Independent advice at an inflection point

Independent advisors are redefining what it means to build a modern wealth practice. They recognize the need to serve younger, more tech-savvy investors and to confidently guide clients into new and emerging asset classes.

At the same time, many advisors say their current technology experiences and access to education aren’t fully aligned with their growth ambitions. The result is a growing gap between where advisors want to go and their confidence in the tools, training, and insights meant to support them.

The insights below summarize key findings from a joint survey conducted by Broadridge and the Financial Services Institute (FSI)¹ among independent financial advisors.

The rise of AI-enabled advice

Just over half of advisors report using generative AI today, most often to support client engagement (29%) and marketing (21%). At the same time, attracting the next generation of investors (65%) and the use of AI (59%) rank among the top issues cited by advisors, particularly those under 45, who increasingly view AI as an important differentiator for growth and retention.

AI is not replacing the advisor-client relationship; it’s enhancing it. When designed to be smart, compliant, and advisor-centric, AI tools can help automate preparation, personalize outreach, and surface insights across portfolios, allowing advisors to spend more time focused on relationships and outcomes.

Growth through technology

The study is clear: advisors want to grow, but they need technology that works with them, not around them. Whether that means more intuitive client‑onboarding, streamlined planning tools, or actionable AI, firms that invest in empowering advisors will win their loyalty and accelerate growth.

1 Findings are based on a joint survey conducted by Broadridge in partnership with the Financial Services Institute (FSI). The survey reflects responses from 428 FSI members, including 370 financial advisors and 58 employees of financial advisory firms.