Adviser businesses invested in robo 'more valuable' - Ian McKenna

Acquirers look to exploit data

Hannah Godfrey
clock • 2 min read

Investing in a digital system or implementing a robo-advice capability means advisers can sell their business for significantly more money, according to Digital Wealth Insights director Ian McKenna.

Speaking at the latest Space 01 'Money Talks' seminar, McKenna (pictured) said it had been suggested to him there was "zero value" in paper-based advice companies. That, he argued, should provide "a strong incentive" to older advisers nearing retirement who might otherwise consider robo-advice unnecessary or advanced back-office digitalisation an annoyance. "To me, a digital enterprise is one where all the information and the records are electronic," he added. "It's a massive investment - anybody selling a business obviously wants to get the maximum return for it but the more you do to e...

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

FE Fundinfo launches AI assistant for advisers

FE Fundinfo launches AI assistant for advisers

Part of updates to Nexus for Financial Advisers platform

Sophia Panayi
clock 13 August 2026 • 2 min read
Is the FCA ignoring an obvious breach of the regulatory perimeter?

Is the FCA ignoring an obvious breach of the regulatory perimeter?

'There are genuine legal complications'

Gareth Fatchett
clock 11 August 2026 • 5 min read
Some UK top advice firms invisible to AI platforms – research

Some UK top advice firms invisible to AI platforms – research

‘Advisers aren't unaware of this at all’

Sophia Panayi
clock 11 August 2026 • 3 min read