Investors in the UAE are among the world’s most active users of artificial intelligence for financial decisions, but most still prefer professional advice before making investment moves, according to new research by HSBC.
The bank’s latest report, The Human-AI Advantage, surveyed nearly 10,000 affluent and high-net-worth individuals across 10 markets, including 703 respondents in the UAE. The findings show that while AI is increasingly used for research and analysis, human advisers remain central to final investment decisions.
AI adoption rises
The survey found that 98% of UAE respondents use AI in their daily lives, placing the country alongside India as the highest adopter among all markets surveyed. Around 83% use AI for finance and investment purposes, compared with a global average of 73%.
Most UAE investors use AI for investment research and analysis, while many also rely on it for strategy support. Respondents said AI helps them compare investment options, increase confidence when discussing opportunities with advisers, and reduce emotional bias in decision-making.
Higher risk appetite
HSBC’s findings suggest AI is influencing investor behaviour in the UAE. About 63% of respondents said AI helps them take better-calculated risks, significantly above the global average of 49%.
Investors in the UAE also reported attributing an average of 36% of their investment returns over the past year to AI-assisted decisions, compared with the global average of 33%.
Human role remains
Despite growing confidence in AI, most investors still prefer a combination of technology and human expertise.
According to the survey, 56% favour a hybrid approach where AI supports research and analysis while financial advisers validate information before investment decisions are made. Financial professionals and institutions were identified as the leading source of investors’ most recent investment ideas and remained the most influential factor in final decisions.
Investors said advisers play an important role in identifying potential errors in AI-generated information, providing human judgement, and helping clients stay focused on long-term financial goals.
Barry O’Byrne, CEO of International Wealth & Premier Banking at HSBC, said: “Clients aren’t choosing between AI and professional advice – they’re sequencing both. AI is helping clients explore faster, but when they reach the moment of decision, they want a trusted human checkpoint for context and validation.
“That is why we are accelerating adviser-enabled AI in wealth, including Wealth Intelligence – bringing together HSBC research and external information, so our Relationship Managers have timely insights and can focus on what clients value most: emotional and practical support that leads to better decisions and stronger outcomes.”
Impact beyond investing
The survey also found that AI is affecting broader aspects of life for UAE investors. Around 74% said AI has improved their quality of life, while more than a third reported greater confidence in pursuing new professional opportunities or higher-risk ventures.
Craig Worobec, Head of Wealth & Premier Solutions, UAE & Middle East, HSBC, said:
“The UAE is one of the most AI-fluent societies in the world, and our research shows that ambition runs right through to how people invest. UAE investors are among the world’s most confident users of AI — and among the boldest — yet they tell us clearly that they still want a trusted human checkpoint before they commit.
“That is exactly the model we are building here: pairing the speed and breadth of AI with the judgement of an experienced adviser, so clients can act with both confidence and conviction. As the UAE advances its national AI ambitions, we want our clients to feel the benefit of that progress in their own financial lives.”
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
