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HCLTech's Groundbreaking AI-Based Synthetic Research Study

In a landmark move, HCLTech, a prominent player in the global technology landscape, has rolled out a pioneering synthetic research report named "Hidden In Pl(AI)n Sight". This study is centered around the wealth management industry and was informed by a survey of 1,066 AI personas crafted to emulate high-level decision-makers across 17 global markets.

The key finding from this comprehensive study indicates that a staggering 84% of wealth management firms acknowledge the imperative need to fundamentally reshape their operating models to harness AI's full potential. However, paradoxically, less than 10% of these organizations feel adequately prepared to enact these changes. This revelation highlights a crucial insight: the journey toward AI transformation isn't merely about implementing new technologies—it's about redefining how these businesses operate and compete in an increasingly dynamic market.

Interestingly, while an overwhelming 98% of industry executives are actively pursuing AI agendas, only around 7% are focusing on developing capabilities in agent-based AI. The study identifies three significant blind spots that are currently hindering these organizations from translating their enthusiasm for AI into tangible business outcomes:

1. Ambition Blind Spot: Companies recognize the necessity for transformation but continue to primarily allocate funds toward enhancing efficiency, rather than investing in more innovative applications of AI.
2. Implementation Blind Spot: Notably high investments in technology are not complemented by equivalent investments in proprietary customer data and insights, key elements that can create a competitive advantage.
3. Strategic Blind Spot: Firms may be enthusiastic about introducing AI but are failing to measure its impact on growth, revenue, and customer satisfaction effectively.

Srinivasan Seshadri, Chief Growth Officer and Global Head of Financial Services at HCLTech, offered a poignant assessment of the situation. He remarked, "The industry doesn't face a problem of investment. It has a decision-making issue. Almost every wealth management company is spending on AI. However, far fewer can articulate which specific programs they're funding, the extent to which AI is integrated into their operational models, or whether they are assessing the crucial outcomes—namely, new customer benefits, growth, and revenue models. Our research indicates that while 84% of executives express a desire for a fundamental redesign, only 12% are measuring the new revenues that such redesigns should generate. This is the blind spot that the winners will address first."

The comprehensive study exemplifies a unique fusion of AI capabilities and human expertise, establishing a robust new model for deriving insights. Throughout the entire process, industry practitioners, researchers, and subject matter experts have played a vital role questioning assumptions, enriching the context, and rigorously validating the outcomes to ensure that the findings are not just innovative but also grounded in real-world industry experience.

Jill Kouri, Global Chief Marketing Officer at HCLTech, commented on this emerging framework, saying, "This study reflects a new model for insight generation—one where AI provides us with breadth and speed, while human expertise guarantees each insight’s credibility and trustworthiness. It showcases what’s possible when AI and human expertise collaborate, and it’s precisely the type of competency we intend to scale internally."

Organizations that aim to establish a lasting competitive edge will be those that harmonize AI with their most distinctive asset—decades of proprietary customer knowledge. Notably, executives identified first-party and behavioral data as more valuable differentiators compared to technology infrastructure, cloud platforms, or AI partnerships. Almost 80% believe that future industry leaders will be those who best align AI, human expertise, and ecosystem partners. The highest levels of confidence were noted in the Asia-Pacific region (89%) and North America (84%), whereas Europe lags behind at 38.3%, underscoring the varying paces of readiness and transformation across different markets.

A Trailblazing Research Model with AI

Produced in collaboration with Evidenza, this report stands as a comprehensive application of synthetic research within the wealth management sector. The methodology mirrors the approach HCLTech advocates for its clients: deploying AI at scale while relying on human judgment at pivotal moments. Rather than replacing traditional expertise, AI is harnessed to extend and scale it, with subject matter experts actively involved in persona design, research development, and outcome validation.

Ultimately, the study concludes that companies securing a sustainable competitive advantage will not necessarily be those that deploy the most AI, but those that effectively blend AI with their unique strengths—proprietary customer knowledge, human expertise, and strong ecosystem partnerships.

For further insights, access the complete report at HCLTech Financial Services.

About HCLTech

HCLTech is a global technology company with over 223,000 employees across 60 countries, offering leading capabilities in AI, digital transformation, engineering, cloud, and software, drawing upon a vast portfolio of technology services and solutions. We collaborate with clients across various industries, providing industry solutions for financial services, manufacturing, life sciences, healthcare, technology and services, semiconductors, telecommunications, media, retail and consumer goods, mobility, and public utilities. The consolidated revenue for the 12 months ending June 2026 stood at $14.8 billion. For more information about how we can accelerate progress for you, visit hcltech.com.