The Prudential study found that fewer than one in five (17%) advisers believe that technology-driven robo-advice will help close the advice gap for mass-market customers.
Almost half (47%) of the financial advisers polled said robo-advice will not help to close the gap.
This is despite the recommendations in the Financial Advice Market Review that the FCA should set up teams to offer support to firms that are using automated advice and guidance models, Prudential noted.
The research was carried out in March 2016 with responses gathered from 206 financial advisers across the UK.
Head of Prudential’s business consultancy for advisers Paul Harrison said: “Improved technology can bring greater efficiency, reduce costs and should help advisers to serve their clients better while continuing to run viable businesses. Advisers are more aware than anyone though, that receiving tailored advice to meet individual needs is the preferred solution for many clients. It is no surprise then, that our research reveals advisers are not convinced that improved technology will be a cure-all for the advice gap.”
“However, at Prudential we recognise that robo-advice could have a significant role to play in the future, in bringing a more limited form of advice or guidance to those people who either feel they don’t need an individual service from a professional adviser or can’t afford it,” he added.
Prudential said it is holding a series of seminars for advisers to help advisers with their processes and client service.
