Here’s a question that every astute financial adviser will have asked themselves at various points in their career: “Am I doing what it takes to stay relevant in an ever changing market?”
This question has been thrown into sharp focus by technological advances that have brought about a wave of DIY investment options, raising concerns among financial advisers about their relevance in this rapidly changing landscape. As we witness the rise of automated tools and AI-driven platforms, it’s only natural for some to fear being rendered obsolete. However, we at Wi-Ai firmly believe that by focusing on embracing the human factor and leveraging insights into clients’ hopes, fears, and personalities, advisers can not only stay relevant but also thrive in this new era.
While technology can undoubtedly provide convenience and efficiency, it often falls short in understanding the emotional complexities of individuals and their unique financial goals. Here lies the adviser’s greatest advantage: the ability to connect with clients on a deeper level, building trust, and fostering long-term relationships. By recognising that financial advice extends beyond numbers and algorithms, advisers can ensure their continued relevance.
To stay ahead of the game, here are a few strategies that can help in navigating the evolving landscape:
- Embrace Personalisation: Go beyond tailoring your advice to clients’ specific circumstances and considering their risk appetite, financial goals, and aspirations. Invest time in understanding your clients’ hopes and dreams. By customising your approach, you’ll provide a level of personalisation that automated platforms simply cannot replicate.
- Cultivate Emotional Intelligence: By recognising that clients’ decisions are often influenced by their emotions and by honing their own emotional intelligence, advisers can offer guidance that considers not only clients’ financial circumstances but also their fears, anxieties, and aspirations.
- Be a Storyteller: Numbers and charts can be overwhelming for clients. Translate complex financial concepts into relatable stories and analogies that resonate with them. By painting a vivid picture of the potential outcomes, advisers can empower clients to make informed decisions while feeling supported throughout the process.
- Pursue Continuous Learning and Adaptation: Stay informed about emerging technologies and trends in the financial industry. Position yourself as a trusted adviser who understands the evolving landscape and can navigate the complexities on their behalf.
- Leverage Technology as an Ally: Embrace technology as a tool that enhances advisory services rather than replacing them. Utilise digital platforms for streamlined communication, portfolio management, and data analysis, freeing up more time for meaningful interactions with clients. This integration allows you to combine the best of both worlds: the efficiency of technology and the personalised touch of human expertise.
What if technology could actually support you in maintaining this meaningful human centred approach?
Paradoxically, it can!
Wi-Ai’s Investment Personality Profiling software offers an easy to use, engaging and thought-provoking approach to helping you and your financial services clients understand how they tick as investors. By helping the clients of investment professionals identify and understand their behavioural biases relating to money, our Investment Personality Profiling technology enables advisers to have highly personalised interactions with clients in which they feel fully “seen”, highly valued and supported in discussing sensitive matters such as self-sabotaging financial behaviour.
Remember, the human touch is irreplaceable. By tapping into the emotional and psychological aspects of financial planning, advisers can provide a level of guidance and support that will continue to be sought after, even in the era of DIY investment options.
As the technology and advice sectors adapt and evolve, let us remain committed to clients’ success, combining adviser expertise with the power of technology to create meaningful, personalised experiences. Together, we can embrace the future and continue to make a lasting impact.
To discuss whether Wi-Ai can help you and your customers understand and master behavioural biases, contact us at [email protected] to confirm your interest in a free, no obligation trial.