AI Is Coming for Financial Advice: What Advisors Need to Know with Alex Chalekian (Ep. 18)

Transcript

What happens when AI begins reshaping the financial advice industry faster than most advisors expect?

In this episode, Thomas Manetta sits down with Alex Chalekian, Founder and CEO of Lake Avenue Financial,  to unpack a technology shift that may fundamentally change how advisors operate and how clients experience financial planning. Together, they explore the evolving role of technology and artificial intelligence in financial services and how new tools may reshape the way advisors serve clients.

Thomas and Alex discuss the ripple effects following the rollout of integrated tax planning tools within the Altruist ecosystem and what this signals for the future of the industry. Drawing on decades of experience, Alex shares his perspective on how automation, AI agents, and fully integrated platforms may streamline financial planning, improve client experiences, and allow advisors to focus more on relationships rather than administrative work. They also reflect on the historical evolution of the advisory business, from commission-based models to fee-based planning, and how the next wave of technology may accelerate another major industry shift.

Thomas and Alex discuss:

• How integrated tax planning tools are beginning to reshape the advisor technology stack
• Why AI-driven platforms may dramatically improve efficiency for financial advisors
• The potential shift from fragmented software tools to fully integrated planning systems
• How client expectations may evolve as financial advice becomes more technology-enabled
• The opportunities and challenges AI may create for the next generation of advisors
• Why strong client relationships will remain central, even as technology advances
• And more!