Finance firms turn to agentic AI for faster automation

Financial institutions are increasingly turning to agentic AI to automate operations and improve efficiency. SEI Investments Company has partnered with IBM to modernise internal processes, using AI-driven automation and data-centric infrastructure to streamline workflows, reduce processing time and enhance client experiences.

The financial services sector is rapidly adopting agentic AI to automate routine operations and improve efficiency across organisations. Agentic AI systems, which can independently perform tasks and manage workflows, are being deployed to handle administrative activities that traditionally required manual human effort.

To advance this transformation, SEI Investments Company has engaged IBM to modernise its internal operations using artificial intelligence and automation technologies.

The collaboration aims to redesign existing business processes and upgrade legacy systems while building a modern, data-enabled operational foundation.

Building a Data-Centric AI Infrastructure

According to industry experts, implementing agentic AI requires more than simply deploying advanced AI models. The success of such systems depends heavily on strong data architecture and clearly defined workflows.

The joint initiative between SEI Investments Company and IBM focuses on analysing existing operational processes to identify areas where repetitive manual work can be automated.

When routine tasks such as data entry, transaction checks and basic client queries are handled by automated systems, financial institutions can significantly reduce operational delays. Industry studies suggest that processing times may fall by up to 40%, allowing employees to focus on strategic client services and relationship management.

Reviewing Legacy Systems Before AI Deployment

A major challenge in adopting AI in finance is integrating modern technologies into outdated operational pipelines.

To address this issue, experts from SEI Investments Company and consultants from IBM are conducting a detailed assessment of SEI’s existing infrastructure. This includes examining operational systems, data flows and day-to-day workflows to identify where intelligent agents can deliver the most value.

The transformation initiative is being supported by IBM’s Enterprise Advantage platform, which acts as the technological backbone for deploying agentic AI across the organisation.

By carefully mapping operational processes before implementing automation tools, companies can ensure AI systems function effectively while maintaining regulatory compliance.

Improving Workforce Productivity

Agentic AI systems are expected to improve productivity by reducing the time employees spend on repetitive administrative tasks.

With automation managing routine operations, financial professionals can focus on activities that require deeper expertise, including complex problem-solving, advisory services and proactive client engagement.

Executives at SEI Investments Company believe that this shift will allow teams to deliver higher-quality services while creating opportunities for professional growth within the organisation.

Automation can also improve the consistency of operational processes, reduce errors and enable faster response times for client interactions.

AI Governance and Data Quality Remain Critical

Despite the potential benefits, deploying agentic AI in financial services requires strict governance and reliable data management.

Machine learning models rely on well-structured and accurate datasets. Without strong data governance frameworks, AI systems may produce inaccurate results or operational risks.

This is why partnerships between financial institutions and technology companies like IBM are becoming increasingly common. Such collaborations combine deep industry knowledge with advanced engineering expertise to build robust AI solutions that comply with regulatory requirements.

The Future of AI-Driven Financial Operations

As financial institutions modernise their operational frameworks, agentic AI is emerging as a key technology capable of reshaping the industry’s workflow architecture.

By focusing on data quality, process mapping and intelligent automation, organisations can deploy AI systems that deliver measurable improvements in efficiency and service quality.

For companies like SEI Investments Company, investing in automation is not only about reducing operational costs but also about building scalable infrastructure that supports long-term growth in an increasingly digital financial ecosystem.