Tool aims to reduce the time spent reviewing documents
Manulife Wealth & Asset Management has introduced a new artificial intelligence (AI) platform designed to support its public markets investment research teams, marking a step forward in the firm’s adoption of technology to strengthen investment decision-making.
According to a news release, the AI Research Assistant platform integrates into daily research processes to help analysts quickly extract insights from vast and complex data. It consolidates financial reports, earnings transcripts, sell-side commentary, internal notes, and news stories into actionable summaries. According to the company, the platform reduces the time required to review documents by as much as 70% to 80%.
“Artificial intelligence is ushering in a new era for investment management. One defined by accelerated insight, enhanced precision, and scalable decision-making,” said Paul Lorentz, president and CEO of Manulife Wealth & Asset Management. “Its ability to distill vast and complex data into actionable intelligence is reshaping how we assess risk, uncover opportunity, and construct portfolios.”
Lorentz emphasized that AI is being deployed as a complement rather than a substitute for human judgment, underscoring that accountability remains with investment professionals.
Colin Purdie, global chief investment officer for public markets at Manulife Investment Management, said the new tool is already offering advantages. “This is a really exciting development that we believe is an advancement and competitive edge for investment research,” Purdie said. “By integrating this tool into our processes, we’re accelerating insight generation and empowering our investment professionals to focus on high-impact, strategic investment decisions.”
The AI Research Assistant was developed collaboratively by Manulife’s technology, AI, and investment research teams. Specialists were embedded with analysts to ensure the platform aligned with existing workflows and maintained the depth of analysis expected in active management. As of Aug. 31, 65% of public markets research team members had incorporated the tool into their work.
“We set out to build a solution that supports our investment teams by simplifying workflows and unlocking the potential of AI for faster and deeper insights,” said Robi Krempus, head of AI at Manulife Wealth & Asset Management.
The platform was designed under Manulife’s Responsible AI Principles, which emphasize responsible development, investment-led solutions, and integrated risk oversight.
Parent company Manulife Financial Corporation has invested in AI for nearly a decade, with applications across insurance, wealth, and asset management. More than 75% of its global workforce now uses generative AI tools, including the firm’s proprietary ChatMFC system.
