Regulated financial advice reaches just 9 per cent of UK adults and remains concentrated among older and wealthier consumers, according to Financial Conduct Authority findings.
This is according to the FCA’s Financial Adviser Survey, which is based on responses from more than 4,100 firms and data on around 31,000 advisers. It shows a broadly stable market, with firms advising on around £1tn of assets for over 4.1 million clients.
Meanwhile, adviser numbers have remained stable since 2023, despite a 15 per cent decline in the number of authorised firms since 2021.
The findings also highlight diversity challenges, with women accounting for around 18% of advisers despite representing a majority of advised client relationships.
Nearly a third of firms are considering simplified advice models to broaden access, particularly for mass affluent consumers.
The regulator also noted positive engagement with Consumer Duty, particularly in pensions and retirement advice.
Quilter academy director Chris Jones says: “The FCA’s survey shows encouraging signs that the advice profession is starting to renew itself. The average adviser age has fallen to the late 40s, reflecting an increase in younger advisers entering the market and showing that entry routes into the profession are beginning to gain traction. The average age of people joining Quilter Academy is now 37.
“That’s important because financial advice is built on long‑term relationships. Clients often stay with the same adviser for decades, through accumulation, retirement and later‑life planning. Younger advisers enable continuity, allowing clients to benefit from working with someone who knows their circumstances, goals and family situation over the entirety of their financial journey.
“However, the data also shows where progress remains uneven. Only 18% of advisers are women, despite women making up a much larger share of paraplanners and support staff. That points to a progression challenge rather than a lack of interest in the profession, and it limits the industry’s ability to build a workforce that reflects the clients it serves over the long term. Quilter Academy has 30% of female new joiners but would like to see this increase.
“Structured adviser academies are helping to address this by creating clearer, supported routes into advice for graduates and second‑careerists. They demystify the profession, provide practical training and give people the confidence to move into adviser roles earlier in their careers, which in turn supports stronger, longer‑lasting client relationships.
“The FCA’s findings underline why this work needs to continue. A younger adviser profile is a positive step, but flat overall adviser numbers and a persistent gender imbalance show that existing pipelines are not yet strong enough on their own. If the profession wants clients to benefit from consistent advice over a lifetime, it needs to keep investing in new entrants and do more to explain what a modern career in advice looks like and who it is open to.”