B3 Brazil, one of the country’s leading stock exchanges, has introduced an innovative AI assistant aimed at guiding and supporting the growing number of individual investors in Brazil. Over the past few years, there has been a significant surge in the participation of new investors in Brazil’s financial markets, with the current count standing at approximately five million individuals, a substantial increase from about 600,000 in 2017. Notably, millennials between the ages of 25 and 39 represent nearly half of this burgeoning investor base.

Recognizing the need to assist these novice investors, many of whom have limited resources to engage professional financial advisors, B3 has complemented its existing free online investment education resources with a conversational AI assistant, provided at no cost. Unlike traditional financial advisors, the AI copilot does not offer specific stock recommendations, investment advice, or broker referrals. Instead, it serves as a user-friendly tool to decode complex financial jargon and deliver information vetted by B3’s experts. The AI assistant can clarify concepts related to stocks, bonds, selecting a broker, and even more intricate financial instruments.

Christianne Bariquelli, the Superintendent of Education at B3, emphasizes the AI assistant’s role as a knowledge bridge for Brazilian investors, particularly those who are starting their investment journey or seeking reliable information before making financial decisions. The democratization of the stock market in Brazil is evidenced by the decreasing median investment amount, indicating a broader adoption of investing among the middle class rather than just the affluent segment.

The recent upsurge in interest in investing in Brazil can be attributed to several factors, including the mainstreaming of financial education, technological advancements facilitating easy access to digital brokerage accounts, and the significant decrease in interest rates from 2018 to 2021. Previously, high-interest savings accounts were popular due to Brazil’s double-digit interest rates, but as inflation subsides and interest rates decline, Brazilians are exploring alternative investment avenues that offer higher returns.

Marcos Garavini Siffert, an experienced investor, underscores the importance of platforms like B3’s AI assistant in empowering individuals to venture beyond traditional savings accounts and delve into the world of investments with confidence. The AI assistant, equipped with curated information from various reputable sources, provides instant answers to users’ queries, making it a valuable resource for individuals seeking to enhance their financial literacy.

The AI assistant’s training involved collaboration with Brazil’s securities market regulator and other financial industry stakeholders to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the information provided. B3’s commitment to ethical practices is reflected in its daily retraining of the AI assistant to maintain compliance with established guidelines and prevent the dissemination of investment advice.

As part of its broader vision to promote financial education and attract more investors, B3 plans to expand the reach of its AI investment assistant by offering it as a widget for integration on external platforms, such as banks and brokerages. By encouraging more Brazilians to participate in stock and bond investments, B3 aims to strengthen the country’s capital markets, thereby facilitating economic growth, fostering innovation, and creating new employment opportunities.

In conclusion, B3’s innovative AI assistant represents a significant step towards democratizing access to financial knowledge and empowering a new generation of Brazilian investors to navigate the complexities of the financial landscape with confidence and informed decision-making.