Investors Still Want To Interact With Humans Even As AI Gains Ground In The Financial World, HSBC Finds

Investors are increasingly incorporating artificial intelligence into their investment research, but most still rely on human financial advisers when it comes time to make final decisions, according to new global research examining how affluent investors manage their portfolios.

The survey of nearly 10,000 affluent and high-net-worth investors across 10 markets found that professional financial advisers and institutions remain the leading source of investment ideas.

About 62% of respondents said financial professionals were their primary source of investment ideas, while 32% cited AI tools, according to research commissioned by HSBC. Additionally, 37% said human advisers had the greatest influence on their most recent investment decision, compared with 12% who pointed to AI.

Financial institutions have increasingly adopted AI-powered tools to help clients analyze data, identify opportunities and assess risks, but the survey suggests many investors continue to value human judgment when capital is at stake.

According to the research, reassurance and strategic expertise were among the main reasons investors preferred human advisers. Respondents said advisers help validate information, apply judgment to complex situations, identify mistakes in AI-generated data and provide personalized interpretations of market developments. Barry O’Byrne, CEO of International Wealth & Premier Banking at HSBC, said investors are using AI to explore investment options but continue to value context, judgment and accountability from trusted advisers when making decisions, CNBC noted.

Younger investors reported the highest levels of AI adoption. HSBC found that 86% of Generation Z respondents and 82% of millennials use AI for financial and investment decisions. Gen Z investors most commonly use AI to identify risks and avoid mistakes, while millennials primarily use the technology to accelerate research and analysis.

The survey also found that AI is influencing investor confidence. Nearly half of respondents said AI has made them more willing to take calculated risks, while 51% said it makes them feel more in control of their finances. Adoption and confidence levels were particularly strong in markets including India, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia and Hong Kong. Investors in the United States, Singapore, Taiwan and the United Kingdom reported a more measured approach to using AI in investment decision-making.

The results reflect a broader trend across the wealth management industry, where firms are increasingly integrating AI into advisory services rather than replacing human advisers altogether. A recent report from the World Economic Forum noted that major financial institutions have been incorporating AI tools into advisory workflows to improve efficiency and support client interactions, while trust and relationship-building remain central components of financial advice.

Industry investment in AI also continues to accelerate. Financial technology firms are attracting significant funding aimed at helping advisers automate routine tasks while focusing more heavily on client relationships. This week, wealth management technology startup Arca announced a $48.5 million funding round to expand its AI-powered platform designed for financial advisers, according to The Wall Street Journal.

At the same time, investor interest in AI remains high across financial markets. The technology sector continues to attract substantial capital, even as some investors debate whether the pace of AI-related spending is sustainable. Reuters reported this week that Wall Street remains divided over the long-term implications of the AI boom as technology companies continue investing heavily in infrastructure, chips and data centers.