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David Itzkovits is the Co-Founder of Optimal AdvisorAI, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder, and an internationally recognised speaker on the use of artificial intelligence in financial services. With over twenty-five years of experience in global finance, he has built a reputation for bridging the gap between traditional wealth management and cutting-edge AI innovation. His expertise lies in helping financial professionals use AI to generate clearer, more practical, and more relevant insights, making him a sought-after voice for organisations eager to understand the real-world potential of artificial intelligence in advisory settings.
David began his career as a Financial Analyst at CIBC before progressing through senior leadership roles at HSBC Private Bank International and Old Mutual Limited. His early success was driven by his ability to translate complex financial concepts into actionable strategies, a skill that later saw him excel in global sales and investment management roles. From his time as Vice President of Sales to becoming Head of Investments at Sanlam Global Investment Solutions, David gained a deep understanding of how technology, data, and human expertise can combine to create stronger financial outcomes.
In 2017, David was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Sanlam Global Investment Solutions, where he led innovative growth initiatives across global markets. Prior to that, he served as President of the Global Financial Marketing Group and later as Strategic Advisor at Annise, helping to shape digital transformation strategies in the financial sector. In 2024, he co-founded Optimal AdvisorAI, a company dedicated to enhancing the performance of financial advisors through responsible and intelligent use of AI. With more than 3,000 hours of hands-on AI research and over 10,000 tested prompts in financial contexts, he has developed practical frameworks that make artificial intelligence more usable, efficient, and trustworthy for professionals worldwide.
David is frequently invited to speak because he blends real-world financial experience with an in-depth understanding of AI’s practical applications. Having trained thousands of advisors and professionals from leading global institutions, he brings both credibility and clarity to a rapidly evolving topic. His engaging approach and proven expertise make him an invaluable speaker for audiences seeking to navigate the intersection of finance, technology, and the future of intelligent advisory solutions.
David Itzkovits is regularly booked to engage audiences at events, read their latest feedback below:
“As the chairman of an Association Board consisting of 15 exceptionally busy executives from investment, technology, consulting, and legal firms, I wanted to thank my board for their dedication. At our annual Board strategy session, I invited Optimal AdvisorAI to educate us on how best to leverage AI. My goal was to give our Board the “gift of time” to enrich their personal and professional lives. The training exceeded our expectations! They revealed how AI could propel us forward not only individually but also in advancing our association’s mission, deliverables, and the industries we serve. Optimal AdvisorAI is empowering the next generation of leaders, enabling them to concentrate on critical thinking and problem-solving with AI solutions to answer the most important questions quickly and efficiently. Well done Optimal AdvisorAI!”
“Like many others, we are unsure of what AI could bring to our practice. After some research, I contacted Optimal AdvisorAI and participated in several webinars and phone conversations. It became readily apparent that the Optimal team had spent the time understanding the power of AI and what it could bring to our business. We have begun particularly in communicating with our clients. We paid for our investment in the course in less than one week. Our opinion is that if you do not investigate and implement AI into your practice, then you will fall behind. We are thrilled to work with the Optimal AdvisorAI team and look forward to continuing partnership.”
“I didn’t know where to start with AI. Everything I read told me to learn it for my business and my career. But it was so overwhelming, and I didn’t feel I had the time. Then I started working with Optimal AdvisorAI. Suddenly, I was doing work in a fraction of the time. Using ChatGPT and other AI tools jump started the work I was doing in developing new business. I used it to get appointments, create presentations and craft email responses that popped! I’m a fan of the Optimal Team.”
“Before the Optimal Advisor AI training, I did not use AI at all. After the course I immediately signed up for a paid team version of ChatGPT and began using it with our entire team. Since the training and implementation of the tool it has saved myself and my team time, energy, and helped make us more efficient. Having Optimal Advisor guide me through how to implement this new technology into your daily routine and practice is invaluable. Without the training, I doubt I or my team would be using any of the technology. We have a short window for this to give us a competitive advantage.”
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