Wall Street’s most exclusive club has long been criticized for its lack of diversity—not just in terms of who sits at the trading desks, but who gets access to the tools, information, and opportunities that drive wealth. While progress has been made in recent decades, financial gatekeeping remains a defining feature of the American investment system.
That may be changing.
With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and machine learning, a new wave of tools is emerging that promises to put institutional-grade investing insights in the hands of everyday investors. And for some, like George Kailas, CEO of Prospero.AI, this shift represents more than just a technical upgrade—it’s a cultural one.
“We talk a lot about the wealth gap, but we rarely talk about the access gap,” Kailas said in a recent interview. “The gap in information, in tools, in time; all reminding the retail investor that this game is not for you. But AI can bridge these gaps. It’s not just about faster analysis—it’s about handing everyday investors the tools to play on a more leveled field. Plus, if it helps dismantle the old boys’ club of Wall Street, then it’s a win-win.”
The Old System: Built for Insiders
Historically, the world of investing has tilted heavily in favor of institutional players. Hedge funds, investment banks, and elite trading firms have enjoyed access to faster data, deeper research, and advanced tools that simply weren’t available—or were cost-prohibitive—for most retail investors. Information asymmetry was the name of the game, and it wasn’t unusual for retail investors to find themselves making decisions based on outdated or incomplete data.
Add to that the complexity of financial products, the steep learning curve required to navigate them, and the cultural barriers that have long made Wall Street feel inaccessible to outsiders, and it’s easy to see why so many Americans have remained on the sidelines.
But recent developments in AI technology are starting to chip away at that divide.
AI Levels the Playing Field
The rise of platforms like Prospero.AI reflects a larger movement: giving non-professional investors access to the same kinds of real-time insights, predictive models, and risk assessment tools that institutional investors have relied on for years.
Unlike traditional investing platforms, which often leave users sifting through charts and news articles, AI-powered platforms can synthesize massive amounts of data to surface clear, actionable insights. That includes detecting unusual market activity, flagging opportunities aligned with a user’s investing profile, and even identifying signals of insider movements or high-probability trades—capabilities once locked behind trading desks and million-dollar terminals.
While these tools aren’t magic bullets (and investing still carries risk), they do narrow the gap between professionals and everyday investors. More importantly, they offer a way for individuals to participate in markets with greater confidence and precision—an essential step toward financial empowerment.
Participation is Power
The shift matters not just for what it enables on an individual level, but what it signals systemically.
According to a 2024 Gallup poll, only about 61% of Americans say they own stocks—whether through direct investments, 401(k)s, or other vehicles. But ownership rates are still heavily skewed by race, gender, and income. For instance, fewer than half of Black and Hispanic households report stock ownership, and women remain underrepresented in both investing and financial leadership roles.
By making advanced investing tools accessible, AI has the potential to reshape who gets to participate in wealth-building. And while fintech startups, robo-advisors, and zero-fee brokers have laid the groundwork, AI may be the catalyst that finally makes investing truly inclusive.
As Kailas puts it, “It’s not just about market returns. It’s about reshaping who gets to participate in building wealth.”
Looking Ahead
Of course, challenges remain. AI bias, data privacy concerns, and the potential for over-reliance on algorithmic advice all present risks. Regulation will have to evolve alongside the technology, and financial literacy remains a critical component of any democratization effort.
Still, the trajectory is clear. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into financial services, the tools once reserved for a privileged few are beginning to reach a broader audience. The Old Boys’ Club isn’t gone—but its monopoly on information is starting to break.
And for the millions of investors who’ve long felt left out, that may be the most disruptive innovation of all.
