7 October 2026
Artificial intelligence has become a mainstream tool for Australian retail investors, with research from Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) finding more than six in ten investors (61 per cent) now use AI to help inform investment decisions, up from 48 per cent a year ago.
The survey of more than 1000 Australian retail investors with more than $10,000 invested in the stock market and other investments also found more than one in five investors (22 per cent) now use the technology extensively.
The findings, from the eighth annual CA ANZ Retail Investor Confidence Survey, reveal the growing role AI is playing in how Australian investors research investment opportunities, analyse information and make financial decisions.
CA ANZ Chief Executive Officer, Ainslie van Onselen, said the findings show AI is changing the way investors access and assess information.
“What is striking is not just how many investors are using AI, but how quickly it has become part of the investment research process. In just one year, we've seen AI move from an emerging technology to a mainstream tool for investors,” Ms van Onselen said.
“Investors value AI because it helps them process large amounts of information efficiently. In a world where markets move at speed, that's a powerful advantage.
"But investors want assurance that what they’re being told is accurate, reliable, and grounded in quality data. Without that, they will not proceed.
“This reflects our broader position on AI: it can enhance professional judgement, but it should never replace it.
“Ultimately, people remain accountable for the decisions they make, not the technology that informs them.”
"As AI becomes more embedded in business and finance, the focus must be on building the skills, judgement and governance needed to use these tools responsibly."
Mistrust of AI remains a barrier for some investors
While adoption is accelerating, trust remains a key challenge.
More than four in five AI users in Australia (83 per cent) are at least somewhat satisfied with the information AI provides, citing speed and efficiency among its key benefits.
At the same time, half of non-users say they do not trust the information generated by AI tools.
ChatGPT was the most popular platform, used by 78 per cent of participants, followed by Microsoft Copilot (44 per cent) and Claude (33 per cent). Respondents could select more than one platform.
Auditors remain the most trusted intermediary
Confidence in auditors as the group Australian investors most trust to advance investor protection eased from 52 per cent in 2025 to 48 per cent in 2026. Despite the decrease, auditors remain the most trusted intermediary, ahead of financial analysts (45 per cent), stock exchanges (40 per cent), and government regulators (34 per cent).
The research found investors continue to place a high value on trusted information sources, with 91 per cent expressing at least some confidence in audited financial information released by Australian listed companies.
CA ANZ Reporting and Assurance Leader, Amir Ghandar FCA, said the rapid adoption of AI makes trusted information more important than ever.
“AI can help investors access and analyse information more quickly, but it doesn't replace the need for reliable information. Investors can only make good decisions when the information underpinning those decisions is accurate and trustworthy,” Mr Ghandar said.
“As technology becomes more embedded in financial decision-making, there will be an even greater premium on transparency, quality reporting and information that can be relied upon."
“This survey consistently shows us that trust matters. Investors continue to place confidence in independent auditors because they provide an objective assessment of company reporting.
“While trust in auditors remains strong, we shouldn't take that trust for granted. Any movement in these results is a reminder that confidence must be continually earned through strong standards, rigorous oversight and consistent professional conduct.”
About the survey: This is the eighth year of CA ANZ’s Retail Investor Confidence Survey. CA ANZ surveyed 1,026 Australian retail investors with more than $10,000 invested in the stock market and other investments. The survey was conducted from 22 July - 6 August 2026.
About Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand represents nearly 143,000 financial professionals, supporting them to make a difference to the businesses, organisations and communities in which they work and live. Chartered Accountants are known as Difference Makers. The depth and breadth of their expertise helps them to see the big picture and chart the best course of action.
www.charteredaccountantsanz.com
For more information contact:
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Zoe Delamare, Public Affairs Lead M +61 431 601 002
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Owen Roberts, Public Affairs Specialist M +61 422 644 847
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