Advice firms planning for growth as confidence increases in 2026

Digital advice platform, Dynamic Planner, has launched its second annual independent health check of the UK advice industry, drawing on insights from almost 700 advice professionals.

The survey found that adviser sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with optimism about the future higher than last year.

85% of 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.

Firms are also actively recruiting, with 9 out of 10 firms hiring for adviser roles. 96% would recommend their own career paths, up by 4% compared to last year, with ‘working with people’ as the strongest reason.

Access to advice remains constrained – but an inflection point may be approaching

While this year’s survey suggests access to advice remains constrained, an inflection point may be approaching – with regulatory and political will to tackle the advice gap strengthening.

Almost 4 in 5 firms (78%) 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.

96% see targeted support as positive for their businesses and the same believe it will help people to get support with their financial decisions.

In addition, 58% of business decision makers are exploring digital-first or lighter-touch services.

Technology is unlocking capacity and reshaping how advice firms operate

A combination of data, AI and supporting technology is broadening how and who advice firms serve.

Clients served per adviser has increased significantly to an average of 134, vs 118 in 2025.

AI adoption has increased sharply (41% active use vs. 28% last year) – and 99% are positive about its impact. Today’s AI is largely assistive with agentic AI emerging as the next wave, promising to turn time saved into clients served.

Firms are increasingly using digital messaging, onboarding and fact find to service clients.

Ben Goss, CEO at 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.
 
“Access to advice remains constrained, but there are strong indications that an inflection point may be approaching. 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.
 
“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."