The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets published its 2026 Consumer Monitor, finding that many consumers have limited awareness of their financial arrangements and rarely reassess earlier choices. Nearly one-quarter have never examined their pension situation, rising to more than four in 10 among people aged 18 to 34, while more than half of nonretired pension participants do not know what type of pension plan they have or had. Among consumers with household contents or liability insurance, 68% have not changed provider for more than five years. The findings support designing financial products, information and choice environments around how consumers make decisions in practice. Artificial intelligence is also entering financial decision-making. One in seven respondents used an AI tool for financial matters in the past year, mainly to understand information and compare options. While 29% of users generally regarded AI-generated financial information or advice as reliable, only 6% of nonusers did. Separately, one in 10 consumers bought insurance or an additional warranty integrated into an online purchase. Suspected investment fraud was reported by 14% of respondents and actual losses by 2%, but only 3% said they had reported suspected fraud to police and 2% to a regulator.
2026-09-23Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets
Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets finds low consumer engagement with finances as AI use expands
The Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets found that many consumers have limited knowledge of their pensions and insurance and rarely revisit financial choices. One in seven used AI for financial matters in the past year, while embedded insurance and low reporting of suspected investment fraud highlight emerging consumer protection risks.