Advisers urged to consider clients' 'trust state' and establish credibility early

‘Trust is built in moments of uncertainty, not certainty’

Isabel Baxter
clock • 3 min read

Clients exist in different trust states and for financial advisers to be successful, they need to be able to identify this, delegates heard.

Speaking at Fundment Live: The Adviser Edge conference yesterday (29 January), speaker and author Rachel Botsman explained that clients exist in different trust states and have different requirements. "Low trust doesn't mean ‘bad client.' It often means ‘slow down'," she said. "Sceptical clients often build the strongest long-term relationships. "Fast trust can be harder to sustain than slow trust." Botsman explained that trust grows through consistent, intentional interactions. "The best leaders know when to manage risk - and when to build trust," she said. "Great advisers don'...

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

Adviser on crypto: 'I spend most of my time telling clients not to invest in it'

Adviser on crypto: 'I spend most of my time telling clients not to invest in it'

Panel unpacks next gen themes in advice

Isabel Baxter
clock 10 February 2026 • 3 min read
New Talent Alliance uncovers 'inconsistent' advice market data

New Talent Alliance uncovers 'inconsistent' advice market data

Identified ‘serious long‑term talent pipeline risk’

Jenna Brown
clock 10 February 2026 • 2 min read
Dynamic Planner CEO: Cost to serve remains advice's 'Achilles heel'

Dynamic Planner CEO: Cost to serve remains advice's 'Achilles heel'

Updates on technology’s firm AI developments

Isabel Baxter
clock 10 February 2026 • 2 min read