Mumbai: Artificial intelligence has become an integral part of investment research among India’s high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), with 86 per cent using AI-powered tools to support financial decisions. However, despite the rapid adoption of AI, human judgement and trusted financial advisors continue to play the most important role when it comes to making final investment decisions, according to HSBC India.
In an exclusive interaction with Times Now Digital, Sandeep Batra, Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking at HSBC India, discussed the findings of the bank’s latest survey, the growing role of AI in banking, the significance of GIFT City, and the future of India’s financial services sector amid evolving regulations.
Indians are leading AI adoption in wealth management
According to HSBC’s latest study, Indian HNIs are among the world’s fastest adopters of artificial intelligence for investment research.
The survey covered thousands of respondents globally, including around 1,100 participants from India. Batra said the findings clearly demonstrate that Indian investors are embracing AI to gather information, compare investment opportunities and build a strong knowledge base before making financial decisions.
However, he stressed that AI serves primarily as a research tool rather than a replacement for professional financial advice.
“People use AI to build their understanding and gather facts, but when it comes to making important financial decisions, they still want to consult a trusted advisor,” Batra said.
Human judgement continues to drive investment decisions
Despite rapid technological advances, HSBC believes that human expertise remains indispensable in wealth management.
Batra explained that while AI enables investors to become more informed before meeting their advisors, trust continues to be the defining factor in financial decision-making.
He observed that AI adoption spans multiple generations, with teenagers and senior citizens alike increasingly using large language models and AI platforms for everyday research. However, he believes that individuals continue to rely on experienced professionals when making significant life decisions, particularly those involving financial planning and wealth creation.
According to HSBC, AI is expected to complement human advisors rather than replace them. Financial professionals themselves are increasingly using AI to improve productivity, analyse market data and stay updated on new investment opportunities before engaging with clients.
AI to enhance banking, not replace bankers
Discussing the broader impact of AI on banking, Batra said financial institutions are investing significantly in technology while continuing to strengthen human relationships.
HSBC, which has operated in India for nearly 170 years, is expanding its presence from 14 cities to 34 cities as part of its long-term growth strategy.
The bank is simultaneously equipping its relationship managers with AI-powered tools that improve productivity, enhance product knowledge and enable quicker responses to customer queries.
According to Batra, AI allows bankers to spend less time on routine tasks and more time delivering personalised financial advice to clients.
He added that trusted conversations between customers and bankers remain central to HSBC’s business model, even as digital capabilities continue to evolve.
GIFT City expected to become global wealth hub
Batra also highlighted the strategic importance of Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) in India’s financial future.
HSBC has expanded its GIFT City operations beyond wholesale banking into international wealth management, reflecting growing confidence in the financial centre’s long-term potential.
He said India’s increasingly global population requires convenient access to international banking services, foreign currency accounts and overseas investments.
According to him, GIFT City has the potential to simplify international banking for Indian residents by providing a single platform for managing foreign currency assets and global investment portfolios.
Batra expressed confidence that GIFT City would emerge as a major international wealth management hub over the coming decade, attracting both domestic and global investors.
Governance remains key amid tighter regulations
Responding to recent regulatory measures by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Batra welcomed stronger governance and compliance standards.
He noted that effective regulation is fundamental to maintaining trust in the banking system and ensuring long-term financial stability.
HSBC follows global governance practices while fully complying with Indian regulatory requirements, he said, adding that robust oversight benefits both financial institutions and customers.
India remains one of HSBC’s four priority international markets alongside China, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, while the United Kingdom and Hong Kong continue as the group’s home markets.
The bank plans to continue investing in technology, branch expansion and customer service as India’s financial ecosystem evolves.
Conclusion
HSBC’s latest findings suggest that while artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming investment research and banking operations, human judgement continues to remain central to wealth management. As Indian investors increasingly combine AI-powered insights with professional financial advice, banks are focusing on integrating advanced technology without compromising the trust and personal relationships that define financial decision-making. With continued investments in AI, GIFT City and regulatory compliance, HSBC sees significant opportunities in India’s expanding wealth management sector.
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