• Research says more than 80% of wealth management clients express interest in financial advice and planning, yet half of these remain on the sidelines

Use of independent advisors and FinTechs expected to rise

According to the research, the use of independent advisors is expected to rise 18% over the next three years, suggesting the flexibility in the solutions and fees being offered is more attractive to clients. Similarly, the percentage of respondents expecting to use FinTechs will increase from 38% today to 45% in the next three years. Although these new entrants have relatively low assets under management (AUM), the research suggests that the number of respondents using FinTechs is on par with usage of long-established wealth institutions.

Emerging technology preferences exceed 2016 projections

Digital channels are also evolving faster than wealth managers and their clients anticipated three years ago. In 2016, only 20% of clients projected that they would prefer to use mobile apps for wealth management activities by 2019; whereas this year’s research shows 41% of respondents preferring mobile apps as their primary channel for wealth management.

When it comes to emerging technology, 1.4% of respondents prefer digital and voice-enabled assistants as a primary channel today. However, 9% say they would prefer this channel in the near future. This trajectory indicates a considerable swing in momentum – but these numbers may be significantly underestimating growth potential, just as mobile app growth potential was underestimated in 2016.

Despite rapid demand for digital solutions, respondents still desire human interaction as 25% of respondents prefer face-to-face or phone calls as their primary method of engagement, and almost half (42%) prefer these methods when receiving financial advice.

Clients demand alternative pricing models

Nearly half of wealth management client respondents (46%) are unhappy with the fees they pay and do not trust they are being charged fairly, with dissatisfaction particularly high (66%) among ultra-high net worth clients.

Most respondents (55%) want their wealth managers to use a payment method that offers more transparency, objectivity and certainty. Percentage of AUM is currently the most common payment method; however, fixed fee and hourly support methods are most desired.

Half of respondents hold back from engaging in advice and planning

Wealth managers are overlooking the value in offering robust advice, planning and budgeting services. More than 80% of their clients express interest in advice and planning services, but fewer than 40% utilize them currently. Additionally, just 28% of respondents discuss saving with their wealth manager, even though this is a critical opportunity for providers to engage in conversations about their daily budgeting.

Referring to the findings of the report, Savvas Pentaris, Partner and Head of Financial Services of EY Cyprus, comments: “Clients today expect more than just strong investment performance from wealth managers. They are looking for greater transparency with regard to pricing and turning to technology enabled solutions earlier than anticipated. To remain relevant, wealth managers will need to adapt the content of their services and focus on clients’ aspirations for greater independence, while at the same time exploiting new technologies, thus combining the benefits of digital channels with close human interaction”.