Advisors Double Down on Planning as Client Expectations and Tech Demands Rise

Why It Matters

Advisors that successfully integrate robust, tech‑enabled planning will retain clients and compete with fintech rivals, reshaping the wealth‑management landscape.

Key Takeaways

• 54% of investors projected to receive full planning by 2027.
• Retail brokerages grow 14.3% CAGR, outpacing advisor‑led channels.
• 83% of advisors say planning strengthens client relationships.
• 58% report planning tech missing essential features.
• Younger investors demand seamless digital planning experiences.

Pulse Analysis

The push toward full‑service financial planning reflects a broader industry realignment. As retail brokerage platforms deliver instant trades and basic planning tools, investors now expect the same level of convenience from their human advisors. Cerulli Edge’s forecast that more than half of investors will receive comprehensive planning by 2027 signals that advisory firms must evolve from pure portfolio management to a relationship‑centric model that blends strategy, tax, and retirement insights.

Technology is the linchpin of this evolution, yet more than half of advisors admit their current tools fall short. Missing integrations, limited scenario modeling, and clunky user interfaces hinder the ability to serve digitally native clients who demand mobile‑first experiences. Firms that invest in modular, API‑driven platforms can close the functionality gap, automate data aggregation, and deliver real‑time insights—capabilities that are increasingly viewed as essential rather than optional.

Strategically, advisors who master tech‑enabled planning stand to capture the fast‑growing retail investor segment. The 14.3% CAGR of direct‑to‑consumer brokerages underscores the competitive pressure, while the 73% retention boost reported by planners highlights the upside of deeper engagement. To stay ahead, firms should prioritize hiring or upskilling talent in data analytics, partner with fintech innovators, and embed planning workflows into the client journey, ensuring they meet both today’s expectations and tomorrow’s growth opportunities.