Robo Advisor How It Works: Algorithms and machine learning (AI)

How Robo Advisor works – How do Robo Advisors work? Robo Advisors are digital platforms that act as asset managers and make investment decisions for the user without the involvement of a human advisor. They use algorithms and machine learning (AI) to develop a suitable investment strategy that matches the user’s investment goals, risk profile, and financial resources. Robo advisors typically offer a low-cost alternative to traditional wealth management services, as no human advisors are involved and the costs for robo advisor providers are lower.

How Robo Advisors work

Robo advisors are digital platforms that act as asset managers. They use algorithms and machine learning to make investment decisions for the user without the involvement of a human advisor.

Robo Advisor users specify their investment objectives, risk profile and financial resources, and the Robo Advisor then develops an investment strategy for them. This may, for example, consist of ETFs (exchange-traded funds) that offer broad diversification across different asset classes. The user can then decide whether or not to implement the Robo Advisor’s recommendations.

  • Algorithms determine trading processes
  • Split-second decision as a tactical advantage
  • AI (artificial intelligence) is on the rise

Are more cost effective than traditional asset management

One advantage of robo advisors is that they are typically less expensive than traditional wealth management services because there are no human advisors involved and the cost of running the platform is lower. However, they may not provide the same personalized advice and guidance as a human advisor.

You can find good providers here:

Algorithm of a financial tool

What is an algorithm?

In financial planning, algorithms are computer-based computational methods used to develop investment strategies, predict outcomes, or make decisions. They can be used, for example, in robo-advisors or other financial planning tools.

Algorithms can be used in a variety of ways, depending on the task they are intended to perform. Some examples are:

  1. Portfolio optimization
  2. Risk Management
  3. Trading

Portfolio optimization

Algorithms can be used to develop the ideal portfolio for a user based on their investment goals, risk profile, and financial resources. They can also be used to monitor and adjust the portfolio over time.

Risk Management

Algorithms can be used to analyze market data and predict risk to minimize the risk of investment decisions.

Trading

Algorithms can be used in trading platforms to automatically execute trades based on predetermined rules or on the analysis of market data.

Algorithms can help automate and optimize processes and provide new insights from large amounts of data. However, they can also contain errors or be influenced by human bias, which is why it is important to monitor and verify them carefully.

Machine learning (AI) of financial tools

What is machine learning (AI)?

Machine learning is a subfield of artificial intelligence (AI) that deals with the development of algorithms that can learn and improve on their own. This is done by training the algorithm on large amounts of data to solve specific tasks.

In machine learning, the algorithm is not explicitly programmed to perform a specific task, but learns on its own by recognizing patterns in the data and reacting to them. The more data the algorithm has available, the better it can learn and the more accurate its predictions become.

Machine learning is used in many areas, such as speech and image recognition, prediction of results, personalization of services, and decision making. It can help automate and optimize processes and provide new insights from large amounts of data. However, there are also ethical issues and challenges that need to be considered in the context of machine learning.

How useful are robo advisors?

Using a robo advisor may make sense for some people, while it may be less appropriate for others. Some factors that should be considered are:

  1. Investment Objectives
  2. Risk profile
  3. Financial means
  4. Personal preferences

Your investment goals: Return on investment or low-risk retirement provision

Robo Advisors can be suitable for different investment objectives, such as wealth accumulation, income optimization or risk diversification. If the user has clearly defined investment goals, a Robo Advisor can be a good way to pursue them.

Your risk profile: currency, share, ETF, bonds & Co.

Robo advisors usually take the user’s risk profile into account when developing the investment strategy. However, if the user has a high risk appetite or special investment needs that require individualized advice, a human advisor might be a better choice.

Your financial means: Equity capital

Robo advisors tend to be less expensive than traditional wealth management services because there are no human advisors involved and the cost of running the platform is lower. They may therefore be more suitable for people with smaller assets or for those who do not want to pay high fees for wealth management services.

Your personal preferences

Some people prefer to have a human advisor who can personally assist them and give them personalized advice. Other people may prefer to invest on their own and rely on the recommendations of a robo advisor.

It is important to note that no investment option is suitable for everyone and that it is important to understand one’s investment needs and goals before making a decision. It can be helpful to seek advice from a financial advisor or other expert to find the solution that best suits your needs.

More about the functions and possibilities: 20 Robo Advisor Expert Tips

Classic asset management: tasks

What does a classic asset management company do?

A traditional wealth management service is one in which a financial advisor or team of financial advisors makes investment decisions for a client and manages the client’s assets accordingly. The advisor or team selects the investment products in which the client should invest and adapts the investment strategy to changing market conditions.

Private investors, institutions or companies

Asset management can be offered to different types of investors, such as private investors, institutions or companies. It can be tailored to different investment objectives, such as asset accumulation, income optimization or risk diversification.

Individual consulting vs. higher costs

One advantage of traditional asset management is that the client has an individual advisor who looks after their investment needs and can give them personalized advice. However, the costs of asset management are usually higher than those of robo advisors because human advisors are involved.

Development of investment strategies through robo advisors

The development of investment strategies by Robo Advisors is usually based on the use of algorithms and machine learning. The Robo Advisor collects information about the user, such as their investment objectives, risk profile and financial resources, and then uses this information to develop a suitable investment strategy.

  1. Selection of investment products
  2. Diversification of your portfolio
  3. Rebalancing strategies

Selection of investment products

An important part of the investment strategy is the selection of investment products in which the user should invest. These can be, for example, shares, bonds, funds or ETFs. The robo advisor can then select appropriate products that meet the user’s investment objectives and take into account his risk profile.

Diversification of your portfolio

Another component of the investment strategy can be diversification, i.e. spreading the assets across different asset classes and products. This can help to minimize risk and increase the chances of return.

Rebalancing strategies

The Robo Advisor can also develop appropriate rebalancing strategies to ensure that the user’s portfolio remains in line with their investment objectives and that no asset class is overweighted.

Overall, Robo Advisors offer a convenient and cost-effective way to develop and implement an investment strategy without relying on the assistance of a human advisor. However, they may not provide the same individualized advice and guidance as a human advisor.

Conclusion: Automated Trading with Robo Advisor

Using a robo advisor may make sense for some people, while it may be less appropriate for others. It’s important to understand your own investment needs and goals before making a decision, and to seek advice from a financial advisor or other expert if necessary. Robo advisors may be better suited for people with clear investment goals and smaller assets who do not want to pay high fees for wealth management services. However, they may not provide the same personalized advice and guidance as a human advisor.

Not investment advice or a recommendation to buy.

All information provided here does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy. All statements are my general published opinion. I have obtained the information from my experience as a private investor. This experience report cannot and is not intended to replace personal investment advice from professionals.