Advisers share their clients' biggest concerns right now

Advisers, business owners and paraplanners share their thoughts

Isabel Baxter
clock • 1 min read
Advisers share their clients' biggest concerns right now

Advisers share the biggest concerns of their clients right now in a Professional Adviser poll.

The latest PA Asks revealed that the cost of living and the state of the economy were un-surprisingly mentioned the most when it came to client concerns.

More specifically, the market concerns mentioned were a worse recession, inflation, and interest rates.

Broader geopolitical issues were also raised as a concern.

One pundit even said that "the world" was a concern, with another saying, "the uncertainties of life".

Investment performance was also a concern that was mentioned by several respondents. This included maintaining buyer power of portfolios, return level, lack of growth in asset values, and fund performance.

Pundits also mentioned various elements of fiscal policies that are concerning clients including tax and spend.

One said: "There's lots of talk about what a Labour Party might do with inheritance tax or with the lifetime allowance."

Another respondent added: "World situation and lack of political will in this country."

Meanwhile, "regulatory overkill" was another client concern that one pundit highlighted.

On the other hand, a couple of respondents said their clients have "not much" or "nothing" that they are currently worried about.

In November, Fidelity International found that almost half (49%) of advisers said clients are increasingly worried about their financial wellbeing with levels of concern now at their highest since the launch of the study in 2020.

More than four-fifths (87%) of advisers said that the cost of living and inflation are the main drivers for unease amid their client base, and doubts about market returns (74%) are also a significant factor.

PA Asks is conducted each week to anonymously collate our readers' views on key news and trends. Respondents include independent and restricted advisers, paraplanners, and administrators. A new poll is released every week! To take part, email our research team here.

More on Your profession

Common language used by advisers triggers anxiety and distrust among retirees

Common language used by advisers triggers anxiety and distrust among retirees

Product-led communication one of the biggest drivers of mistrust

Laura Purkess
clock 01 April 2026 • 1 min read
Advisers: Are you even taking your own advice?

Advisers: Are you even taking your own advice?

Exploring the expenditure consolidation conversation

Nick Ryan
clock 25 March 2026 • 4 min read
CISI welcomes 76 Certified financial planners

CISI welcomes 76 Certified financial planners

Number of UK CFP professionals continues to rise

Sophia Panayi
clock 24 March 2026 • 1 min read

In-depth

Advisers warned against 'cost-saving' exercises as FCA proposes ditching annual suitability requirement

Advisers warned against 'cost-saving' exercises as FCA proposes ditching annual suitability requirement

Changes offer an opportunity for more ‘meaningful’ advice

Sophia Panayi
clock 26 March 2026 • 4 min read
Advisers on Iran war: 'My advice goes well beyond just saying don't panic'

Advisers on Iran war: 'My advice goes well beyond just saying don't panic'

‘Clients are naturally concerned’

clock 11 March 2026 • 5 min read
What does the Schroders/Nuveen deal mean for Benchmark advisers?

What does the Schroders/Nuveen deal mean for Benchmark advisers?

ARs await deal impact amid future sale suggestions

Isabel Baxter
clock 26 February 2026 • 5 min read