By the numbers: Financial advice industry's outlook for 2017

The 2017 <i>InvestmentNews</i> Outlook Survey of 339 advisers reveals what's on advisers' minds as we enter the new year.
JAN 12, 2017
By  Ellie Zhu
Advisers' outlook for growth in their book of business
Very optimisticSomewhat optimisticNeutralSomewhat pessimisticVery pessimistic
2017
2016
Biggest issue facing the financial advice industry in 2017
Revenue model in the first half of 2016, compared with how it will be post-DOL fiduciary rule
How the U.S. economy will perform in the new year
*In the 2016 survey 13.7% of advisers expected the economy would contract.
Does your office plan to hire new staff in 2017?
No, we will not hire new staff
Yes, operations and administrative staff
Yes, support advisers
Yes, lead advisers
Yes, portfolio managers or research analysts
Yes, executive management
Adviser recommendations for client portfolio allocations in 2017
Level of concern with equity valuations
Top three topics advisers will spend more time talking about with clients
*Health-care planning/Medicare in 2016
Support received by adviser for complying with the DOL rule, and where it's lacking
  • Have received this support
  • Have not received, but will need or utilize
  • Have not received and will not need nor utilize
Meetings, events or webinars to provide regular updates on firm positioning and preparedness
Educational materials outlining requirements of new rules for advisers
Information on upcoming compliance changes and litigation risk
Product usage guidelines
Guidance on how to answer client queries regarding the new rule
Training and workshops that recommend strategies for transitioning to the new standard
Educational content to share with clients explaining the scope and intent of the changes
Dedicated consultants to work with my practice, answer any questions about the rule, and assist with preparedness
Templates for required documents, such as the best-interest contract
Source: 2017 InvestmentNews Outlook Survey/InvestmentNews Research

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