Advisor trust holds firm as investor appetite for AI- only advice fades
At the same time, the study cautions against reading AI’s declining standing as investor rejection of technology altogether. Hybrid investors – those who pair an advisor with some degree of self- directed investing – reported 87 per cent satisfaction in 2026, up from 85 per cent the previous year, and just one point below the 88 per cent satisfaction rate recorded among fully advisor- supported clients.
The clear takeaway is that technology works best when it complements professional advice, not when it attempts to replace it.
“Investor confidence in our industry remains strong, and this year’s results show that it rests on trusted guidance,” said Kenneth E. Bentsen, Jr., president and CEO of SIFMA. “Investors are increasingly aware of new opportunities, but they are unwilling to trade away trust and transparency in pursuit of innovation.”
Millennials emerge as the industry’s most confident segment
For advisors focused on next- generation client development, the study’s generational data provides timely intelligence.
Millennials with advisor- supported investment relationships reported the highest satisfaction and trust scores of any segment in 2026: 92 per cent said they are satisfied with the industry’s ability to meet their needs, and 85 per cent trust the industry to act in their best interest – up from 77 per cent in 2025, according to the KPMG/SIFMA report.
