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
Advisers' outlook for growth in their book of business
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

Latest News

Federal judge dismisses Eltek manipulation lawsuit against Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Federal judge dismisses Eltek manipulation lawsuit against Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

Nine-month electronic trading freeze and share lending program at the center of dismissed claim.

RIA wrap: Dynamic strikes South Carolina deal to reach $7B AUM milestone
RIA wrap: Dynamic strikes South Carolina deal to reach $7B AUM milestone

Meanwhile, Rossby Financial's leadership buildout rolls on with a new COO appointment as Balefire Wealth welcomes a distinguished retirement specialist to its national network.

Rethinking diversification amid a concentrated S&P 500
Rethinking diversification amid a concentrated S&P 500

With a smaller group of companies driving stock market performance, advisors must work more intentionally to manage concentration risks within client portfolios.

Merrill pays second settlement to former Miami Dolphins player, client of ex-broker
Merrill pays second settlement to former Miami Dolphins player, client of ex-broker

Professional athletes are often targets of scam artists and are particularly vulnerable to fraud.

Schwab touts AI as its biggest growth lever at investor day
Schwab touts AI as its biggest growth lever at investor day

The brokerage giant tells Wall Street it will use artificial intelligence to reach clients it has never been able to serve — and turn the technology's perceived threat into a competitive edge.

SPONSORED Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human

As technical expertise becomes increasingly commoditized, advisors who can integrate strategy, relationships, and specialized expertise into a cohesive client experience will define the next era of wealth management

SPONSORED Durability over scale: What actually defines a great advisory firm

Growth may get the headlines, but in my experience, longevity is earned through structure, culture, and discipline