Hong Kong investors embrace AI but draw line at full control of wealth
A Citi Wealth AI Pulse Survey finds over 90 per cent of Hong Kong consumers have used AI, but only 4 per cent would let it manage investments entirely. Industry leaders say the future is human-led, AI-enabled wealth management, with trust and human advice remaining central.
Artificial intelligence is changing how Hong Kong investors manage their wealth, but a new survey shows trust remains the decisive factor. The Citi Wealth AI Pulse Survey found that more than 90 per cent of local consumers have used AI, and nearly 70 per cent do so regularly. Some 77 per cent of the Emerging Affluent segment – those with assets under management below HK$1.5 million – prefer AI to inform or recommend actions. However, only 4 per cent would let AI manage their investments entirely on its own.
Joe Bonanno, Citi’s head of Wealth Intelligence, described the future of wealth management as “human-led, and AI-enabled”. He said AI and data can enhance insights, personalisation and efficiency, but trusted advisers remain at the centre of client relationships. “The most powerful model is human plus machine,” he added.
Client expectations are becoming “much broader and much more sophisticated”, according to Vicky Kong, Citi’s head of wealth for Asia North & Australia. She said clients want information before they ask for it, rather than having to search themselves. The survey found that while people are excited about innovation, more than half are concerned about keeping up with how quickly AI is changing wealth management. Kong said this shows clients are looking for guidance and trusted partners.
Boston Consulting Group’s 2026 Global Wealth Report estimates that AI-first wealth managers could unlock 25 to 30 per cent capacity gains across key workflows, but only when technology is integrated with human expertise. Citi has already rolled out AI tools such as Citi Sky, which tailors guidance when clients share major life events. For advisers, tools like Advisor Insights help surface relevant insights.
The survey also challenged the assumption that younger, digitally native investors will have less need for professional advisers. It found that Gen Z places greater value on professional advice than Millennials, despite being the heaviest AI users. Kong said younger investors see AI and human advice as complementary, and that increased use of technology has heightened appreciation for trusted advisers who can offer context and accountability.
Hong Kong was ranked the world’s largest cross-border wealth management hub by Boston Consulting Group, with cross-border wealth reaching US$2.9 trillion (HK$22.62 trillion). Kong said Hong Kong combines deep capital markets, international connectivity, a strong regulatory framework and a culture of innovation, allowing financial institutions to innovate while preserving trust. She said the greater opportunity lies in positioning Hong Kong as one of the world's leading wealth ecosystems.
