Wednesday, 15 May 2013 10:41
Advisers seeing positive opportunities in tough climate
Financial Planners are viewing the tough economic climate as an opportunity to adapt their businesses to the growing needs of their clients, according to Aviva.
Almost half of the 982 advisers questioned said they were looking to carry out more reviews to support clients affected by low interest rates while 28 per cent expected growth in workplace savings.
Other opportunities were growth of the at-retirement market, reduced competition post-RDR as advisers leave the industry and taking on orphaned clients.
However, advisers remained concerned about staying profitable post-RDR. This amount has increased from 47 per cent in March 2012 to 52 per cent in 2013.
Partciular worries were paying for regulatory fees and professional indemnity rules. It was announced earlier this year that intermediaries were the only sub-class to see an increase in their Financial Services Compensation Scheme levy.
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The amount of advisers worried about economic uncertainty also increased from 23 per cent in March 2012 to 31 per cent in 2013.
Andy Beswick, intermediary director at Aviva, said: "Advisers are increasingly worried about the economic environment, which is not surprising considering recent news, such as the IMF downgrading the UK's growth prospects.
"But they are also looking at how to best support their clients with advice on how to handle this environment. Advisers told us that the current low interest rates increase the need for financial reviews. Also, post-RDR more people will be in need of independent financial advice.
"Smart advisers will see opportunities where others may see challenges."
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Almost half of the 982 advisers questioned said they were looking to carry out more reviews to support clients affected by low interest rates while 28 per cent expected growth in workplace savings.
Other opportunities were growth of the at-retirement market, reduced competition post-RDR as advisers leave the industry and taking on orphaned clients.
However, advisers remained concerned about staying profitable post-RDR. This amount has increased from 47 per cent in March 2012 to 52 per cent in 2013.
Partciular worries were paying for regulatory fees and professional indemnity rules. It was announced earlier this year that intermediaries were the only sub-class to see an increase in their Financial Services Compensation Scheme levy.
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The amount of advisers worried about economic uncertainty also increased from 23 per cent in March 2012 to 31 per cent in 2013.
Andy Beswick, intermediary director at Aviva, said: "Advisers are increasingly worried about the economic environment, which is not surprising considering recent news, such as the IMF downgrading the UK's growth prospects.
"But they are also looking at how to best support their clients with advice on how to handle this environment. Advisers told us that the current low interest rates increase the need for financial reviews. Also, post-RDR more people will be in need of independent financial advice.
"Smart advisers will see opportunities where others may see challenges."
• Want to receive a free weekly summary of the best news stories from our website? Just go to home page and submit your name and email address. If you are already logged in you will need to log out to see the e-newsletter sign up. You can then log in again.
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