Investors Are Using AI for Financial Decisions. They Still Want a Human Advisor.

June 25, 2026 - 05:01

A recent survey commissioned by HSBC reveals a clear split in how U.S. investors approach their financial decisions. While artificial intelligence tools are gaining traction for research and quick data analysis, the majority of investors still prefer getting their core investment ideas from a human advisor.

The study found that nearly two-thirds of respondents use some form of AI to gather market information or check portfolio performance. However, when it comes to making actual buy or sell decisions, trust in human judgment remains strong. Only a small fraction of investors said they would rely solely on AI for a major financial choice.

This hesitance seems rooted in the need for context and emotional support. Investors value the ability to ask questions, discuss risk tolerance, and receive personalized advice that accounts for life events like a job change or retirement. AI, in its current form, often struggles to provide that nuanced guidance.

The survey also highlighted a generational divide. Younger investors, particularly those under 40, are more open to using AI for financial planning. Yet even among this group, a human advisor was seen as essential for navigating complex goals like estate planning or tax strategy.

Financial firms are taking note. Many are now developing hybrid models where AI handles routine tasks such as rebalancing or generating reports, freeing up human advisors to focus on relationship building and strategic conversations. The message from investors is clear: AI can crunch the numbers, but people still want a person to talk to when the market gets rough.