Seven in 10 U.S. crypto traders surveyed by OKX said they would be comfortable letting artificial intelligence manage their portfolios without human review, according to survey results published July 21. The group included traders willing to grant AI complete autonomy and those prepared to allow automated decisions within risk limits they set themselves. Younger respondents showed the greatest willingness, with 38% of Gen Z traders and 37% of millennials saying they would give AI full, unsupervised authority, compared with 11% of baby boomers. The survey findings come as U.S. regulators warn that AI trading can expose investors to fraud, inaccurate information, and wider market risks.
Survey Reveals Generational Divide on AI Portfolio Management
OKX stated that approximately 7 out of 10 traders surveyed said they would be comfortable letting an AI manage their portfolio without a human checking every move, either with full autonomy or within risk limits they set themselves. The company described this as "not a fringe position; it's most of the market."
AI-assisted research is becoming routine among surveyed traders. Fifty-one percent of respondents said they use AI tools for research or trading several times a week, while 77% had used a general-purpose chatbot to research a crypto position during the previous three months.
Traders Prioritize Real-Time Alerts and Instant Permission Revocation
When OKX asked what would increase trust in an AI agent making crypto payments, respondents overwhelmingly selected real-time notifications and the ability to revoke the system's permissions instantly. The answer received more than twice as much support as any other safeguard and showed little variation between generations.
The report noted that "trust in autonomous AI is about knowing you can take control back the moment you want to. Autonomy and control aren't opposites here, they're the same feature."
Seventy-nine percent of respondents said they would switch exchanges for better AI-powered tools, suggesting that automation, transparency, and user controls are important factors in where traders keep their assets.
U.S. Lawmakers and Regulators Issue AI Trading Warnings
U.S. Reps. Bill Foster and Brad Sherman have asked the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to clarify how securities laws apply to agentic AI trading.
U.S. financial regulators have warned that criminals are exploiting enthusiasm for AI to promote unregistered trading platforms and fake investment systems. The SEC, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and state securities regulators urge investors to verify registrations and be skeptical of promises of high returns with little risk. In Regulatory Notice 24-09, FINRA said firms remain responsible for supervising AI-related activities and complying with securities rules.
Regulators caution against relying solely on AI-generated research, warning that chatbots can produce inaccurate or fabricated information. They recommend verifying information with original sources before making investment decisions.
Bank of England Deputy Governor Sarah Breeden said autonomous trading systems may require circuit breakers or "kill switches" because similar AI reactions during market stress could amplify volatility.
FAQ
What percentage of crypto traders would let AI manage their portfolios according to the OKX survey?
Seven in 10 U.S. crypto traders surveyed by OKX said they would be comfortable letting artificial intelligence manage their portfolios without human review, according to survey results published July 21.
What safeguards do traders want for AI portfolio management?
Respondents overwhelmingly selected real-time notifications and the ability to revoke the system's permissions instantly as the top safeguards. This answer received more than twice as much support as any other safeguard and showed little variation between generations.
What warnings have U.S. regulators issued about AI trading?
U.S. financial regulators have warned that criminals are exploiting enthusiasm for AI to promote unregistered trading platforms and fake investment systems. The SEC, FINRA, and state securities regulators urge investors to verify registrations and be skeptical of promises of high returns with little risk. Regulators also caution against relying solely on AI-generated research, warning that chatbots can produce inaccurate or fabricated information.
