Cost of Financial Advice and Client Retention Challenges Revealed

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Additionally, 36% of clients opted out to independently manage their finances, while 29% felt they had acquired sufficient knowledge from their advisers. Quality and value concerns prompted 17% and 14% of clients, respectively, to sever ties with their advisers.

Netwealth’s study classifies clients into three categories based on their engagement duration: “newcomers” (less than three years), “settled” (three to five years), and “loyals” (over six years). Findings highlight that perceptions of value improve over time, with newcomer's rating value at 7.2 out of 10, increasing to 7.8 for settled clients and 8.2 for loyals.

A notable aspect of the research is the discrepancy between perceived and actual financial literacy levels among clients. Despite 43% of “loyals” claiming high financial literacy, evaluations reveal only 2% possess advanced understanding. Similarly, 50% of “settled” clients overestimate their knowledge, with a mere 2% achieving high literacy scores.

This disparity persists among “newcomers,” where 57% rate their literacy as moderate, contrary to findings showing 79% lack basic financial acumen. The study underscores a significant gap between self-assessed and actual financial knowledge across all client categories.

Interestingly, these insights from Netwealth contrast the Financial Advice Association’s last Value of Advice Index. The latter highlighted that nine out of ten clients valued the benefits they received as outweighing advisory costs, with an improvement in client quality of life and financial confidence reported.

The evolving perception of value and financial literacy challenges suggests the need for advisers to integrate educational components into their services to enhance client satisfaction and retention.

With financial self-sufficiency increasingly prioritized by clients, financial advisers may need to reassess their engagement strategies and emphasize tangible benefits to ensure long-term client loyalty.

Published:Thursday, 27th Mar 2025
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

OnDeck Australia Enhances SME Financing with Increased Loan Limits

09 May 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant move to support Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), OnDeck Australia has announced an increase in the maximum limit for its Lightning Loans Plus product, now offering up to $300,000 in unsecured funding. This enhancement aims to provide SMEs with faster and more flexible financing options to meet their growth and operational needs. - read more

Impending Payday Super Reforms Pose Cash Flow Challenges for SMEs

09 May 2026: Paige Estritori

Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are bracing for significant cash flow challenges as the upcoming Payday Superannuation reforms are set to take effect on 1 July 2026. These changes will require employers to remit superannuation contributions concurrently with employee wages, a shift from the current quarterly payment system. - read more

Australian SMEs Boost Asset Finance to Drive Productivity

09 May 2026: Paige Estritori

In the face of economic uncertainty, Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly investing in long-term productivity through asset finance. Recent data indicates a 41% surge in asset finance volumes during the third quarter of 2025, highlighting a strategic shift towards enhancing operational efficiency and competitiveness. - read more

Government Launches Zero-Interest Loans for SMEs in Key Sectors

01 May 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian Government has initiated the $1 billion Economic Resilience Program, offering zero-interest loans of up to $5 million to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in critical supply chain sectors. This initiative aims to bolster businesses affected by escalating fuel costs and supply chain disruptions stemming from global conflicts. - read more

SME Lenders Roll Out Tailored Support Amid Fuel Price Surge

01 May 2026: Paige Estritori

In response to escalating fuel prices impacting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), specialist lenders Prospa and Judo Bank have introduced tailored support measures to assist businesses facing cash flow challenges. - read more

Upcoming Payday Super Reforms Pose Cash Flow Challenges for SMEs

01 May 2026: Paige Estritori

Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are on the brink of a significant cash flow challenge as the payday superannuation reforms are set to take effect on July 1, 2026. These changes will require employers to remit superannuation contributions concurrently with employee wages, a shift from the current quarterly payment system. - read more

Australian SMEs Ramp Up Borrowing Ahead of Payday Super Changes

23 Apr 2026: Paige Estritori

Australian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are experiencing a significant uptick in borrowing, driven by a shift from survival to expansion. This trend emerges as the impending Payday Super reforms, set to commence on 1 July 2026, pose potential challenges to cash flow and borrowing capacity. - read more

Click for more Finance News