Affluent and high-net-worth investors in Malaysia are among the world’s biggest users of AI for finance, with 85% adopting the technology, yet 58% still prefer a combination of AI and human expertise when making financial decisions, according to an HSBC-commissioned survey.
The survey of around 10,000 affluent and high-net-worth individuals across 10 markets, conducted by Ipsos, found Malaysia ranked joint second for AI adoption in finance with mainland China at 85%, behind India at 86%. The global average stood at 73%.
Despite the high adoption rate, financial professionals and institutions remain the leading source of investment ideas for Malaysian investors at 65% and the most influential factor in investment decisions at 39%, more than double AI tools at 16%.
The survey found 85% of respondents seek reassurance from financial professionals while 76% value their strategic expertise. This includes helping spot mistakes in AI-generated data, providing personalised interpretations of complex information and applying professional judgement and validation.
Linda Yip, Country Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking, HSBC Malaysia, said: “Technology gives us speed, but human connection builds trust. The future of banking lies in a seamless partnership between AI-driven insights and human expertise. By pairing advanced analytics with human relationships, we aim to support our clients with the confidence to navigate, invest and pursue growth in an increasingly complex financial landscape.”
AI adoption was highest among Millennials at 89%, followed by Gen Z at 86%, Generation X at 85% and Baby Boomers at 78%.
Meanwhile, 57% said AI makes them feel more in control of their investments, while 54% said it makes them more willing to take calculated risks.
HSBC Malaysia has also introduced Wealth Intelligence, a generative AI-enabled platform designed to help Relationship Managers analyse and summarise investment insights for client conversations.
