2026 Investor Confidence Barometer
Reflecting on the past 12 months, it has very much been a tale of two halves. Globally, there has been significant change and volatility. Trump returning to the White House sent ripples across the global market, but domestically in the UK little has changed. The challenges we face now are similar to those encountered this time last year. Inflation remains a concern and a changing policy and regulatory landscape continues to demand attention.
In the latest edition of our Investor Confidence Barometer, we have once again taken a pulse-check on the financial landscape to understand not only what is driving people’s investment decisions and influencing their confidence, but also how advisers are reacting to market pressures and the demands of their clients. This year, we have also chosen to include further insight from paraplanners to gain a fuller picture of adviser businesses across the country.
The results have given us a comprehensive view of the advice ecosystem, from investors striving to build and preserve wealth, to the advisers and paraplanners supporting them through a shifting regulatory and economic environment.
Brief summary of the findings
Investors remain confident about their financial futures and are increasing their contributions, but many continue to react emotionally to market movements. While AI is emerging as a useful tool to inform decision-making, most still seek the human connection that in-person advice brings to the table.
For advisers, belief in long-term market growth is tempered by growing regulation and client pressures. Some are exploring AI as a path to mitigate this, but widespread adoption may still be a way off due to governance and compliance concerns. Paraplanners, meanwhile, continue to carry operational and technical weights of compliance and view technology as a key opportunity to streamline processes and ease capacity challenges.
Across all audiences, one theme stands out: the enduring importance of advice. As economic uncertainty, technological transformation and regulatory change collide, the role of advisers as a trusted partner to clients holds true – and Scottish Widows is committed to enabling a future where it remains accessible, trusted and empowered by technology. We provide the necessary stability and long-term partnership required to help firms navigate market uncertainty and confidently deliver sustainable client outcomes.
Snapshot takeaways
- Confidence vs behaviour: Investors plan to increase investing, but news-driven reactions threaten long-term discipline. This only reinforces the importance of advisers who have an opportunity to lean in and change behaviours to improve people’s long-term outcomes, while strategising on how to capitalise on increased demand.
- Capacity vs regulation: Adviser and paraplanner workloads and costs continue to rise; many are feeling pressure from regulation, but are neutral on measures like Targeted Support. Inheritance Tax changes are putting the most pressure on advisers to ensure they understand the full implications for their clients and what that means for their advice needs.
- Platforms Consolidation is expected, but platform variety and specialism is still valued by most. Advisers are increasingly wanting a broader variety of services on platforms to cater to client needs.
- AI: Investors are open to AI and personalised nudges from various sources, but trust humans the most. Adviser firms are making efficiencies in tasks like note taking or meeting summaries, but will need guidance and support to scale effectively.
Who took part?
The fieldwork was carried out between 22 July and 7 August 2025. We surveyed 200 financial advisers and 206 paraplanners using Research in Finance’s adviser panel. We also surveyed 1,000 adult investors who have a pension and a minimum of £100k investible assets, via Censuswide.
