In Brazil, a significant surge in individual investors has caught the attention of the country’s stock exchange, B3. The number of these investors has skyrocketed to approximately five million from a mere 600,000 in 2017, with millennials aged 25 to 39 constituting almost half of this demographic. This influx of new investors, often lacking substantial funds for professional financial advice, prompted B3 to introduce an innovative solution to complement its free online investment education – an AI assistant.

Unlike traditional financial advisors, B3’s AI assistant does not provide stock recommendations or investment advice. Instead, it serves as a user-friendly tool aimed at demystifying the intricate language of finance by offering insights curated by B3’s experts. This AI copilot is designed to explain concepts like stocks, bonds, and brokerage selection, as well as delve into more complex financial instruments. According to Christianne Bariquelli, B3’s Superintendent of Education, the AI assistant acts as a bridge between knowledge and action, catering to both novice investors starting their journey and individuals seeking reliable financial information.

The recent surge in investing interest in Brazil can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, there has been a shift towards mainstream financial education. Additionally, advancements in technology have made it easier for individuals to open digital brokerage accounts independently. Moreover, the decline in interest rates in Brazil from 2018 to 2021 has propelled more Brazilians towards exploring investment opportunities beyond traditional savings accounts.

The median investment amount has decreased significantly, indicating a broadening participation in the stock market, particularly among the middle class. Marcos Garavini Siffert, an investment club coordinator, highlights the changing landscape where investing in savings accounts no longer guarantees substantial returns due to diminishing interest rates. B3’s AI assistant plays a vital role in empowering new investors by offering accessible financial education and guidance, as noted by Siffert.

The AI assistant, integrated with Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, has gained rapid popularity since its launch in February, assisting around 10,000 users daily with positive feedback. B3’s commitment to enhancing financial literacy and expanding the reach of its AI investment assistant underscores its dedication to fostering a robust investment culture in Brazil. By providing reliable information and educational resources, B3 aims to contribute to the growth of the Brazilian economy by encouraging more individuals to engage in capital markets and make informed investment decisions.