OpenAI acquired startup Hiro to integrate financial planning into ChatGPT

OpenAI has acquired Hiro, an artificial intelligence-powered personal financial planning startup. The deal signals that the company is deliberately embedding financial tools directly into ChatGPT, expanding the platform far beyond a text assistant. Hiro specialized in helping users manage personal finances: analyzing expenses, setting financial goals, and creating personalized budget plans.

The startup relied on a conversational interface—a user described their financial goals in natural language, and the AI suggested concrete steps. Unlike traditional apps like Mint or YNAB, Hiro did not require manual data entry or categorization: the model built a financial profile directly from the conversation. For OpenAI, this is a continuation of its consistent acquisition strategy.

Over the past two years, the company has acquired Rockset (real-time data analytics), Multi (collaboration), and a number of other startups. Each deal closed a specific gap—areas where ChatGPT lagged behind or was simply absent as a tool. The personal finance AI market shows steady growth.

According to analysts' estimates, the segment's volume will exceed $26 billion by 2028. Startups like Cleo, Albert, and Copilot Finance have already attracted hundreds of millions in investment, trying to seize the niche of AI financial advisor. Major banks—JPMorgan, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs—are also actively investing in their own AI tools for customers.

Hiro's integration into ChatGPT could be realized in several formats. First, a built-in financial assistant with access to banking data through Open Banking API: a user connects their account and gets expense analysis right in the chat. Second, planning tools: budget, retirement savings, debt management, tax strategies.

Third, personalized recommendations based on a financial profile that the user builds through conversation. However, this step carries potential risks. Financial data is among the most sensitive: users traditionally are cautious about sharing account information with third parties.

OpenAI will need to convince its audience of the security of its financial AI—especially against the backdrop of ongoing privacy discussions. Regulators in the US and EU are already watching how AI companies handle citizens' financial information. Details of the deal—the amount and specific timeline for integration—are not being disclosed.

This is standard practice for acquisitions of this scale: OpenAI does not comment on the financial parameters of smaller acquisitions. The Hiro purchase is another confirmation of OpenAI's 2025–2026 strategy: to turn ChatGPT from a text bot into a universal assistant for everyday tasks. Search, documents, code, images—and now financial planning.

The company that first becomes a trusted AI advisor for personal finances for hundreds of millions of people will gain a sustainable competitive advantage and the data that will make all other services smarter.