The UK advice sector is reaching a turning point as long-standing operating models struggle to keep pace with regulatory pressure, shifting client expectations and accelerating technological change.
What once passed as “good enough” infrastructure is now exposing clear weaknesses, particularly for firms seeking to scale high-quality advice without compromising governance. Legacy systems, fragmented data and retrospective evidencing processes are creating friction that many advice firms can no longer ignore.
Against this backdrop, financial planning technology is moving up the strategic agenda. Firms are being asked to deliver more personalised, outcome-focused advice, while also demonstrating stronger oversight, clearer audit trails and more robust controls. The challenge is no longer whether to innovate, but how to do so responsibly in an environment where regulatory scrutiny is intensifying and trust remains paramount.
A new report from Ortec Finance and NextWealth brings together perspectives from senior leaders across wealth managers, platforms and life and pensions providers.
Despite differences in size and business model, contributors share a strikingly consistent view. Innovation is essential, but only when it is transparent, explainable and defensible. Automation is welcomed, but not if it introduces new operational or conduct risk. Scale is a priority, but never at the expense of client outcomes or adviser accountability.
The report highlights five themes shaping the next era of planning technology: Evidence-as-you-go, calibrated cashflow, living plans unified data spine and glass-box AI.
Taken together, these themes illustrate a market that is not chasing innovation for its own sake. Instead, UK advice firms are seeking technology that strengthens governance, improves consistency and supports better client outcomes at scale.
Readers can download the full report to explore what leading firms are prioritising now and to benchmark their own planning technology against emerging market expectations.
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