Pandemic likely to reshape adviser-client communications, survey finds

Pandemic likely to reshape adviser-client communications, survey finds
Broadridge sees accelerated adoption of digitalization and personalization
SEP 18, 2020

Changes that are occurring in how investors and financial advisers communicate and collaborate during the pandemic are likely to become standard practices after normalcy returns, according to a survey of investors by Broadridge Financial Solutions.

Sixty-two percent of those who reported a change in the mode of communication as a result of the pandemic said they would entirely or partially maintain their new methods after the pandemic ends. Fifty-eight percent cited phone calls and 46% cited emails as new ways that they communicated with their adviser during the pandemic, with 36% having used video chat, even though only 9% prefer video above all others. Millennial investors were most likely to use video chat with their adviser, at 59%.

Over half (57%) of those surveyed said communications with their adviser had changed in some way in light of new stay-at-home mandates.

“We are seeing an accelerated adoption of digitalization and personalization from investors, financial advisers, and wealth firms as a result of the pandemic,” Michael Alexander, president of wealth management at Broadridge, said in a statement. “The use of video conferencing, more personalized emails, and more frequent phone calls has broadened, deepened and changed the client-adviser relationship. As a result, investors don't want a return to the past. They largely prefer this new normal.”

The survey of 1,000 individuals who currently use a financial adviser in the United States and Canada was fielded in June 2020.

Latest News

The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed
The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed

From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.

Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty
Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty

Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.

Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments
Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments

“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.

Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025
Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025

Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.

IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients
IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients

Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.