FCA research finds that 56% of younger investors trust AI tools, ahead of traditional media and social-media influencers. Yet 44% mistakenly believe AI-generated financial information is regulated, 38% think it is acceptable to make an investment decision solely from AI output, and 32% expect FSCS or Financial Ombudsman protection if AI guidance proves wrong.
The research concerns investing, but the implications extend directly to mortgage and protection advice. Clients may increasingly arrive with chatbot-generated views on rates, affordability or product choice. Firms should ensure advisers can explain the boundary between education, unregulated general-purpose AI and regulated advice; verify any AI-produced facts or calculations; and maintain clear records of the personalised advice actually given. AI can support research, meeting preparation and jargon-free explanations, but it should not be presented as a regulated adviser or a substitute for suitability assessment.