Are advisers becoming an endangered species?

Is the UK is facing a different type of advice gap: too few advisers for the number of people needing them?

clock

Is the UK is facing a different type of advice gap: too few advisers for the number of people needing them?

While no two countries or markets are exactly the same and so comparisons aren't always going to be spot on, when you look at some of the other developed financial services markets around the world, the UK needs a few more advisers. Hong Kong, which had an RDR-style reform this year, has a particularly good ratio - with one financial adviser for every 156 people. This seems quite a sensible level. In the US and Australia this is higher, with one adviser for every 1,400 people, Canada is higher still with one adviser for every 1,900 people. But the UK is considerably more: one advis...

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 Your profession

CII publishes vulnerability data guidance for firms

CII publishes vulnerability data guidance for firms

Consumer Duty and GDPR

Cameron Roberts
clock 19 June 2026 • 2 min read
Baillie Gifford rolls out Sharia-compliant fund amid 'strong' demand

Baillie Gifford rolls out Sharia-compliant fund amid 'strong' demand

Follows engagement with Islamic finance scholars

Sophia Panayi
clock 18 June 2026 • 2 min read
Charging deceased clients accidentally 'more common' than advice profession would like

Charging deceased clients accidentally 'more common' than advice profession would like

‘The fee outlives the service because the records do not talk to each other’

Sophia Panayi
clock 18 June 2026 • 4 min read