| Financial advisers help clients feel more optimistic and confident about their long-term financial future. | Advised investors are more positive about market growth compared to those without professional guidance. | Accessibility and support from advisers are valued as highly as portfolio performance by clients. |
Financial advisers do not only help their clients improve their financial situation but also make it more likely that they will be optimistic about their financial future, according to a recent Investor Confidence Barometer1.
Having the support and guidance of a specialist adviser boosts investors’ confidence and optimism, the figures suggest. Some 89% of advisers expect markets to rise over the course of five years. The corresponding figures for advised investors (63%) and those without advice (57%) show that this optimism rubs off through financial advice. Over a ten-year time frame, moreover, 91% of advisers are predicting market growth, versus 68% of advised and 57% of non-advised investors.
Greater optimism among advised investors suggests financial advice and long-term planning builds confidence in their future wealth prospects. In particular, investors said they feel more confident knowing their financial adviser is available in difficult times, with 96% of advised clients valuing accessibility as much as portfolio performance.
In total, four in five respondents said they get ‘value for money’ from their adviser, a 10% increase on 2023’s survey. Ross Easton, Head of Platform Proposition at Scottish Widows, said, “This survey emphasises the difference that advisers make for their clients, especially when it comes to guiding them through times of market volatility.”
1Scottish Widows, 2025
The value of investments and the income they produce can fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invested.
It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances. Information within this document is based on our current understanding and can be subject to change without notice and the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. It does not provide individual tailored investment advice and is for guidance only. Some rules may vary in different parts of the UK.