FIF 2024: Intuition a poor way to map clients' psychological profiles

Majority of advisers surprised by their clients’ decision making

Hope Coumbe
clock • 1 min read

Advisers are often surprised by the decisions clients make despite the majority thinking they have a very good understanding of their psychological profiles, Oxford Risk has found.

Head of behavioural finance Greg Davies shared the findings of recent adviser research undertaken by the specialist firm, noting a sizeable gap between adviser perceptions and outcome. Speaking at the Future of Investment Festival today (5 June), Davies confirmed 80% of advisers agree they have a ‘very good' understanding of the psychological profiles of their clients. Despite this, Oxford Risk also found over two thirds (68%) of those advisers were sometimes surprised by the decisions their clients made. Almost the same amount (62%) agreed with the effects that emotion can have on...

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 profession

Client demand for wealth transfer advice accelerates

Client demand for wealth transfer advice accelerates

Latest IFA research from Fidelity

Jenna Brown
clock 20 January 2026 • 1 min read
SENDA launches special needs and disability planning training course

SENDA launches special needs and disability planning training course

For financial and legal professionals

Jen Frost
clock 20 January 2026 • 2 min read
AI opportunity or dotcom déjà vu?

AI opportunity or dotcom déjà vu?

Experts tell Professional Adviser where they see long-term value in AI

Sahar Nazir
clock 19 January 2026 • 3 min read