Key takeaways:
- While AI use is common, respondents see barriers to using it for investment decision making, including potential for biased recommendations, concerns about data security, a preference for traditional methods, and lack of trust in AI-driven recommendations.
- Most investors would feel good or neutral about their advisor using AI to create educational content or handle administrative tasks, but comfort levels drop considerably when AI is used for more complex or personal activities, such as responding to clients’ emails or using AI to provide investment recommendations.
- Nine in 10 investors have at least some concerns about investing in AI, with the most common fear being that AI won’t live up to the hype. But while 67% are worried about an AI bubble in the next 12 months, 61% expect AI will have a positive impact on returns over the next five years.
In 2026, Janus Henderson Investors surveyed 1,000 U.S. affluent and high-net-worth investors, in partnership with independent research firm 8 Acre Perspective, to gauge views on artificial intelligence. The study explored personal use of AI in financial decisions, comfort with advisors using AI, and sentiment toward investing in AI-related companies. The findings revealed three key themes with important implications for financial advisors.
Janus Henderson Investors makes no representation as to whether any illustration/example mentioned in this document is now or was ever held in any portfolio. Illustrations shown are for the limited purpose of highlighting specific elements of the research process. The examples are not intended to be a recommendation to buy or sell a security, or an indication of the holdings of any portfolio or an indication of performance for the subject company.