Rethinking Financial Advice: The Shift to Episodic Engagement

2

The 2024 edition of the Australian Financial Advice Report, spearheaded by Investment Trends, uncovers pivotal insights into consumer preferences. Out of the 21 million Australian adults assessed, nearly half—about 10.2 million—express their intent to consult financial advisors. Among them, the demand for episodic, issue-specific advice is on the rise, highlighting the importance of accessible and affordable financial counsel.

Interestingly, 22 percent of individuals (having no immediate plan to engage advisors and seemingly content with their current financial management), coexist with a significant 23 percent who face unresolved financial issues but are similarly not considering advice. In stark contrast, 1.5 million individuals currently receiving financial guidance reveal that more than 85 percent still encounter unmet advisory needs.

The widespread need for assistance spans various financial concerns. An impressive 16.4 million Australians voiced their interests in specific areas such as retirement finances (30 percent), structuring investments (30 percent), navigating tax concerns (27 percent), and home purchase strategies (25 percent).

As determined from the study, Australians value episodic financial advice, predominantly because it bears lower costs compared to comprehensive financial advisory services. Notably, financial guidance regarding inheritance and estate planning, home acquisition, and retirement strategies are top areas Aussies are willing to invest in, occasionally exceeding figures like $1,690, $1,270, and $970 respectively, for direct human advisory.

Olivia Beringer, Research Director at Investment Trends, underscores the shift, explaining: "It is abundantly clear that episodic financial advice—tailored to fit budgets and life circumstances—is what Australians want." She adds that as organizations adapt to this demand through innovative business strategies, the legislative alignment anticipated would further support this framework.

Moreover, Beringer highlights the crucial transition: "Australians are demanding advice that is both affordable and available when they need it. Our data highlights a clear opportunity to inject greater flexibility into the industry, enabling organisations to offer targeted services that directly address consumer needs."

This research further fortifies the concept of personalized financial planning, catering to unique life events instead of ongoing advisory relationships, as the newfound norm in the sector. The original insights and data were derived from the Australian Financial Advice Report presented by Investment Trends, which casts a spotlight on these evolving client paradigms.

Published:Monday, 9th Dec 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Finance News

ANZ Faces Shareholder Discontent Over Remuneration Amid Scandal 19 Dec 2024: Paige Estritori ANZ is grappling with a significant backlash from its shareholders following a bonus dispute linked to a recent bond trading controversy, marking an unprecedented strike against the bank's executive pay proposals. - read more

Mortgage Rates Climb: Australians Face a Holiday Financial Surprise 18 Dec 2024: Paige Estritori As the festive season approaches, Australian homeowners are facing unexpected challenges with increased mortgage repayments. Recent analyses highlight a notable shift in interest rates, impacting both fixed and variable loan agreements. - read more

Private Credit's Momentum Persists Amid Changing Rate Landscape 17 Dec 2024: Paige Estritori As interest rates begin their downward trend, one might assume that private credit investments would lose some of their appeal. However, the chief executive of Pengana Capital Group's dedicated private credit division remains optimistic about the sector's future due to ongoing investor enthusiasm. - read more