In times of volatility, that preparation can make all the difference between reacting emotionally and staying on course.
AI Simulates Empathy – Advisors Show It
Try as it might, AI cannot replicate human experiences or emotional intelligence. And when volatility strikes, reassurance from another person matters most. When you’re worried about your portfolio, you don’t want an algorithm – you want the familiar voice of your team’s Client Specialist on the other side of the phone.
People value human interaction particularly when complexity soars and emotions run high. AI can pump out data, but it can’t manage uncertainty – only humans can do that.
– Michael Antonelli, Market Strategist
AI may streamline tasks and surface data, but Financial Advisor teams provide empathy and values-driven guidance – and perhaps above all, someone to lean on during times of uncertainty. After all, there’s no better feeling than being around people where you don’t have to explain yourself – people who already understand your goals, your worries and what truly matters to you.
When you’re dealing with emotions, you don’t want there to be anything artificial about it.
– Laurence Kluth, Manager of Equity Compensation Planning
At Baird, our relationships with clients are at the heart of everything we do – and that principle guides our approach to AI. We view technology as a tool that doesn’t replace human connection, but strengthens it.
Reach out to your Baird Financial Advisor team to learn more about how they’re incorporating AI into their practice.
This information has been developed by a member of Baird Wealth Solutions Group, a team of wealth management specialists who provide support to Baird Financial Advisor teams. The information offered is provided to you for informational purposes only. Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated is not a legal or tax services provider and you are strongly encouraged to seek the advice of the appropriate professional advisors before taking any action. The information reflected on this page are Baird expert opinions today and are subject to change. The information provided here has not taken into consideration the investment goals or needs of any specific investor and investors should not make any investment decisions based solely on this information. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. All investments have some level of risk, and investors have different time horizons, goals and risk tolerances, so speak to your Baird Financial Advisor before taking action.
