AI reshapes investing habits as nearly half of global investors rely on automated advice tools

29 April, 2026
AI reshapes investing habits as nearly half of global investors rely on automated advice tools

Winning Bizness Desk

Mumbai.People are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence for financial decisions, moving away from traditional banks and advisors. A recent survey by global professional services firm EY shows that nearly half of investors worldwide now use AI tools to guide savings and investment choices. This shift reflects growing trust in technology, especially among younger users, even as regulators begin to raise concerns.

Rising dependence on AI for financial decisions

The EY survey, conducted across 23 countries with 18,000 participants, reveals that 49% of consumers used AI for savings or investment decisions in the past six months. Around 37% said AI is quite useful for personal financial advice or automated decision-making. This signals a rapid behavioural change in how individuals approach money management.

Young investors lead the shift towards automation

The trend is strongest among younger age groups.

  • 68% of Gen Z (14–29 years) rely on AI tools
  • 65% of Millennials (30–45 years) use AI for investments

This growing confidence suggests that digital-first generations are more comfortable trusting algorithms over human advisors.

Popular tools and growing influence in markets

In the UK, 35% of people reported using AI for financial decisions. Among available tools, ChatGPT emerged as the most widely used, followed by Google Gemini. The ease of access and ability to quickly process large volumes of data have made these tools attractive for everyday investors.

Where AI performs well and where it struggles

AI tools are proving helpful in specific areas:

  • Explaining financial rules and calculations clearly
  • Summarising complex data quickly
  • Identifying gaps in investment planning

However, limitations remain:

  • Advice often lacks personal context
  • Incomplete queries lead to incomplete answers
  • Information may not always be reliable
  • Independent verification is still necessary

Regulatory concerns and limited legal protection risks

Financial regulators in Britain have taken note of this growing trend. The Financial Conduct Authority has clarified that general AI tools are not authorised financial advisors. Their guidance does not fall under official protection systems, meaning investors may have limited legal recourse in case of losses or fraud. The regulator began reviewing this issue in January.

Experts urge caution while embracing AI tools wisely

Experts stress that AI should be used as a support tool, not a replacement for professional advice. Andrew Oxlade of Fidelity International says AI works best alongside trusted sources. EY’s Pritam Pedanagari highlights that future growth depends on transparency and accountability. Holly Mackay of Boring Money adds that while AI explains rules well, it cannot decide what individuals should actually do.