FCA research finds that 56% of surveyed younger investors trust AI tools, while four in five less-experienced investors have used AI for investment help. Crucially, 44% mistakenly believe AI-generated financial information is regulated, 38% think it is acceptable to act solely on an AI output, and 32% believe they would have Financial Ombudsman Service or FSCS protection if AI advice went wrong. Although the research concerns investing, the implications translate directly to mortgage and protection conversations.
Separately, industry research suggests only around half of advisers use technology to support Consumer Duty compliance, while the FCA continues its supervisory work. Advisers should expect more clients to arrive with AI-generated rate comparisons, affordability assumptions and product views. A practical response is to position AI as a research aid, verify underlying sources and use compliant technology to evidence needs, outcomes and communications—not as a substitute for regulated advice or professional judgement.