Interactive Brokers Survey: Independent RIAs See AI as an Ally, Not a Threat

62% of Financial Advisors Expect Generative AI to Improve Efficiency, Half Expect It Will Help with Investment Advice

According to new survey data from Interactive Brokers (Nasdaq: IBKR), an automated global electronic broker, a majority of independent registered investment advisors (RIAs) believe that more artificial intelligence (AI) is better for business. The survey found that financial advisors value tech stacks that streamline the back office so they have more time for clients.

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The latest findings from the 2025 Interactive Brokers Advisor Insights Survey include:

• 62% of financial advisors surveyed say generative AI can help them be more efficient.
• 51% believe generative AI can help provide more informed investment advice to clients.
• 48% agree that generative AI will transform the role of the financial advisor within five years.

“Advisors expect AI will be a tremendous ally in winning new business and engaging with clients, not a threat,” said Steve Sanders, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Product Development at Interactive Brokers. “The rush to AI adoption across the industry is setting the stage for a major evolution in advisor-client relationships in the near future.”

Advisors Want Technology that Frees Up Time for Clients

Advisors want technology that can solve day-to-day issues, like streamlining back-office operations, so they have more time for clients. According to survey respondents, the number one issue holding them back is back-office administration and record-keeping. Handling compliance and regulatory matters came in second.

Advisors’ challenges with technology are not limited to time management. Their biggest concerns are over data privacy and the lack of AI and automation in their workflows. They are also frustrated by the lack of integration across their tools and applications.

Advisors say the factors that matter most when choosing a custodian are costs, the trading platform, and access to investment products.

Administrative issues aside, most advisors have a positive outlook for their business this year, with 61% expecting to grow in 2025.

Interactive Brokers helps RIAs and independent financial advisors streamline operations, scale efficiently, and deliver a more competitive, personalized client experience through its powerful suite of automated trading, custody and account management tools, low costs, and global market access. To learn more, please visit IBKR Advisor Solutions.

To access other findings from the 2025 survey, visit: Interactive Brokers Advisor Insights Survey.

About the 2025 Interactive Brokers Advisor Insights Survey

Interactive Brokers surveyed its independent financial advisor clients to gauge their sentiment on their firms’ operations in the current market environment. The global email survey, which was conducted in April 2025, was completed by 113 fee-based financial advisors with an average of 19.4 years of experience. Survey respondents indicated they work at firms with an average of $120.2 million in client assets under management.

About Interactive Brokers Group, Inc.

Interactive Brokers Group affiliates provide automated trade execution and custody of securities, commodities, foreign exchange, and forecast contracts around the clock on over 160 markets in numerous countries and currencies from a single unified platform to clients worldwide. We serve individual investors, hedge funds, proprietary trading groups, financial advisors and introducing brokers. Our four decades of focus on technology and automation have enabled us to equip our clients with a uniquely sophisticated platform to manage their investment portfolios. We strive to provide our clients with advantageous execution prices and trading, risk and portfolio management tools, research facilities and investment products, all at low or no cost, positioning them to achieve superior returns on investments. Interactive Brokers has consistently earned recognition as a top broker, garnering multiple awards and accolades from respected industry sources such as Barron's, Investopedia, Stockbrokers.com, and many others.

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“Advisors expect AI will be a tremendous ally in winning new business and engaging with clients, not a threat,” said Steve Sanders, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Product Development at Interactive Brokers.