Would You Let AI Manage Your Money?

At Vox Pops International, we know how important it is for companies to stay connected to public opinion. It helps shape future trends, spending habits, and attitudes. These insights can guide decision-making, messaging, and innovation.

AI has been a big topic this year, showing up in all areas such as banking, customer service and shopping. We wanted to find out how people really felt about it.

To explore this, we headed to the streets of London and Manchester. We captured views on AI’s role in personal finance and customer service. The responses revealed curiosity, concern, and a need for balance between tech and human connection.

London Responses: AI in Finance

We went to central London, in the busy area of Carnaby Street to gather public opinion on AI in the context of managing finances. The overall feeling was predominantly cautious and skeptical. People want control over their financial matters, which they feel like they would lose with AI stepping in.

“I trust technology, but not fully.”
“I don’t love the idea of AI doing anything for me, never mind touching my finances.”

That said, there’s definitely something appealing about letting AI handle the admin tasks such as budgeting, spend tracking, and saving.

“I would love to have an AI that just links to my bank accounts and straight to Excel spreadsheets, and I don’t have to deal with it.”

While there is an acknowledgment of AI’s potential to handle a significant portion of financial tasks, up to 80% according to one interviewee, the general feeling from Londoners is to keep AI out of finances. It’s not completely dismissive but Human judgment is still essential.

Manchester Responses: AI in Customer Service

Similarly to London, we conducted on the street vox pops in central Manchester. This way we were able to capture a fuller picture of what people thought of AI in the UK.

We asked about the use of AI in customer service, as there it’s almost impossible to not see – whether it’s chatbots, automated replies or virtual assistants. Manchester had a very similar sentiment to London.

The general feeling? Helpful up to a point, but frustrating when you actually need something done.

“If you really want to get something done, you have to speak to a real person, otherwise it won’t happen.”

And another person said:

“Businesses need to have the back-up of people, sometimes just speaking to someone is the way forward.”

The message was clear. People appreciate speed and convenience, but still want the option to speak to someone when needed. AI shouldn’t be a barrier to real help.

So, What’s the Takeaway for Brands?

For us at Vox Pops International, these kinds of street interviews are more than just quick soundbites, they’re a window into how people really feel, in a raw and authentic way.

And when it comes to AI, trust and human connection are still massive factors. Whether you’re launching a new tool, upgrading a service, or rolling out new tech, understanding where people are excited, and where they’re hesitant, can make or break your strategy.

If you’re looking to understand how your customers feel about new tech (or anything else), talking to them directly is a great place to start. And if you want help bringing that to life through video, get in touch!