Connected to Growth: How technology is unlocking the future of financial advice
The 2025 FE Adviser Survey is here. The outlook is stronger than ever.
This year’s report, Connected to Growth, offers a timely look at how financial advisers across the UK are navigating the intersection of technology, regulation and growth. From adviser tools that streamline workflows to AI-powered innovations that reshape client relationships, the data paints a picture of a sector leaning confidently into the future.
Our survey showed that 78% of advisers plan to grow their business this year. This is a strong signal that ambition hasn’t been dampened by regulatory change or economic uncertainty. Instead, advisers are increasingly turning to integrated IFA solutions and intelligent automation to scale sustainably and improve outcomes.
Technology: An opportunity, not a threat
Here’s a standout finding. 91% of advisers see technology as an opportunity. That powerful stat shows a clear shift from early skepticism toward a “hybrid-first” model of advice. From risk profiling tools for financial advisers to AI-generated meeting notes, we’re seeing adviser technology evolve beyond admin efficiency. It’s becoming core to the client experience.
Many of the firms leading this charge are also prioritising system integration. In fact, 81% of respondents said they prefer 1–3 integrated systems over a mix of disconnected “best-of-breed” tools. Integration is as much about capacity as convenience. A third of advisers say they could serve more than 20 additional clients if their systems worked in harmony.
The burden of Consumer Duty has become a catalyst
Just a year ago, Consumer Duty was seen primarily as a compliance burden. But that perception is changing. Half of advisers now say it’s had a positive impact on their client relationships, and many are using technology to improve how they demonstrate value, manage risk and assess client vulnerability.
Digital risk profiling tools, client communication platforms and onboarding systems are playing an essential role in helping firms meet regulatory expectations.
Join the conversation
We’ll be unpacking all of these insights and more in our upcoming virtual fireside chat with Jodie Gallagher (Head of UK IFA Products) and David Scholes who leads the Business Development function across Wealth Management. Together, they’ll explore what the data tells us, how the best firms are adapting, and what’s next for the profession.
From better calculations to better conversations
These scenarios highlight something crucial: tax-aware planning isn't just about more accurate numbers, it's about better client conversations. When clients can see exactly how tax-efficient strategies improve their outcomes, they become more engaged, and their perceived value of advice rises dramatically. That means happier clients, and happier advisers.
FE CashCalc's enhanced Gross Cashflow features help transform conversations by bringing sophisticated tax modelling directly into your familiar planning environment. No separate systems, no manual workarounds, no compromises; it’s all delivered through the complete research and planning platform you already use and trust.
Don’t miss the chance to learn how your peers are planning to grow and where your firm could gain a competitive edge.
👉 Register now for the live webinar
👉 Download the full Adviser Survey report