ASIC Warns Gen Z: Beware of Social Media and AI for Financial Advice

March 15, 2026
ASIC Warns Gen Z: Beware of Social Media and AI for Financial Advice
  • ASIC warns Gen Z in Australia about rising risk from using social media and AI for financial guidance, noting a survey where 63% rely on social media for investment tips and 18% consult AI platforms.

  • Regulators stress that financial advice should come from properly licensed professionals, especially for cryptocurrency, retirement accounts, and other investments.

  • Commissioner Alan Kirkland urges readers to balance online information with credible, evidence-based sources and cautions that promotional or incomplete online content can mislead; MoneySmart provides free, independent guidance on budgeting, investing, and scams.

  • Regulatory actions and better financial literacy resources could shift attention from virally driven content to credible sources, potentially stabilizing markets and guiding capital toward well-informed decisions.

  • Key takeaways emphasize critical thinking, sense-checking information, and using MoneySmart tools to make informed financial decisions.

  • Trust in advisers remains important, with research showing brokers valued for experience and knowledge—43% cite convenience or savings and 57% cite market experience.

  • Despite optimism about the financial future, fewer respondents feel strong confidence in achieving long-term financial stability.

  • The article ends with a standard disclaimer that the content reflects the author's opinion and is not investment advice.

  • Liquidity risks arise from thin, concentrated liquidity, increasing the chance of sharp reversals when narratives fade, risking losses for traders with exposed positions.

  • Credibility matters in selecting financial sources: 35% prioritize credibility/experts, 15% independent sources, 13% personal contacts; users should verify online claims with independent guidance.

  • Policy implications include potential new guidance or licensing requirements for AI-based financial advice and ongoing enforcement against misleading finfluencers.

  • MoneySmart refreshes its site to be more engaging while continuing to offer a trusted alternative to social media content.

Summary based on 23 sources


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