AI is indeed coming – but there is also evidence to allay investor fears

Fri, 13 Feb 2026

Opinions are divided about the potential impact of artificial intelligence as the response to a recent viral essay shows

• UK ad agencies undergo biggest exodus of staff as AI threatens industry

The message from investors to the software, wealth management, legal services and logistics industries this month has been clear: AI is coming for your business.

The release of new, ever more powerful AI tools has coincided with a stock market slide, which has swept up sectors as diverse as drug distribution, commercial property and price comparison sites. Advances in the technology are giving increasing credulity to predictions that it could render millions of white-collar jobs obsolete – or, at least, eat into the profits of established companies.