Advisers share their clients' biggest concerns right now

Advisers, business owners and paraplanners share their thoughts

Isabel Baxter
clock • 1 min read
Advisers share their clients' biggest concerns right now

Advisers share the biggest concerns of their clients right now in a Professional Adviser poll.

The latest PA Asks revealed that the cost of living and the state of the economy were un-surprisingly mentioned the most when it came to client concerns.

More specifically, the market concerns mentioned were a worse recession, inflation, and interest rates.

Broader geopolitical issues were also raised as a concern.

One pundit even said that "the world" was a concern, with another saying, "the uncertainties of life".

Investment performance was also a concern that was mentioned by several respondents. This included maintaining buyer power of portfolios, return level, lack of growth in asset values, and fund performance.

Pundits also mentioned various elements of fiscal policies that are concerning clients including tax and spend.

One said: "There's lots of talk about what a Labour Party might do with inheritance tax or with the lifetime allowance."

Another respondent added: "World situation and lack of political will in this country."

Meanwhile, "regulatory overkill" was another client concern that one pundit highlighted.

On the other hand, a couple of respondents said their clients have "not much" or "nothing" that they are currently worried about.

In November, Fidelity International found that almost half (49%) of advisers said clients are increasingly worried about their financial wellbeing with levels of concern now at their highest since the launch of the study in 2020.

More than four-fifths (87%) of advisers said that the cost of living and inflation are the main drivers for unease amid their client base, and doubts about market returns (74%) are also a significant factor.

PA Asks is conducted each week to anonymously collate our readers' views on key news and trends. Respondents include independent and restricted advisers, paraplanners, and administrators. A new poll is released every week! To take part, email our research team here.

More on Your profession

Advised clients want more personal investment communication

Advised clients want more personal investment communication

Four in ten say comms focused more on product than goals

Jenna Brown
clock 12 November 2026 • 3 min read
How economic abuse manifests itself in pensions, mortgages and protection

How economic abuse manifests itself in pensions, mortgages and protection

Second in a three part series

Shelley Read
clock 11 November 2026 • 5 min read
Celtic FP founder launches online admin platform for advisers

Celtic FP founder launches online admin platform for advisers

‘Developed by people who understand the industry’

Jenna Brown
clock 10 November 2026 • 2 min read

In-depth

Budget BADR changes could drive flurry of advice M&A but unlikely to hit valuations

Budget BADR changes could drive flurry of advice M&A but unlikely to hit valuations

Firms urged not to rush sales

Isabel Baxter
clock 09 November 2026 • 4 min read
PruFund's platform expansion: What next for the £73bn smoothed fund?

PruFund's platform expansion: What next for the £73bn smoothed fund?

Unpacking the flagship smoothed fund as it eyes more third-party platform launches

Isabel Baxter
clock 09 November 2026 • 7 min read
Advice JVs: Why professional services tie-ups are moving beyond referrals

Advice JVs: Why professional services tie-ups are moving beyond referrals

Firms look to joint brand relationships

Isabel Baxter
clock 27 August 2026 • 6 min read