Canadian investors seek human oversight for AI advice

Canadian investors demand human oversight before artificial intelligence can influence their portfolio choices, according to a new poll that also highlights privacy and direct advisor access as essential safeguards.

Investor conditions for AI use

The Responsible Investment Association released findings from its Fall 2026 Investor Pulse Check, an Ipsos survey of 1,001 Canadian individuals conducted between Aug. 11 and 17, 2026.

When asked which safeguards mattered most, 42% of respondents chose human oversight, 41% prioritized protection of personal data, and 40% said they wanted a live advisor available.

Nearly three in ten participants, 29%, stated they would not feel comfortable with AI supporting any investment decision at all.

Generational attitudes toward technology

Age created a clear divide. Among those 55 years and older, 43% said they would not trust AI in their investment process.

The share dropped to 24% for respondents aged 35-54 and fell further to 15% among investors 18-34.

“These findings show that investors still want people in the picture when AI is used to support investment decisions,” said Patricia Fletcher, CEO of the Responsible Investment Association.

Fletcher added that preserving trust and human connection remains critical as firms adopt new tools.

When evaluating advisors more broadly, 68% of respondents ranked understanding financial goals as the top priority.

Clear explanation of risks and opportunities followed closely, cited by 65% of participants.

Only 17% considered an advisor’s use of technology or AI to be very important in their selection.

Thematic investment preferences

Beyond AI, the Pulse Check revealed strong interest in thematic investing, with at least half of respondents willing to allocate a portion of their portfolios to each tested area.

Interest levels were moderate rather than enthusiastic, suggesting cautious optimism.

Energy security led the thematic list, attracting 65% of respondents, while domestic manufacturing and supply chains earned 64% support.

Critical minerals followed closely, with 62% expressing interest.

Regional variation emerged. In British Columbia, 67% of investors favored critical minerals, compared with 65% in Ontario and 49% in Quebec.

Advanced technologies saw the opposite pattern: Quebec led at 61%, Ontario trailed at 55%, and British Columbia lagged at 46%.

Domestic manufacturing and supply chain themes attracted relatively uniform interest across the three provinces.

Fletcher noted that while national trends point to energy security and critical minerals, regional nuances mean advisors must tailor recommendations to local sentiment.