Hong Kong consumers embrace AI but retain preference for human financial advice, survey finds

by

Ansherina Baes

-

November 4, 2026

Hong Kong – Hong Kong consumers are increasingly using artificial intelligence in daily life but remain concerned about keeping pace with its development, according to findings released by Citi Hong Kong.

The survey found that 92% of respondents use AI, while 52% said they were concerned about keeping up with new developments. Among Gen Z respondents, adoption reached 100%, but 66% said they were concerned about keeping pace, the highest share among the generations surveyed.

Consumers are also becoming more open to AI in wealth management. While 61% said AI is already changing how wealth is managed, 82% expect it to have at least a moderate impact over the next one to three years. Users of AI wealth tools mainly rely on them to monitor market developments, summarise financial commentary and explain complex financial concepts.

However, respondents generally expect AI to support rather than replace human advice. Among those in the emerging affluent segment, 77% preferred AI to provide information or recommendations, while 4% said they would allow it to manage investments entirely on its own.

AI use in shopping is also growing. Common applications include comparing prices, brands or merchants, researching products and reviews, and discovering new products. Among consumers who had used AI-powered shopping tools, 73% said they were satisfied with the experience.

More than half of respondents, 53%, said they would be willing to try agentic commerce within the next 12 months. The figure rose to 71% among high-net-worth individuals. Security, information accuracy and potential bias were among the concerns cited around AI completing actions and transactions on consumers’ behalf.

Traditional banks were ranked as the most trusted providers of AI-powered wealth solutions, according to the findings.

“The findings of the 2026 Citi Wealth AI Pulse Survey underscore a fundamental shift in how consumers engage with technology. AI is no longer a future concept. It is becoming an integral part of how we learn, plan and make decisions,” said Sarah O, Head of Digital Growth and Cards and Unsecured Lending Sales at Citi.

“As adoption continues to accelerate, the opportunity is to harness AI in ways that make everyday experiences more relevant, seamless and meaningful, while maintaining the human judgment and trust that people value. At Citi, we see AI as an enabler of better client experiences, complementing our expertise and human touch as technology continues to evolve,” O continued.

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