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

Fintel names exec chair as it buys Mortgage Brain in £38m deal

Fintel names exec chair as it buys Mortgage Brain in £38m deal

Has held a stake in the mortgage technology business since 2024

Jen Frost
clock 23 October 2026 • 2 min read
AI becomes one of UK's leading 'advisers' with £47.4bn under influence

AI becomes one of UK's leading 'advisers' with £47.4bn under influence

‘AI is an incomprehensibly impactful wildcard in financial advice’

Jenna Brown
clock 22 October 2026 • 2 min read
In TikTok we trust? Just ask ChatGPT

In TikTok we trust? Just ask ChatGPT

In short, it's time to ‘get human'

Anna Plotnek
clock 22 October 2026 • 4 min read