EY report: AI and shifting behaviors transform wealth management

The ‘2026 EY Global Wealth Management Industry Report’ indicates that the wealth management sector is entering a period of intensified competition driven by evolving consumer behaviors and technological advancements. Clients are becoming more active and selective, showing an increased willingness to transfer assets to seek better results.

Artificial intelligence and digital tools are fundamentally changing how advisory services are delivered and how clients evaluate them. High-net-worth individuals are moving away from exclusive, long-term single-provider relationships in favor of diverse portfolios of partnerships tailored to specific needs, such as investments, financial planning, taxation, lending, and intergenerational wealth transfer.

As traditional relationships become more open to competition, the quality, speed, and relevance of services have become the primary determinants of client choice. There is a growing demand for holistic support that can be delivered seamlessly across various service channels.