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

Half of advisers use technology for Consumer Duty compliance

Half of advisers use technology for Consumer Duty compliance

Advisers not aware of digital tools that can help

Sophia Panayi
clock 04 September 2026 • 2 min read
The human advantage: Why better AI raises the value of good advice

The human advantage: Why better AI raises the value of good advice

Raising the standard of understanding

Elly Dowding and Lee Coates
clock 04 September 2026 • 4 min read
Marloo adds Morningstar research and data to AI platform

Marloo adds Morningstar research and data to AI platform

Available to UK adviser users

Sophia Panayi
clock 02 September 2026 • 1 min read