Advisors View AI as ‘Moneyball’ While ‘WarGames’ Concern Grows

A Natixis Investment Managers AI Screen Test of 2,950 financial advisers across 23 countries found most view artificial intelligence as a tool for better data-driven decisions, while concern about weaponized AI increased in 2026.

The CoreData survey was conducted between March and May 2026 and covered advisers in North America, Latin America, the U.K., continental Europe and Asia. Respondents chose one of four films — Moneyball, WALL‑E, WarGames and The Terminator — to describe how they see AI affecting investors.

Overall, 59% of advisers selected Moneyball, down from 62% in 2025. That choice indicates advisers associate AI with improved analysis and potential performance gains. Regional results showed stronger Moneyball sentiment in Colombia, where 74% chose that film, and the Nordics at 71%.

The WarGames selection rose to 24% in 2026, up from 20% a year earlier. The survey reported that 24% of all respondents expressed concern that an AI-enabled hack could trigger economic, social or geopolitical disruption. Country-level figures showed 34% of advisers in Italy selected WarGames, and 33% did so in Canada, Hong Kong and Japan.

WALL‑E was chosen by 11% of respondents, unchanged from 2025, reflecting a view of technology leading to human overreliance or later caregiver roles. The Terminator choice, representing an existential fear of hostile machines, remained at 6% in both years.

Dave Goodsell, executive director of the Natixis Center for Investor Insight, described the Screen Test as a way to capture advisers’ emotional and practical reactions to AI. He said the results show more advisers plan to use AI as an investment tool and noted rising anxiety about misuse and security breaches. He added that a small minority continue to hold deeper fears about AI causing widespread harm.

Natixis and CoreData published a summary of the results but did not provide a breakdown by firm size or adviser role. Natixis has offered the same four film choices in the AI Screen Test each year since 2024 to track sentiment over time.