Alison Dooher, Head of Wealth Services and Platforms for Schwab Advisor Services, joined Julie Cooling, Founder and CEO of RIA Channel, at iCapital Connect 2026 to discuss how the firm is leveraging AI as adoption accelerates among advisors.
Dooher notes significant AI adoption by advisors over the last year. She finds that most advisors are still using AI tools rather than agents to support tasks such as meeting preparation and note-taking, while maintaining a strong “human-in-the-loop” approach.
Schwab utilizes AI across internal operations, including asset safety, risk decisions, and supporting service professionals in efficiently answering advisor questions. Dooher also notes that AI plays a critical role in Schwab’s advisor-facing tools, particularly in developing agents centered around custodial data and supporting the broader fintech ecosystem.
For advisors leading AI implementation, Dooher emphasizes the importance of developing a clear strategic point of view for how AI will fit within the firm, alongside a focus on the data quality and structure needed to drive performance. She finds that successful firms are integrating AI across their teams, ensuring alignment and comfort with the technology, while reinforcing that AI is intended to enhance performance rather than replace people.
Resources:
AI for RIAs: From experiment to strategy
What is artificial intelligence – and what are its benefits and risks?