81% of advisers favour integrated systems over multiple “best of breed” solutions, according to FE fundinfo’s 2025 Financial Adviser Survey
FE fundinfo, has today published its tenth Financial Adviser survey, finding increased confidence in the outlook for advisory firms, with 85% of advisers saying they feel as positive or more positive about their business prospects compared to 12 months ago. This marks a significant leap from the 56% reported in last year’s survey.
The survey gathered insights from over 100 financial advisers across the UK, spanning a range of firm sizes, business models, and career stages.
Market uncertainty, shifting customer habits, and major tax changes from the Chancellor’s 2024 Autumn Budget have likely fuelled demand for advisory services. Regulatory assessments also contribute to the positive outlook, with over half of advisers (52%) now viewing the Consumer Duty as having had a positive impact on their business, a notable increase from 45% in 2024.
The 2025 survey results point to a pragmatic shift in how advisers are using technology to support compliance and client services. An overwhelming 91% of advisers now view technology as an opportunity, with only 9% expressing concern about displacement or disruption. Attitude to Risk Questionnaires were the most popular tool, adopted by 96% of those surveyed. Vulnerability profiling tools and AI-generated meeting notes had the most increased adoption from the previous year, up 12% and 17% respectively.
The benefits of AI to advisers could accelerate in the coming years, presenting more opportunities than generating meeting notes. Currently, 92% of advisers use basic tools such as ChatGPT or Co-pilot to automate individual tasks. Agentic systems that are able to project manage workflows in the financial adviser space.
Widely used technology use cases outside of AI include investment research and analysis (75%), underlining the role of data and digital tools in producing robust, evidence-based recommendations that meet regulatory requirements. Increasingly, advisers are also applying technology to new areas such as vulnerability assessment (32%), a key requirement for ensuring client outcomes as part of Consumer Duty.
Advisers who have embraced technology are reporting tangible benefits over the previous year, especially in integrated solutions. Nearly a third of respondents believe they could serve 20 or more additional clients if their systems were fully integrated. When asked about specific advantages delivered by the tools they use:
- 72% cited more efficient internal processes
- 52% said they had gained more time for client service
- 49% said they had facilitated more remote client meetings
- 47% reported enhanced communication and information sharing
- 46% found that technology supports smoother and more meaningful conversations
Jodie Gallagher, Head of UK IFA products at FE fundinfo, said, “This year’s survey results show a meaningful shift in adviser confidence, not just in meeting the expectations of Consumer Duty, but in embedding its principles into everyday client service. Advisers clearly recognise the opportunity to deliver better outcomes through smarter processes and personalised engagement.
“The growing use of technology in a unified platform enables firms to spend more time where it matters: deepening relationships and delivering value. Advisers who can spend more time on personalised and client-centric approaches will distinguish themselves from their competition. By using data and digital solutions to support consistency, transparency, and client understanding, advisers are not only fulfilling their obligations, they are strengthening the trust at the heart of their client relationships.”
For more details, you can find the full survey here: https://www.fefundinfo.com/insights/adviser-optimism-surges-as-consumer-duty-and-tech-driven-strategies-strengthen-business-outlook
