Goldman Sachs executive partner Chris Chapman, head of the firm’s AI project Market, warned that widespread use of AI in Wall Street trading and banking could cause cognitive atrophy among future financial professionals, as reliance on AI models might hinder their ability to think from first principles. He compared the trend to technology replacing human navigation and memory functions, leading bankers to lose essential analytical skills. AI’s integration into daily operations may boost short-term profits but could weaken long-term expertise development. Chapman noted that junior staff traditionally learn decision-making through hands-on experience, but AI taking over such tasks could reduce training opportunities, erode mentorship practices, and lower demand for new entrants in the industry.