Emerging trends in wealth management: APAC leads the way in AI and diversification

By Newsdesk

February 03 2026
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In a rapidly evolving financial landscape, wealth managers across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region are spearheading significant shifts in investment strategies, according to the latest "Emerging Trends in Wealth Management 2026" study by MSCI. The comprehensive survey, which involved 250 global wealth industry professionals, including 60 from APAC, highlights key trends that are reshaping the industry and increasingly influencing the Australian advice market.

Emerging trends in wealth management: APAC leads the way in AI and diversification

One of the primary trends identified in the study is a strategic rebalancing away from U.S. equities. APAC wealth managers are increasingly looking to diversify their portfolios by allocating more resources toward developed markets (48%) and emerging markets (33%). This shift reflects a broader global trend where 61% of wealth managers plan to increase allocations to developed non-U.S. markets, and 48% expect to boost their exposure to emerging markets.

Hassan Suffyan, Head of Wealth for EMEA and APAC at MSCI, elaborated on this trend, stating, “Amid heightened global uncertainty, APAC wealth managers are redefining their views of risk and recalibrating portfolios for resilience. At the same time, some in the region see themselves at the forefront of AI adoption, recognising its potential as both an enabler and a differentiator.”

The study also underscores a growing demand for alternative exposures among APAC wealth managers. A significant 55% of respondents expect private-asset allocations to increase over the next three years, while 57% anticipate a rise in digital-asset allocations. This trend is mirrored globally, where 83% of wealth managers now consider access to private markets essential to client relationships. Additionally, 73% believe that exchange-traded funds (ETFs) will increasingly be paired with private assets to maintain liquidity.

Moreover, APAC appears to be leading the charge in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption within the wealth management sector. The study found that 38% of APAC respondents believe the region’s wealth industry is ahead of the broader financial services sector in AI adoption, compared to just 26% in North America and 22% in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). This confidence in AI is part of a global trend where 68% of wealth managers view AI as essential for competitiveness, and 95% plan to increase investment in AI technologies.

Commenting on the global perspective, Alex Kokolis, Global Head of Wealth at MSCI, highlighted the shift towards personalised investment strategies. “Personalization has moved from a differentiator to a baseline expectation in wealth management. Nearly every new high-net-worth portfolio now reflects some level of customization. The challenge is no longer whether to personalise, but how to do it at scale while maintaining efficiency and transparency,” Kokolis said.

The study also identifies geopolitical volatility as a dominant concern among wealth managers worldwide, with 86% reporting heightened anxiety about global uncertainty, tariffs, and cross-border risk. This concern is likely influencing the strategic shifts away from U.S. equities and towards more diversified global portfolios.

In Australia, these emerging trends are becoming increasingly visible as wealth managers adapt to the evolving global landscape. The shift towards personalisation, AI adoption, and alternative exposures is expected to continue shaping the industry, offering new opportunities and challenges for advisers and investors alike.

As wealth managers navigate these changes, the emphasis on AI and personalised strategies is likely to play a crucial role in maintaining competitiveness and meeting the evolving expectations of high-net-worth clients. With APAC at the forefront of these trends, the region's wealth management industry is poised to lead the way in innovation and diversification, setting a benchmark for global practices.

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