Irish Consumers Increasingly Trust AI with Finances, Bunq Survey Reveals
More than a third of Irish people now express greater trust in artificial intelligence (AI) bots than in humans when discussing their finances, according to fresh research from neobank Bunq. The survey indicates a growing willingness among Irish consumers to leverage AI for financial decision-making, particularly during times of financial stress.
Growing Acceptance of AI in Personal Finance
The pan-European survey, conducted across seven countries within the European Union, revealed that 49% of Irish consumers have already utilized AI to make personal financial decisions. This figure, while substantial, is lower than the 75% reported in Spain. Specifically, 36% of Irish participants indicated they felt more comfortable disclosing their spending habits to AI, while an additional 37% reported being equally honest with AI as they would be with another person.
AI as a “Social Gym” for Financial Confidence
The increasing comfort level with AI in financial matters stems from a sense of psychological safety, according to Nick Hobson, behavioural scientist and consulting director at Influence at Perform. Hobson explains that AI provides a “low-stakes space to rehearse tricky conversations,” such as asking for a raise or setting financial boundaries with family, without the fear of judgment. He suggests this practice translates to increased confidence in real-world financial interactions. “Once people experience what honesty about their finances actually produces, the barrier to having those conversations with other people gets lower,” Hobson stated.
Tangible Financial Benefits Reported
The study suggests that AI assistance is translating into real-world savings for Irish consumers. One in three respondents reported that AI helped them save money in the past year, with over a quarter experiencing savings exceeding €500. Common uses of AI included budgeting questions, identifying unnecessary expenses, setting savings goals, comparing financial options, and addressing sensitive financial concerns.
Bunq’s Expansion and AI Integration
Bunq, the second largest neobank in Europe, has been expanding its presence in Ireland, tripling its user base this year and announcing 17 new roles for its Irish team [1]. The company’s recent “bunq Update 26” introduced enhanced AI capabilities within its “Finn” assistant, allowing it to analyze images, provide personalized budget tips, and recommend local businesses [1]. Bunq also expanded its stock trading platform to Ireland in November 2024, offering access to US and European stocks and ETFs [2].
Joe Wilson, a spokesperson for Bunq, emphasized the growing trend of individuals turning to AI for everyday decisions, stating, “It’s a dynamic time. People are increasingly turning to AI for help with everyday decisions and it only works when it’s genuinely built around their lives.” [1] Bunq’s internal data reflects this trend, with frequent user inquiries focusing on spending habits (“how much did I spend on groceries this month?”), savings strategies (“how do I save money?”), and historical spending data.
The Future of AI in Financial Wellness
As AI continues to evolve, its role in personal finance is expected to expand. The increasing trust and demonstrated benefits suggest that AI will become an increasingly integral tool for individuals seeking to improve their financial well-being. The combination of AI-powered insights and accessible financial platforms, like Bunq, is poised to reshape how people manage their money in the years to approach.