The era of artificial intelligence in finance is no longer a distant future. Recognizing this shift, the Financial Planning Association (FPA) has taken a decisive step to prepare its members. On 12 January 2026, the FPA announced the launch of FPAi, a dedicated portal and content library designed to help Certified Financial Planners harness the power of AI.
What is FPAi and How Will It Help Advisors?
FPAi is envisioned as a comprehensive resource hub. It will host a variety of materials, including informative blogs, instructional videos, and product demonstrations from the AI industry. The primary goal is to demystify the technology and guide financial advisors on its practical applications within their practices. Initially, this content will be accessible to the general public, but access will eventually be restricted to FPA members.
To provide tangible benefits, the FPA is collaborating with several fintech companies. These partnerships will enable FPA members to access discounted AI tools and services, lowering the barrier to adoption. The initiative is being undertaken in partnership with Capital Investment Advisors. Its managing partner, Matt Reiner, who is slated to speak about AI at all FPA conferences in 2026, is a key voice behind the project.
Expert Insights: Navigating AI Adoption and Pitfalls
Matt Reiner believes the advisory industry is already "fairly comfortable with AI in general," with many using it in some form. However, he identifies major hurdles. "I think much of the angst... comes from the data-privacy lens," Reiner states. He adds that the rapid pace of innovation and a lack of clear regulatory guidance on AI use are causing hesitation.
Reiner offers crucial advice for planners venturing into AI. He cautions against believing everything generated by a large language model and strongly advises not to feed clients' personally identifiable information into AI programs. A key trap, he notes, is the belief that "AI can do everything." Instead, advisors should view it as an "amazing augmented assistant" that enhances human expertise, not replaces it.
He also stresses the importance of providing clear context when using AI tools. Omitting necessary details can lead to "hallucinations" or incorrect outputs from the AI, a problem analogous to miscommunication between humans.
The Road Ahead for Financial Planning
Adoption across the industry is expected to be uneven. Established advisors with long-term client relationships may not feel an urgent need to invest heavily in new technology. However, Reiner sees a significant opportunity. He frames the future around the principle that "great advice has always been human, and AI should make it more so, not less."
The launch of FPAi marks a proactive move by the FPA to steer its members through the AI transformation. As regulatory frameworks evolve and tools become more sophisticated, this resource library aims to be the foundation that helps financial planners integrate AI responsibly and effectively, ensuring they remain competitive and provide enhanced value to their clients in the years to come.
