AI makes investors bolder but human expertise rules at decision time

07 Jul 2026

Investors are using AI tools to research and explore their options, but they rely on trusted professional advice when making financial decisions, according to our research.

The survey of about 10,000 affluent and high-net-worth investors across 10 markets globally found that 73% of respondents use AI in finance and investment – ahead of work and career (62%), and personal development (60%).

However, just 12% said it was the most influential factor in their last investment decision.

The survey also found that human expertise leads when it comes to investment ideas, with 62% of respondents citing financial professionals and institutions as their main source.

“Clients are increasingly using AI to explore their options, but when it comes to making investment decisions, they value judgement, context, and accountability from a trusted wealth adviser,” says Barry O’Byrne, our CEO of International Wealth & Premier Banking.

Listen to Richel, Ollie and James discuss the valuable advisory role they play as relationship managers at HSBC (duration 2:10)

According to our survey, investors primarily use AI for analysis and research, strategy support and to provide a second opinion on their ideas.

Meanwhile, the most valued contributions from advisers include applying judgement and validation, spotting mistakes in AI-generated data, and providing personalised interpretations of complex information.

The future is hybrid

Younger cohorts are leading AI adoption, with 86% of gen Z respondents and 82% of millennials using it in their financial and investment decisions.

However, the data shows that AI does not remove the need for professional advice within any age group. On average, half (50%) of respondents say that their ideal future decision-making approach is hybrid, with AI and advisers working together.

In addition, the survey found that AI is changing investor attitudes. Fifty-one per cent said the technology makes them feel more in control, compared with just 26% who reported the opposite.

And nearly half say AI makes them more willing to take calculated risks, while just 20% say it makes them more cautious.

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80 per cent of investors turn to professionals for reassurance, according to our survey
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72 per cent of investors value strategic expertise from their advisers, our survey found
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90 per cent of investors say AI tools have influenced a portion of their returns in the past 12 months, according to our survey

At HSBC, we’re accelerating adviser-enabled AI in our Wealth business. As part of this, we’re rolling out our Wealth Intelligence platform to multiple markets.

The platform draws on more than 10,000 data sources – including HSBC research and external news feeds – to synthesise information in real time, enabling our Relationship Managers to focus on the personalised guidance that clients value the most.

Read the media release for more findings from the survey, The Trust Threshold: AI makes investors bolder, but they want human judgement to make decisions.

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