One in five (19%) independent financial advisers (IFAs) expect an increase in their clients moving money from investments to cash savings due to increased market volatility.

Research agency Opinium said its latest IFA Barometer showed that four in five (81%) IFAs expected investments to be more volatile in the next 12 months compared to the last 12 months.

Of those who predict a rise, almost half (44%) expect investments to be much more volatile while just 4% expect the market to be less volatile.

The movement of money from investments to cash savings may be indicative of a wider shift away from risk as uncertainty in the market increases, Opinium said.

Should investments become more volatile, half (48%) of IFAs surveyed said they would take a longer-term approach to investment, while a third (34%) said the total amount invested would decrease.

However, despite the challenges half (50%) of those who expect an increase in volatility expect their clients to seek out their advice, while three in five (57%) expect investors to become more engaged should market uncertainty increase.

Alexa Nightingale, global head of financial services research at Opinium, said: “Due to the current instability seen in the global market, many IFAs foresee their clients moving money away from investments towards cash savings to protect their portfolios.

“That shift would highlight a growing caution, as people rethink their willingness to take risks in light of concerns like geopolitical tension, inflation and fluctuating interest rates.”

She pointed out that while cash savings can provide safety and easy access to funds, “they often offer lower returns, so IFAs will need to advise their clients on finding a balance between security and the chance for growth in today’s changing market.”

Last week investors were advised to remain 'calm' as global markets slid.

• Opinium carried out an online survey of 200 UK Independent Financial Advisers between 6-17 March.