Business 75% 1 min readJul 7, 2026, 10:28 AM

Apollo economist warns AI profit gains outside tech could take "well beyond" what Wall Street expects

30-second summary

Apollo’s chief economist warns that AI-driven productivity gains in non-tech sectors like healthcare and banking could take years longer than expected due to regulatory hurdles.

Apollo economist warns AI profit gains outside tech could take "well beyond" what Wall Street expects
Key takeaways
  • AI-driven productivity gains in non-tech sectors like healthcare and banking could take years longer than expected due to regulatory and operational hurdles.
  • Strict privacy and safety regulations in regulated industries slow AI adoption compared to the tech sector.
  • Wall Street’s optimism about AI’s near-term profit impact may be misplaced, risking stock repricing if delays persist.
  • Process overhauls in industries like pharma and finance are necessary but time-consuming, delaying AI integration.
Full story

Torsten Slok, chief economist at Apollo Global Management, has cautioned that the anticipated productivity and profit gains from AI in industries outside technology may take significantly longer to materialize than Wall Street currently expects. In a recent analysis, Slok highlighted that sectors such as healthcare, banking, and pharmaceuticals face substantial regulatory and operational barriers that could delay AI-driven efficiency improvements by years.

The primary obstacle, according to Slok, is the need for extensive process overhauls and strict compliance with privacy and safety regulations. Unlike tech companies, which can rapidly integrate AI tools, these regulated industries must navigate complex legal frameworks, data governance requirements, and risk management protocols. This could push the timeline for meaningful AI adoption from months to several years, creating a mismatch between market expectations and reality.

The warning comes as investors have increasingly bet on AI stocks, assuming rapid margin expansion across sectors. Slok’s analysis suggests that if AI’s economic benefits are delayed, many of these stocks could face significant repricing, particularly those with valuations tied to near-term productivity gains.

Source: Apollo economist warns AI profit gains outside tech could take "well beyond" what Wall Street expects. Read the full piece at the source.

Why this matters
Businesses

Companies in regulated industries must temper expectations for AI-driven efficiency gains.

Investors

AI stock valuations may need reassessment if profit boosts are delayed.

Everyone

Regulatory barriers could slow AI’s economic impact outside tech.

Glossary
margin gains
Increases in profit margins, or the difference between revenue and costs, often driven by efficiency improvements.
Sources · 1
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