Gen Z Still Chooses Human Financial Advisors but Demands AI Skills

Human trust matters

When it comes to money and planning for the future, Gen Z isn’t blindly handing decisions over to chatbots. A new study by the CFA Institute shows that recent graduates overwhelmingly prefer dealing with real, flesh-and-blood financial advisers. The reasons are clear: trust, ethical grounding, and emotional intuition matter when life goals and finances collide.

What the numbers say

The study finds that 91% of recent graduates prefer working with human advisers. A sizable portion — 45% — specifically favor advisers who demonstrate that they will always put the client’s interests first and provide personalized guidance less prone to error. Despite the appeal of automation, Gen Z prioritizes reliability and human judgment.

AI as a co-pilot, not a replacement

Gen Z is not anti-technology. Most respondents see AI as a valuable tool for research, analysis, and processing large datasets. The preferred model is a hybrid: advisers who combine empathy and judgment with AI-driven efficiency. Robo-tools can streamline workflows, reduce mundane tasks, and surface insights faster, but they shouldn’t replace the human touch that builds trust and understands complex personal circumstances.

Regulatory spotlight and advisory gaps

Broader forces are shaping the advisory landscape. Regulators are increasingly focused on how technology is used in financial advice, and gaps remain between the promise of AI models and the expertise advisers must provide. Some models still miss the mark, and raw processing power can’t substitute for domain knowledge, ethical considerations, or tailored recommendations.

How this changes advising

Advisers who want to succeed with younger clients need to demonstrate both technical fluency and relational skills. That means mastering AI tools for better research and efficiency while maintaining transparent communication, ethical standards, and emotional intelligence. The firms that blend tech competence with empathetic counsel are likely to set the standard for successful advising in the years ahead.