We Tested Claude Opus 4.6 and the Results were Super Impressive

In this episode of The ModSquad, Paul Barnhurst, Ian Schnoor, and Giles Male put Claude 4.6 to the test on real financial modeling accreditation cases. From three-statement forecasts to complex debt sculpting scenarios, the team examines just how far AI tools have come. The results are impressive, but not flawless. The discussion explores what this leap forward means for finance professionals and whether modeling is truly entering a new AI-assisted era.

Ian Schnoor is Executive Director of the Financial Modeling Institute (FMI), the global accreditation body for financial modeling professionals. He brings extensive experience in modeling, training, and industry standards. Giles Male is Co-Founder of Full Stack Modeller and a two-time Microsoft MVP. He specializes in Excel, financial modeling systems, and practical AI implementation.

Expect to Learn

1. How Claude 4.6 performs on real financial modeling accreditation cases
2. Where AI tools still make subtle but significant modeling errors
3. The difference between automation and augmentation in AI usage
4. Why strong modeling fundamentals remain essential
5. Practical ways to begin integrating AI into your modeling workflow

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

1. “I’m not even doing this from a testing perspective now. I’m just using it because it’s adding so much value.” – Giles Male
2. “Modeling is just as much about the process as it is about the end result.” – Ian Schnoor

Claude 4.6 marks a significant step forward in AI-assisted financial modeling, handling complex builds faster than ever before. However, subtle errors still highlight the need for strong technical knowledge and human oversight. The future of modeling isn’t replacement, it’s skilled professionals using AI to work smarter and deliver greater value.

Follow Ian:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianschnoor/

Follow Giles Male:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/giles-male-30643b15/

In today’s episode:

[04:06] – Testing Claude

[11:14] – Augmentation vs. Automation in Modeling

[18:14] – The Value of Documentation in Modeling

[28:43] – Debt Modeling with AI

[33:20] – Transition from Manual to AI-Enhanced Modeling

[38:16] – Testing with New Tools

[41:24] – Debt and Equity Modeling with AI

[46:45] – Claude's Progress & Areas for Improvement

[57:33] – Final Thoughts