IFW report highlights adviser skills clients seek

'Client goals and dreams'

Julia Bahr
clock • 3 min read

The initiative for financial wellbeing (IFW), a non-profit organisation launched in 2019, has published a white paper that investigates what clients look for in a financial adviser and why they do so.

The report, sponsored by Aegon, looked at the factors clients believe to be the most important in financial advisers.  "The standard view of the financial planning role is usually associated with performing financial projections or selling financial products," the IFW said. "However, this view ignores the central and most valuable role of financial planning, which is helping clients identify long-term objectives and counselling them in financial and sometimes non-financial issues." The report found the most sought-after competency of an adviser was trust. It suggested trust is correla...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your Business

News editor's view: Advice firm valuations - are we at the peak?

News editor's view: Advice firm valuations - are we at the peak?

The news editor's Friday Night Takeaway from 6 February

Isabel Baxter
clock 06 February 2026 • 3 min read
Majority of advisers confident on increasing profits amid 'challenging year'

Majority of advisers confident on increasing profits amid 'challenging year'

Latest SOTAN report says 78% predict higher profits in 2026

Jenna Brown
clock 04 February 2026 • 3 min read
Preparing to sell an advisory business and planning for what comes after

Preparing to sell an advisory business and planning for what comes after

'In short, do not rush into a process until you have your proverbial ducks in a row'

Roderic Rennison
clock 03 February 2026 • 5 min read