In 2025, despite the widespread adoption of AI-powered investing tools, affluent American investors are hesitant to entrust their retirement savings to chatbots. A recent survey conducted by InvestorsObserver reveals that while artificial intelligence plays a significant role in portfolio analysis, market research, and trading platforms, there is a lack of trust in AI when it comes to managing 401(k)s and making long-term retirement decisions.
The survey, which polled 1,050 experienced U.S. investors aged 35 to 60 with portfolios exceeding $500,000, including retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs, found that a staggering 88% of respondents would not be comfortable allowing an AI chatbot to oversee their 401(k). This emphasizes the strong preference for human judgment in handling life savings.
Despite the increasing integration of AI in finance through robo-advisors, algorithmic tools, and portfolio simulations, the actual adoption of AI remains cautious. Approximately 64% of participants admitted to never using AI chatbots for investment advice. Only 5% claimed to act on AI-generated recommendations without conducting independent research or seeking professional advice.
This cautious approach extends to various financial aspects, with only 12% of investors expressing trust in AI for retirement planning and tax optimization. On the other hand, 19% indicated a complete lack of confidence in AI managing any financial task, showcasing persistent skepticism among tech-savvy high-net-worth individuals.
Nonetheless, the survey results do not imply outright rejection of AI. A majority of respondents (59%) expressed intentions to use or continue using AI for financial guidance in the future. However, most view these tools as aids rather than decision-makers, utilizing them to expedite research, compare funds, assess fees, and identify potential risks, rather than solely relying on them for portfolio decisions.
Sam Bourgi, senior analyst at InvestorsObserver, remarked, “While people are open to AI chatbots for generating ideas, they prefer human involvement in managing their life savings in 401(k)s and IRAs. AI can inform retirement choices, but it should not replace personal judgment or professional guidance.”
This mindset aligns with the trend towards hybrid investing models in 2025, where investors combine AI insights with human oversight to leverage technology for data processing while retaining control over contribution levels, asset allocation, rebalancing, and retirement strategies. This approach enables investors to benefit from efficiency and speed without relinquishing accountability.
The survey underscores the prudence of this cautious approach. As AI tools become more prevalent, they may not always be more accurate, and unchecked or contextually limited outputs could result in costly errors. At present, affluent investors are resolute in keeping AI in a supporting role—empowering and valuable, yet under close supervision—when safeguarding their long-term financial well-being.
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