UBS Creates 'Clone' of Senior Banker to Give Advice to Customers

UBS has digitally “cloned” one of its top staff members, allowing clients to get financial advice without the need to speak to a real-life banker. The investment bank is experimenting with the use of a lifelike avatar of Daniel Kalt, its chief investment officer for Switzerland. The computer-generated image of Mr Kalt greets clients on screen and can talk customers through the bank’s latest research as well as answer queries. Another digital assistant called Fin is also available to carry out transactions. The new service, called UBS Companion is driven by artificial intelligence and voice-recognition technology developed by IBM. Another company, FaceMe, animated and visualized the avatars. UBS hopes the new tech will increase efficiency and allow it to advise more customers. The bank says it aims to find the “best possible combination of human and digital touch”. The clone will give clients quicker answers to some questions but the option to speak to a human being will always be available. UBS started trials in June at its branch in Zurich where it is testing the new system on 100 clients.  “It is a project to explore new technology and find out how humans and machines can complement heightened levels of client experience in future,” UBS said.

© 2025 Financial Information Forum

Press enter to search
Press enter to search

Interested in joining us?

Download membership kit

Key Reasons to Join

  1. Stay informed on Current Regulatory and Market Initiatives
  2. Drive Industry Issues to Successful Resolution
  3. Impact the implementation timing and methodology of new rules
  4. Apply FIF Insight Within Your Firm