Anthropic Links AI Agent With Tools for Investment Banking, HR

Anthropic PBC is expanding the reach of its Claude chatbot into new sectors, weeks after the startup sparked a market meltdown with the release of tools that raised questions about AI’s potential to render entire businesses obsolete.

The company unveiled new AI tools on Tuesday for its Claude Cowork agent software that are designed to automate work in fields including human resources, investment banking and design. Anthropic said they were developed with partner companies, such as a plug-in created with financial data provider FactSet Research Systems Inc.

During a livestreamed event on Tuesday, Anthropic said it’s also letting business customers customize plug-ins to suit the standards of their organizations. A large share of Anthropic’s new customization offerings target the finance industry, with new plugins tailored for financial analysis, equity research, private equity and wealth management.

Stocks across a wide range of sectors saw quick swings during the Anthropic event. Spotify Technology SA shares jumped as much as 3% after an on screen mention, before giving up those gains and turning lower. Meanwhile, financial data and service providers soared. FactSet, S&P Global Inc. and Moody’s Corp. all climbed at least 2%.