What are the 10 key trends your clients should consider?

Financial trends to watch

Financial trends shape how UK citizens spend, invest, and save money. As a financial adviser, it’s imperative that you stay up-to-date with the latest financial trends in order to offer guidance and advice that aligns with the way the world is moving. 

These trends are ones to watch in 2024.

Summary of financial trends 2023

In 2023, we witnessed significant shifts in the financial landscape, with sustainable finance gaining traction, technological advancements revolutionising the industry, and a growing emphasis on social media presence. There was also increased attention on ESG standards and the importance of maintaining system efficiency. 

These trends underscored financial advisers' and clients' evolving priorities, shaping strategies and approaches in the year ahead.

What are the financial trends of 2024?

It's clear that several key trends are shaping the financial landscape, bringing challenges and opportunities for financial advisers and their clients. 

1. Rise of popularity for saving and investing

According to Money UK, the current uptick in the popularity of saving and investing is driven by factors like improved financial literacy, economic uncertainties, and the quest for long-term financial security. People are exploring diverse investment avenues such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and real estate to build wealth and meet their financial goals. 

To leverage this trend, you should emphasise early saving and investing education and advocate for portfolio diversification.

2. Continued advancement in technology

Advancements in technology keep pushing the boundaries of innovation, reshaping how financial services are delivered and consumed. Anticipate more breakthroughs in areas like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and digital banking. AI-driven algorithms are transforming investment management, allowing advisers to crunch vast amounts of data, spot trends, and tailor investment strategies to suit client's needs. 

To stay ahead, you need to embrace technological advancements, integrate digital tools into your workflows, and harness data-driven insights to provide personalised financial solutions to your clients.

3. Sustainable finance

Sustainable finance continues gaining traction, driven by rising awareness of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues among investors. Stakeholders are pressing for greater transparency and accountability from companies, pushing them to adopt sustainable practices and disclose ESG-related risks. 

To capitalise on this, you must integrate ESG criteria into investment strategies, stay updated on sustainable finance, educate clients on ESG, and identify investment opportunities offering solid returns alongside social or environmental benefits.

4. Active social media presence

Staying active on social media is a must for financial advisers. It's not just about connecting with clients and prospects; it's also about building a brand. Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook offer a massive audience. By sharing regular updates, useful resources, and joining industry conversations, advisers can position themselves as go-to experts and attract new clients.

To really make waves, you should craft a solid social media content strategy, interact with your followers authentically, and listen to their feedback to keep improving your online presence.

5. Upkeep of ESG standards

Keeping up with ESG standards is more important than ever. It's not just about ticking boxes—it's about making sure that companies are walking the walk when it comes to environmental, social, and governance factors. Financial advisers play a crucial role in monitoring and maintaining compliance with ESG criteria by staying on top of regulations, pushing for transparency in corporate practices, and advocating for responsible business behaviour. 

Prioritise the upkeep of ESG standards to help clients invest in companies that align with their values while promoting sustainable and ethical practices.

6. Take advantage of inflation rate rises

As inflation rates creep up, it's crucial for investors to tweak their strategies to safeguard their purchasing power and preserve wealth over time. Financial advisers have a critical role to play in helping clients tackle the challenges brought on by inflation. 

You can do this by rolling out strategies specifically designed to counter inflationary pressures. These might involve investing in inflation-protected securities like Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS), Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), or commodities such as gold and silver.  You can also suggest spreading out portfolios across different asset classes that perform well during inflationary periods, like equities and tangible assets. 

7. Providing excellent client service

Offering top-notch client service continues to be key for financial advisers. It's all about putting clients first, giving them tailored advice, and building strong, trustworthy relationships that last a lifetime. 

Hone in on keeping communication with your clients clear and transparent, and be ready to adapt as their saving and investing needs evolve. 

8. Being prepared with estate planning

With the ongoing complexities of inheritance laws and the evolving dynamics of family structures, advisers must prioritise guiding clients through the intricacies of estate planning. 

Encourage your clients to draft wills, establish trusts and funeral plans, and consider tax-efficient strategies to ensure that their assets are distributed according to their wishes and avoid potential conflicts among beneficiaries.

9. System efficiency

By putting system efficiency front and centre, advisers can run a tighter ship, cut down on costs, and use resources more effectively to give clients the best bang for their buck.

Consider rolling out all-in-one software solutions for managing client relationships and handling portfolios, and beefing up cybersecurity defences to keep client information safe.

10. Keep up to date with the finance world

Keeping a finger on the pulse of finance trends is key to offering solid advice, spotting new opportunities, and rolling with the punches of changing markets. advisers need to make sure they're keeping up with the game by focusing on continuous learning, staying in the loop with industry trends and any rule changes, and seizing chances to connect and team up with fellow advisers and thought leaders. 

Stay proactive and in the know to enhance your expertise, dish out top-notch insights to your clients, and cement your reputation as a go-to adviser.

Financial trends 2023 vs financial trends 2024

Comparing financial trends from 2023 to 2024 is like watching the finance world in action—an ongoing evolution of what's important and what's not. 

Sustainable finance and advancements in technology are still big players, but there are also some newcomers on the scene, like the growing need for a social media presence and the attention on inflation rate rises. These fresh trends show how clients' needs are always changing. 

As you adjust your strategies to keep up with these shifts, you’ll set yourself up for success and deliver top-notch results for your clients in 2024 and beyond.

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