The NextWealth Adviser Tech Stack series explores the technology that powers UK financial advice, what’s working now and what’s coming next. This report, Clearing the path for AI in advice, focuses on AI. AI adoption appears to be moving quickly, an encouraging contrast to the typically slower pace of change across the adviser tech stack. Firms have shown they can trial, learn and adopt low-risk, repeatable use cases that deliver visible gains in days, not months. The next phase is less about adding more tools and more about clearing the path so AI can deliver meaningful value: ensuring data is ready, processes are consistent, and governance stands up to Consumer Duty. In this report, we map current use cases and benefits, where value stalls, and what needs to change to turn minutes saved into better client outcomes and business growth.

Momentum is building in AI. American firm, Origin Financial, launched an AI adviser. Aida, an AI powered financial adviser from the UK’s own Money Means passed the CII diploma in financial advice. These headlines show what is possible. An AI adviser is probably not where many advice firms want to go. It does point to the direction of travel: more automation, tighter data flows and higher expectations of evidence and control. This report stays grounded in today’s reality while setting out the practical steps to move forward confidently.

This report can be used to…

• Benchmark adviser AI adoption and how it’s shifting by firm size and type.
• Understand the benefits firms are actually seeing, where optimism is cooling, and why progress stalls.
• Prioritise the next use cases that push ROI beyond admin and the preconditions needed to make those use cases work.
• Understand the real barriers to adopting AI and the governance support advisers want from vendors.
• Support advisers where it matters most with practical help, to turn time saved into better client outcomes.

Methodology

This report is based on NextWealth insight and knowledge of the wealth management market as well as dedicated research to understand how firms are thinking about the opportunities presented by AI.

• The results in this report are based on a survey of 200 financial advisers conducted in October 2025. Year-on-year comparisons are from a yearly survey of over 300 financial advice professionals.
• Interviews with 8 financial advice professionals representing a range of firms by size (number of staff and level of AUM).

Complete the form to the right to download a sample of the report. If you are interested in purchasing the report, get in touch at enquiries@nextwealth.co.uk.

You may also be interested in getting involved in our AI Lab – a community dedicated to helping wealth management firms harness the power of artificial intelligence for their business and careers.

Check out our AI Directory a new resource built to help advisers, networks and providers navigate the AI landscape with confidence.