Global volatility is reshaping adviser/client relationships

Conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East, strained US relations, Liberation Day tariffs, and climate uncertainty have made 2025 an uneasy year for investors. For their advisers, however, it has meant more frequent client interactions, often involving reassurance and portfolio adjustments.

Studies has shown that 89 per cent of investors with a financial adviser express more confidence in their finances than their unadvised counterparts, with a further 86 per cent believing they are better off financially.

Amid growing global uncertainty, the reassurance advisers provide their clients becomes even more essential, with many advisers striving to strengthen these relationships.

“Tariffs, and a lot of other things, are driving clients to go to their adviser to say, ‘what should I be doing?’” Cameron Spittle, director at Investment Trends, told ifa.

He elaborated on the issues clients often raise with their advisers, including reassurance that global volatility won’t negatively affect their portfolios, guidance on potential investment modifications, and confirmation that their past decisions were sound.

According to Investment Trends’ 2025 Adviser Product Marketing Needs Report, nearly half of surveyed advisers said they had increased client contact over the past six months.

Though generally advisers prefer fewer touchpoints, many are anticipating client anxiety and are engaging more frequently, particularly through in-person events, videos or informed BDMs.

According to Investment Trends data, advisers reported that during this period of market volatility, their biggest challenges in client communication were dispelling media misinformation (48 per cent), providing reassurance (46 per cent), managing impulsive client decisions during volatile periods (26 per cent), and difficulties explaining short-term volatility versus long-term investment strategy (17 per cent).

“Volatility isn’t just reshaping portfolios, it’s reshaping relationships,” said Spittle. “Advisers want fewer but more meaningful interactions, led by BDMs who bring real insight. Responsiveness and product knowledge matter most, cited by and 60 per cent of advisers.”

The report highlighted that with increased client interaction, support from product providers is crucial for advisers, with 68 per cent of advisers wanting clear, accurate, and timely market

Additionally, 39 per cent of advisers said they would like pre-written client email templates with market context, 30 per cent would prefer adviser-only briefing to interpret market impacts, while 16 per cent would like direct access to portfolio managers.

“Adviser practices are leveraging a combination of research, asset consultants and in some cases platforms to support their decision making,” Spittle said.

“For asset managers, the findings highlight the importance of building strong relationships with a broader range of consultants and influencers, whose recommendations can significantly shape product uptake.”