intelliflo's 2026 advice efficiency survey

The AI revolution is here 

Perhaps the most striking finding is the dramatic acceleration in AI adoption. In just twelve months, the proportion of firms actively using AI within their advice journey has leapt from 43% to 74%, a transformation that few industries can match. But where exactly is AI making its mark? The data reveals a clear pattern: advisers are deploying AI primarily for administrative efficiency rather than core advisory functions. Note-taking and transcription leads the way, with 87% of AI users leveraging it for this purpose. Report writing follows at 44%, while client communication personalisation (25%) and data analysis (24%) are gaining traction.

AI use cases among UK Advisers

For those not yet using AI, the barriers are instructive. Data security concerns top the list at 65%, followed by difficulty finding the right tools (46%) and regulatory uncertainty (41%). Cost, notably, ranks much lower, suggesting that advisers see the value, but need reassurance on compliance and security.

The integration crisis

While AI adoption accelerates, a more fundamental challenge continues to hamper efficiency: fragmented technology ecosystems. 60.7% of firms now rely on five or more core systems, with 57% using four or more investment platforms. This complexity creates a cascade of operational drag. The numbers tell a stark story. Manual data entry affects 68% of firms, while slow or incomplete integrations trouble 63%. These aren’t minor inconveniences, they represent hours of duplicated effort, increased error rates, and frustrated staff. Nearly 38% of firms experience data errors in 11 or more out of every 100 client cases, directly impacting service quality and compliance risk.

The digitisation gap

Advisers know where they want to be. A striking 62% aspire to near-complete digitisation, with 81-100% of their workflows running digitally. Yet reality lags behind: only 48% have achieved minimal paper usage (0-20%), up modestly from 43% in 2025. The priority areas for digitisation reflect the pain points: seamless integration tops the list (51%), followed by digital signatures (50%) and online fact-finding (48%). These aren’t futuristic ambitions, they’re practical necessities that would immediately reduce friction and free up adviser time.

The gap between digital aspiration (62% want fully digital) and current reality (48% at minimal paper) represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Firms that close this gap will gain significant competitive advantage.

Platform inertia

Despite clear frustrations with current systems, over half of firms (54%) have no plans to switch platforms. This isn’t satisfaction, it’s inertia. When asked what would drive a switch, 67% cite improving client outcomes and 58% point to easing operational burden.

So why don’t they move? The barriers are formidable: 74% cite time and resource requirements, 58% worry about client detriment during transfer, and 42% fear business disruption. Platform switching remains a daunting prospect, even when the benefits are clear.

This creates a significant market opportunity. Half of firms say they would be more likely to switch if the process were significantly faster and easier. Solutions that reduce switching friction (managed migrations, guaranteed timelines, seamless data transfer) could unlock substantial movement in the market.

What advisers would do with more time

Perhaps the most revealing question in the survey: if efficiency gains freed up more time, how would advisers use it?

The answer skews heavily toward growth. Two-thirds (66%) would serve more clients, while 47% would focus on business development. Only 17% would opt for a four-day working week. The ambition is clear: advisers want to grow their businesses, not simply work less.

Yet personal wellbeing aspirations tell a different story. When asked how they’d use extra time outside work, 62% want more time with family and friends, while 52% would pursue sports and activities. The growth mindset dominates professional priorities, but advisers are human, they want balance too.

The path forward

The 2026 UK Advice Efficiency Survey reveals an industry making genuine progress. AI adoption has surged, digital workflows are expanding, and advisers are clear about where they want to go. But significant barriers remain: fragmented systems, integration challenges, and platform inertia continue to hold firms back.

The firms that will thrive are those that tackle these challenges head-on: investing in integration, accelerating digitisation, and leveraging AI to eliminate administrative burden. The technology exists. The appetite is there. Now it’s about execution.