Morningstar study shows advisors’ AI adoption rises as time pressures persist
MORN•Morningstar’s 2026 advisor study found that non-users of AI fell to 20% from 33% in 2025, while 48% reported moderate or significant efficiency gains. Advisors spent 53% of their time with clients, below a 63% target, and 56% cited administrative work as their top service constraint.
1. AI use and time pressures
The study found that 20% of advisors did not use AI, down from 33% in 2025, while 48% reported moderate or significant efficiency gains. Advisors spent 53% of their time with clients, compared with a 63% target; 56% cited administrative work as their top service constraint.
2. Private-market challenges
The share of advisors offering private investments rose to 40% from 35%. Fees and transparency were the main due-diligence hurdle for 46%; 25% were highly satisfied with private-market reporting, down from 38%, while 46% expected client allocations to rise.
