Current Research
The projects presented on this page represent VPAI's own public research initiatives. They are selected by the organization to contribute to future research articles, the VPAI Research Library, and research publications.
These public research projects are separate from research undertaken on behalf of clients.
Research commissioned by clients is conducted on a confidential basis and is never published, disclosed, or included in the VPAI Research Library without the client's explicit written permission.
About Current Research
Current Research Projects
Questions We Are Investigating Now
VPAI conducts ongoing research into developments, claims, opportunities, and risks shaping business and the changing economy.
Our current research examines questions where rapid technological change, commercial interest, public attention, and conflicting information can make it difficult to distinguish genuine opportunity from exaggerated claims.
The projects below represent areas currently under investigation. Findings may contribute to research articles, briefings, longer-form studies, and future publications.
Automated trading systems and AI-powered trading tools are often promoted with claims of speed, intelligence, consistency, and passive income. But what does the available evidence actually support?
This research examines the realities behind AI and algorithmic trading, including performance claims, backtesting, risk, automation limitations, fraud and misleading promotion, and the circumstances in which AI may genuinely contribute value to a trading process.
The research will contribute to the forthcoming publication:
What Gurus Don’t Tell You About Trading With AI Bots
The Truth About AI Trading, Algorithmic Forex Bots, and Building Automated Systems That Actually Work
Status: Research in Progress
AI Trading Bots: Separating Evidence from Hype
AI tools have created new possibilities for individuals to build and operate businesses with capabilities that once required larger teams. At the same time, claims about effortless income and rapid success deserve careful examination.
This research investigates the economics and practical realities of AI-enabled freelancing and solo businesses, including market demand, viable service models, pricing, client acquisition, competition, operating costs, automation, scalability, and the limitations of building a business around rapidly changing technology.
The research asks a practical question: under what conditions can AI genuinely help an independent professional build a sustainable high-income business?
Status: Research in Progress
The AI-First Freelancer: Can AI Really Help Build a Six-Figure Solo Business?
AI agents are increasingly presented as systems capable of completing complex tasks, coordinating workflows, making decisions, and operating with growing levels of autonomy.
This research examines what AI agents can reliably do today, where human oversight remains necessary, what implementation may actually require, and how businesses should evaluate claims about cost savings, productivity, autonomy, reliability, and return on investment.
The investigation will distinguish between demonstrated capabilities, emerging potential, and claims that remain ahead of the available evidence.
Status: Research in Progress
AI Agents for Business: Capability, Cost, and the Reality Behind the Promise
The projects presented on this page are currently under investigation and may evolve as new evidence becomes available.
Completed research may be published through the VPAI Research Library, research articles, reports, or future publications, as appropriate.
Research in Progress
Virtual Professionals is an independent organization that conducts global, evidence-based research and analysis through its Virtual Professionals and AI (VPAI) division.
Connect with Catharina Cawood, Founder and Research Director.
AI-assisted research. Human-led analysis. Independent findings.
