A study commissioned by HSBC and conducted by IPSOS reveals that 76% of Singapore’s mass affluent and high-net-worth (HNW) investors utilize artificial intelligence (AI) for financial and investment purposes, though the vast majority still rely on professional wealth advisors to validate AI-generated insights. Among the 609 respondents surveyed, 69% leverage AI for market research and analysis, 44% use it for strategic support, and 34% apply it to stress-test their own investment concepts.
Despite integrating AI into their workflows, investors still value human oversight: 79% seek reassurance from professional advisors regarding AI findings, and 71% consult advisors for their strategic expertise. On average, Singapore’s wealthiest investors attribute 40% of their investment returns over the previous year to the influence of AI, with 65% stating that the technology gives them a greater sense of control over their portfolios.
While 40% of those surveyed prefer a hybrid investment approach and 57% want AI and advisors to work in tandem, only 8% cited AI as the single most influential factor in their last major investment decision—below the global average of 12%. For the purposes of the study, HSBC defined mass affluent as individuals holding $100,000 to $2 million in investable assets, and HNW investors as those with assets exceeding $2 million.
This blend of technology and human guidance aligns with broader wealth management trends. A separate McKinsey & Co. report highlights that affluent clients increasingly seek advisors who can assist with lifestyle transitions, housing options, and caregiving arrangements, noting that wealth management now centers on navigating trust and life decisions rather than simply managing funds. Furthermore, Stephen P. Stahr, CEO of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), pointed out that clients are placing a premium on retirement security to support longer lifespans. Separately, HSBC has also expanded its AI initiatives through a partnership with Mastercard to pilot automated e-commerce payment agents.
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