How to Use Claude to Build INSANE Financial Models (2026)

How to Build a Dynamic Financial Model Using Code

Introduction to the Financial Model

• The speaker acknowledges a previous mistake of ignoring coding, which is now effective for finance applications. They introduce three methods to create a dynamic financial model: directly in code, exporting as an Excel file, and running it within Excel itself.

Scenario Planning Context

• The scenario involves being a finance manager at a SaaS company with two products: a personal plan priced at $49/month with 1,500 subscribers, an 8% growth rate, and a 3% churn rate. The same information applies to the enterprise plan. The goal is to build this model for the next two years using formulas and dynamic assumptions. Opus 4.5 is highlighted as the best tool for complex topics.

Building the Model in Code

• The model is constructed quickly using code, allowing real-time changes during meetings or discussions by adjusting assumptions like churn rates or subscriber counts. This interactivity enhances usability and presentation capabilities in collaborative settings.

Exporting the Model as an Excel File

• For creating an Excel file with embedded formulas, it's crucial to ensure that code execution and file creation settings are activated beforehand. Python is utilized for generating this Excel file efficiently while maintaining good formatting standards. Users can download and test if changing assumptions affects the model correctly; it does work seamlessly with linked formulas and graphs reflecting changes dynamically.

Advantages of Using AI Tools

• The speaker expresses surprise at how quickly and aesthetically pleasing the generated Excel file is compared to what could be achieved manually by humans in such short timeframes. They emphasize that these tools are rapidly evolving, making it essential for finance professionals to stay updated through resources like the AI Finance Club for ongoing education and community support on AI applications in finance.

Integrating Code Directly into Excel

• A plugin called "code" has been installed into Excel, enabling direct connection between users' accounts and their spreadsheets for building financial models interactively within Excel itself—this feature was noted as currently available only under specific plans (Cloudmax team or enterprise). Users can select sales data, ask questions about it, build models directly inside their spreadsheets while also debugging errors effectively through this integration process.

Real-Time Model Adjustments Within Excel

• As Claude builds the model directly in Excel based on provided prompts regarding product assumptions, users can see immediate visual feedback from color-coded layouts and summary sections created automatically by AI tools—though some issues may arise (e.g., blank graphs due to hidden data), they can be resolved easily by unhiding relevant columns before finalizing adjustments or testing different scenarios within minutes without needing external browsers or tools anymore. This marks a significant shift in workflow efficiency for finance professionals moving forward into more complex modeling tasks ahead in future videos where existing datasets will be incorporated alongside new challenges posed by advanced AI functionalities like agent modes within software environments.

Will Clo or Excel Agent Mode Win the Battle?

Overview of Finance Files

• The speaker describes finance files as complex and messy, often containing numerous poorly structured tabs.

• A challenge is proposed to compare Clo and Excel's agent mode in handling these finance files.

Introduction to Excel Agent Mode

• The speaker invites viewers who are unfamiliar with Excel agent mode to check out a previous video for detailed insights.

• The previous video covers various use cases of Excel agent mode, aiming to inspire viewers on its applications.