Flexible working and digital transformation were the key focuses for financial advice businesses surveyed by the Personal Finance Society and Chartered Insurance Institute in March.

A third of the 611 insurance and financial advice professionals surveyed by the sister professional bodies said they would continue to focus on digital transformation.

When asked what operational changes caused by the Coronavirus pandemic would remain a key focus after the end of lockdown, six out of ten said remote and flexible working would be a focal point.

A further 6% said driving greater cost efficiency would dominate their time as the government’s four-step roadmap out of lockdown proceeds.

Keith Richards, chief executive of the Personal Finance Society and chief membership officer of the Chartered Insurance Institute, said: “Many organisations changed the way they worked to protect their employees and continue to support their customers and clients throughout lockdown.

“Business bosses and practice principles are now wisely considering which changes need to be further embedded or adapted to remain resilient for whatever the future may hold. Businesses are checking they are capable of delivering the new digital experiences consumers now expect plus remote and flexible working where this is in the best interests of both clients and staff.

“The ‘new normal’ way of working is unlikely to look like the pre-pandemic world did as we are all using technology for both personal and business in ways that are likely to keep evolving.”