Autopilot
Cleo, founded in 2016 by Barney Hussey-Yeo, is a London-based AI financial assistant that has evolved from a chatbot to a comprehensive financial intelligence platform.
Profile
Automates daily financial decisions using AI to reduce stress and improve financial health.
Cleo, founded in 2016 by Barney Hussey-Yeo, is a London-based AI financial assistant that has evolved from a chatbot to a comprehensive financial intelligence platform. Initially focused on providing financial advice, Cleo has shifted towards automation with its latest product, Autopilot, launched in February 2026. Autopilot aims to automate daily financial decisions, such as bill payments and savings, based on user-set parameters and predictive analytics.
The company has raised significant funding, with its Series C round in 2023 bringing total investment to $150 million. Cleo's proprietary multi-agent architecture and frontier AI models enable it to scale operations and offer personalized financial guidance. As of 2026, Cleo has over 5 million users globally, primarily in the US and UK, and has partnered with Public to integrate its Autopilot technology into Public's investment platform. Despite its growth, Cleo faces challenges in maintaining user trust in AI-driven financial decisions and navigating regulatory scrutiny in the fintech space.
Who buys this
- Millennials seeking financial guidance
- Young professionals looking to automate savings
- Individuals struggling with financial discipline
- Tech-savvy users interested in AI-driven solutions
- Investors using Public platform for managed portfolios
Strengths and what to watch
Strengths
- Proprietary multi-agent architecture for scalable financial automation
- Strong user base of over 5 million globally
- Strategic partnership with Public to expand managed investing options
Watch for
- Regulatory challenges in AI-driven financial services
- User trust issues with automated financial decisions
- Competition from established fintech players
Recent moves
Key Information
- Founded
- 2016
- Headquarters
- London
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cleo Autopilot?
Cleo Autopilot is an AI financial assistant that automates daily money decisions like bill payments and savings. Launched in 2026, it uses predictive analytics and user-set parameters to manage finances. The London-based platform evolved from a chatbot to serve over 5 million users globally with automated financial guidance.
How does Autopilot automate savings?
Autopilot analyzes spending patterns and income to automatically transfer funds to savings based on user-defined goals. Its AI adjusts amounts in real-time, ensuring bills are paid first. The system learns from financial behavior to optimize savings without requiring manual input, making it ideal for busy professionals.
Is Cleo Autopilot safe to use?
While Autopilot uses advanced AI for financial decisions, users should monitor automated actions. Cleo employs multi-agent architecture for security, but as with any AI-driven finance tool, there's inherent risk in fully automated decisions. The platform faces ongoing regulatory scrutiny regarding AI accountability in financial services.
Can Autopilot help with investing?
Yes, Autopilot partnered with Public investment platform to offer managed portfolios. This integration allows automated investing based on risk tolerance and goals. The feature combines Cleo's financial automation with Public's investment infrastructure, creating a seamless saving-to-investing pipeline for retail investors.
Who should use Autopilot?
Autopilot suits millennials and professionals seeking automated money management. It benefits those struggling with financial discipline or wanting AI-driven savings. Tech-savvy users appreciate its predictive analytics, while investors value Public integration. The platform targets users comfortable with AI handling routine financial decisions.
How does Autopilot compare to budgeting apps?
Unlike traditional budgeting apps requiring manual input, Autopilot makes autonomous financial decisions using AI. It proactively manages money rather than just tracking spending. While budgeting apps offer control, Autopilot provides automation - ideal for users wanting hands-off management, though with less transparency in decision-making.
Sources
- www.prnewswire.com — Launch of Autopilot and its features
- www.prnewswire.com — Partnership with Public and integration of Autopilot
- techcrunch.com — Regulatory and trust challenges in AI-driven financial services
- www.forbes.com — User trust and adoption challenges