Man vs. Machine in Finance: Who Wins the Future of Work?

The industries are changing with the use of AI, and finance is no exception. With increasing tasks involving little decision-making and processes performed by algorithms, the prospects for financial jobs are being questioned. Will AI replace roles such as data analysts and accountants, or will it merely re-model them? With the redefinition of work brought about by automation and augmentation, it is crucial to understand the true implications of AI. AI is projected to contribute up to 15.7 trillion to the global GDP by 2030. This implies that one should learn to separate realistic projections and marketing hype. The effect that AI will have on employment will be primarily in two ways: automation and augmentation. Easy, repetitive work, such as typing or answering simple customer queries, will be largely replaced by machines.

McKinsey forecasts that up to 45% of work activities will be automated. It is essential to consider the balance between automation and augmentation in light of how AI is expected to impact job roles in the future, as revealed in a report released by McKinsey in January 2025. “The report found that 70 percent of employees think that generative AI (GenAI) would transform 30 percent or more of their tasks. A perfect combination of these will result in more efficient processes, allowing human beings to spend less time on manual and routine tasks and more time on developing their creative side and solving complex problems. Automation and a new division of labour between humans and machines will displace 85 million jobs across 15 industries in 26 economies globally by 2030, with 85 percent of these job displacements occurring in medium-sized businesses. Over 80 percent of business leaders are accelerating their efforts to automate operations and implement new technologies. Jobs that help exploit human skills will increase. Robots will be primarily committed to information and data processing, as well as office work and routine manual labour activities, including both white- and blue-collar work.

Most employers know the importance of reskilling their personnel despite the prevailing economic recession. This is an average of 66%. They are also anticipating success in redeploying some of the workers within the same organization by 46%. Even then, one thing is sure, and that is in the future, you will find those businesses that have invested the most in the human capital, skills, and competencies of their employees. According to recent research conducted by labour economists, for every additional robot among a thousand workers, the employment-to-population ratio decreases by 0.18 to 0.34 percentage points, and wages decrease by 0.25 to 0.5 percentage points. In 2014, the verdict was evenly split when the Pew Research Centre and the Elon University Imagining the Internet Centre asked experts whether AI and robotics would increase jobs or lead to unemployment, compared to the lower numbers. In the survey, 48 percent said they foresee a society in which more jobs will be lost than created, whereas 52 percent said more jobs will be created than lost.

The future of jobs has become a top-of-the-agenda issue at numerous key conferences worldwide since the expert’s canvassing. Even though AI will play a specific role in the daily activities of both of these new professions, its role will be to complement rather than automate and substitute this Robot revolution, which is expected to add 97 million jobs. Yet, communities that are most likely to be affected by the changes will require business support and government aid.

In 2025, the most in-demand skills include analytical thinking, creativity, and flexibility. With the rise of data and artificial intelligence, content creation and cloud computing are among the most sought-after new occupations. Businesses that decide to reskill and upskill employees will be the most competitive ones. It does not matter whether you are selecting your undergraduate major or contemplating mid-career change; the message of Bill Gates to you is loud and clear… Slanting towards those things that make us human: intuition, creativity, and adaptability.

“What do you make of the AI-generated future, or will you be part of creating something new yourself?”

AI is transforming the workplace by streamlining routine tasks and enhancing human creativity. Although some jobs may be eliminated, many new opportunities will also arise. The success or failure of this transformation will depend on our ability to adapt, think creatively, and engage in continuous training.