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

Advisers report under 50s make up growing chunk of client banks

Advisers report under 50s make up growing chunk of client banks

Under 40s make up almost a third, FE Fundinfo research finds

Sophia Panayi
clock 02 June 2026 • 2 min read
How the 100-year life is reshaping financial planning

How the 100-year life is reshaping financial planning

'The financial planning sector needs to continue to evolve'

Chris Ball
clock 02 June 2026 • 4 min read
Tax a 'significant issue' for clients but capital loss tops concerns

Tax a 'significant issue' for clients but capital loss tops concerns

IHT on pensions concern near universal, Schroders finds

Sophia Panayi
clock 02 June 2026 • 3 min read