Raymond James Hires Vanguard's Chief Architect to Lead AI Strategy
Raymond James named Seth Ford as senior vice president and chief architect, bringing the former Vanguard executive on board to accelerate the broker-dealer's enterprise technology and AI capabilities. Ford spent three years at Vanguard as chief architect and head of agentic digital products before joining the Florida-based firm.
Ford brings more than 30 years of financial services technology experience. He spent 23 years at Fidelity Investments in various technology leadership roles before moving to Vanguard, where he helped build the Expert Insights tool for advisors-a system that generates personalized portfolio assessments using Vanguard's methodology.
In his new role, Ford will oversee enterprise architecture across Raymond James' platforms with responsibility for scaling AI capabilities, modernizing cloud infrastructure, and integrating advanced analytics. He will also chair the firm's Technology Review Board and join its Extended IT Senior Leadership Team.
Building an AI Leadership Structure
Ford's hire is part of a deliberate effort by Raymond James to formalize AI leadership. In February 2025, the firm promoted Stuart Feld-a Raymond James veteran since 2018-to the newly created role of chief artificial intelligence officer. Feld serves as the firm's principal AI architect for enterprise-wide innovation.
In September, Raymond James added David Solganik as head of AI strategy to identify growth opportunities through advanced analytics and machine learning. Ford and Feld will work in the same organization under the CIO, though Ford won't report directly to Feld.
Andy Zolper, Raymond James' chief information officer, said Ford's experience bridges business objectives and technological solutions. "His background spans 30 years where his expertise lies in bridging the gap between business objectives and technological solutions, driving efficiency and creating competitive advantage," Zolper said.
AI Tools Rolling Out to Advisors
The leadership build-out accompanies a growing set of AI tools for the firm's advisor network. In January, Raymond James launched Raimond (originally called Rai), a proprietary AI agent that handles operational support tasks for advisors and their teams.
The firm has also deployed a generative AI search function within internal knowledge databases, integrated Zoom AI meeting summaries with its customer relationship management system, and introduced an AI note assistant to reduce administrative work for advisors. In May, it launched an AI Academy education program to help advisors adopt these tools.
Raymond James allocates $975 million annually to its technology budget, according to CEO Paul Shoukry. During the firm's April earnings call, Shoukry said early feedback on Raimond had been strong, with the tool expanded to a few hundred advisors and focus groups.
AI as a Complement, Not a Replacement
Raymond James executives have been explicit: AI supports the advisor-client relationship rather than replacing it. Shoukry told investors in April that the personal bond between advisor and client remains the firm's competitive advantage.
"When you see the advisor relationship with clients, there's no doubt that the deeply personal relationships that advisors have with clients trump any kind of technology or AI bot that may exist in the future," Shoukry said.
Vin Campagnoli, executive vice president of technology and operations, framed the firm's approach as talent-focused. "As we continue to advance our technology and AI capabilities, our focus remains on investing in the talent and resources to deliver tools that empower financial professionals, enhance efficiency and create meaningful value for clients," he said.
For professionals managing AI strategy in financial services, Ford's appointment signals how firms are building dedicated technical leadership to operationalize AI at scale. Learn more about AI for Executives & Strategy and Generative AI and LLM approaches in enterprise settings.
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