Advice process 'old and unchanged' - Nationwide's Chris Williams

'Vast majority' do not find value in advice process

Tom Ellis
clock • 3 min read

The advice process has not changed in 30 or 40 years while the traditional first client-adviser meeting is "akin to a hostage scenario", according to Nationwide head of digital advice Chris Williams.

Speaking at a roundtable of industry professionals in London, hosted by eValue, Williams explained that, having been an adviser himself for two decades, it was a humbling experience when he saw how the general public took to the advice process.  "I spent 20 years of my life advising clients thinking it was a positive experience and the feedback we got was that customers just hate it," he said. "It's really dull, really boring - they don't derive any real benefit from it. It's a chore [for them]. "We're not giving people access to the right, simple, straightforward solutions they need. Whe...

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 Technology

Dynamic Planner CEO on AI's role in 'trusted advice'

Dynamic Planner CEO on AI's role in 'trusted advice'

‘The challenge is that delivering advice is hard’

Isabel Baxter
clock 09 December 2025 • 6 min read
FCA reveals first group of financial firms to take part in AI testing

FCA reveals first group of financial firms to take part in AI testing

To deploy ‘safe and responsible’ AI

Cristian Angeloni
clock 03 December 2025 • 1 min read
Providers have 'clear role' to help advice firms with AI governance support

Providers have 'clear role' to help advice firms with AI governance support

Less than 5% of advisers have a full AI policy

Isabel Baxter
clock 02 December 2025 • 3 min read