Cautious optimism and new priorities
A notable trend this year is the move towards more cautious investment behaviours. Over a third of investors describe their approach as conservative, and many are focused on building financial buffers for future expenses. Retirement planning has become increasingly prominent, with 58% now identifying it as a primary objective, an 11-point increase from the previous year.
At the same time, investors are seeking information from a wider range of sources. While wealth professionals remain the leading source, reliance on news articles and social media is growing. This presents both opportunities and challenges for wealth managers, whose role as a trusted source is more important than ever. Wealth managers need to help their clients cut through misinformation, finfluencer noise and media hype to make sound, informed decisions.
The rise of digital assets and ESG
Interest in crypto and digital assets continues to expand. 24% of investors now hold these assets through traditional banks or wealth managers, up from 13% a year ago. Wealth professionals are acknowledging this trend, with over half considering digital assets important for client engagement. Nevertheless, the vast majority of investors still rely on crypto exchanges rather than their traditional financial services provider, despite persistent lack of trust.
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing is also gaining ground. The share of investors actively pursuing ESG opportunities has risen from 29% to 41% globally, and satisfaction with banks’ ESG offerings is improving. Yet, fewer investors say their bank or adviser is clearly explaining their ESG approach, underlining the need for better communication and transparency.
Client engagement: frequency, channels and expectations
The nature of client engagement is evolving. Investors are communicating with advisers more frequently, with nearly a third now in weekly contact. There is a marked preference for real-time, personalized recommendations delivered through digital channels and apps. In some regions, such as Asia, instant messaging is becoming the norm, with 49% of Singaporean investors using it to connect with their wealth managers. Across markets, multi-channel availability and quick response times are seen as essential for building trust. These developments are prompting wealth managers to adopt flexible communication platforms and reconsider how they deliver advice.
Communication and trust: the cornerstones of client relationships
Clear communication remains fundamental. In 2025, 77% of investors rank it as a top priority, second only to professional risk management. Trust and transparency continue to underpin client loyalty, with 42% of investors citing a lack of trust as a reason for changing bank or wealth manager. In the United States, this figure rises to 60%, the highest globally.
Personalization is widely seen as a means to strengthen trust, yet wealth managers face persistent barriers, including time constraints and legacy technology systems. 38% of professionals cite lack of time as a key obstacle to delivering more tailored advice.
Technology: enabler and challenge
Digital tools are becoming integral to the client experience. There is growing comfort with chatbots, virtual assistants and digital channels. Demand for personalized investment recommendations via digital banking is strong, with 59% of investors expressing interest.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is viewed as essential by many wealth professionals, although some resistance remains, particularly regarding its role in financial planning. The challenge for the industry is to integrate technology in ways that support, rather than replace, the human dimension of advice.
Regulatory change: navigating complexity and compliance
Alongside technological change, regulatory developments are reshaping industry priorities. The growing complexity of compliance requirements is putting added pressure on wealth managers and compelling firms to innovate, especially through automation, to meet these demands efficiently. In the United States, 60% of wealth professionals see automating regulatory checks as a key improvement, well above the global average, highlighting the industry’s shift toward technology-enabled compliance.
Regional perspectives
Across Europe, investors are adjusting their strategies in response to market conditions. In Switzerland, there is a trend towards more aggressive and ESG-focused approaches, while German investors are prioritizing retirement and future expenses. The UK continues to exhibit scepticism towards crypto and AI, with trust in advisers remaining paramount. In Benelux, investor conservatism is on the rise, yet expectations for proactive advice remain high, with 72% wanting advisers to recommend relevant new products.
In Asia, investor attitudes highlight strong digital engagement and openness to innovation. In Singapore, nearly half of investors prefer instant messaging for adviser communication, reflecting demand for real-time, personalized interactions. Hong Kong investors show strong confidence in AI-driven advice, while in Japan, priorities are shifting toward long-term planning, with growing interest in advisory mandates and digital tools.
In the Middle East and North America, investor sentiment reflects both optimism and caution. In the United States, trust in advisers remains a decisive factor, even as interest in digital assets grows. Many US investors continue to rely heavily on traditional institutions for guidance. In the UAE, enthusiasm for digital assets is strong, and investors expect innovative solutions aligned with the region’s broader digital ambitions.
Looking ahead: personalization, agility and innovation
The future of wealth management depends on combining digital agility with personal, trustworthy advice. As investors become more digitally savvy and demand greater responsiveness, wealth managers will continue innovating, leveraging AI, unified platforms and enhanced data analytics to deliver tailored solutions at scale. Yet, technology alone is not enough. The enduring value of human expertise, clear communication and authentic client relationships remains at the heart of successful wealth management.
