What's the problem with uncertainty? Helping clients on their journey

Helping clients deal with uncertainty on their investment journey

clock • 4 min read

It is rational to have moments when clients find themselves scared or anxious, the challenge is how we then manage those emotions, reactions, and decisions. Louis Williams shares his insight...

The certainty effect coined by Kahneman and Tversky in 1979 explains how we have a strong desire for certainty and therefore prefer to choose a sure or certain gain over a risky one. For example, if given two options, option A where there is 100% chance to win £900 or option B, 90% chance to win £1,000 and the remaining 10% chance of receiving nothing, then the majority of us (about 80%) opt for option A, because it is guaranteed that we will be rewarded. We choose clarity over chance even if this means we make decisions that lead us to be less financially profitable. Interestingly...

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

Feel Good Friday: One Four Nine Group raises £40,500 for charity partner

Feel Good Friday: One Four Nine Group raises £40,500 for charity partner

Firm picks three new charity partners for 2026/27

Professional Adviser
clock 24 April 2026 • 1 min read
Deal Dive: 2026 kicks off with a slower start

Deal Dive: 2026 kicks off with a slower start

Deals announced in Q1 2026

Isabel Baxter
clock 24 April 2026 • 3 min read
What Justin Bieber is telling you about your clients

What Justin Bieber is telling you about your clients

‘In our world, success, true success, is delivering someone to their goal’

Chris Justham
clock 22 April 2026 • 2 min read