Dynamic Planner’s latest ‘health check’ of the UK advice industry found sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with greater levels of growth and optimism about the future than last year.
Dynamic Planner’s Advice 2026, its second annual independent pulse of the industry, has drawn on insights from almost 700 advice professionals across the UK, consisting of 530 advisers, 67 business decision makers and 80 paraplanners.
It found more than eight in 10 (85%) advisers increased client numbers last year, up from 72% in the 2025 survey, and 91% expect to increase their client base over the next 12 months.
Clients served per adviser has increased to an average of 134 versus 118 in 2025.
Firms are also actively recruiting, with nine out of 10 firms hiring for adviser roles.
Nearly all (96%) advice professionals say they would recommend their own career paths, up 4% compared to last year, with ‘working with people’ cited as the strongest reason.
Ben Goss, CEO of Dynamic Planner, said: “Now in its second year, Advice 2026 not only provides a snapshot of a moment in time but allows us to chart the direction of travel. And the news is good. If Advice 2025 identified a highly positive mood in a thriving industry, this year’s survey finds the same – but more so. More growth, more hiring, even greater optimism about the future.”
While this year’s survey suggests access to advice remains constrained, Dynamic Planner said an inflection point may be approaching, as regulatory and political will to tackle the advice gap strengthens.
More than three quarters (78%) of firms have raised minimum investable assets over the past year, with thresholds shifting significantly higher. The average minimum is now £168,000.
However, 94% say it is becoming easier to take on new clients and 96% are serving more younger clients than in the past.
Furthermore, 96% see targeted support as positive for their businesses and the same believe it will help people to get support with their financial decisions.
Technology is also reshaping how advice firms operate, the survey showed. Data is increasingly seen as operationally essential (58% versus 47% in 2025), with 99% of firms confident they can access the data they need.
AI adoption has also increased sharply, with 41% active use compared to 28% last year, and 99% are positive about its impact. Firms are increasingly using digital messaging, onboarding and fact find to service clients and 70% of firms use technology to support and evidence compliance.
Goss said: “Advice professionals say it’s becoming easier to take on new clients; they’re serving more young clients and – perhaps most significantly – the average number of clients served per adviser is up markedly versus last year.
“Why the shift? Because firms are embracing the tools that unlock capacity. AI adoption has crossed the chasm, with more than two-fifths now active users and a decisive 99% believing the technology will be positive for the industry. Digital client engagement has become the norm. Underpinning it all is data, which is increasingly viewed as operationally essential.”
He added: “Our survey shows a number of key challenges to be overcome however, including moving too fast without governance and cybersecurity and the danger of misadvising using AI undermining trust in advisers and firms. Having a board-owned AI adoption plan with clear governance, return on investment tracking and skills development and acquisition the survey shows will be key to firms’ success.”
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