We’ve made it to the halfway point of 2025, which has already introduced new opportunities, considerations and challenges for financial professionals. There are a few notable factors that are taking up a lot of time from advisors and impacting the flow of their day-to-day priorities. These developments include:
-
Market volatility: This has kept markets and investor emotions on edge with many clients feeling unanchored and seeking more than just portfolio guidance. In these instances, they are turning to their advisors as sources of stability, perspective and calm.
-
Advisor succession planning: According to recent Cerulli data, 37% of financial advisors plan to retire in the next 10 years—as such, both emerging and established advisors willneed to take on even more clients amid this transition.
-
Great Wealth Transfer: It is estimated that $84 trillion will be passed down to younger generations by 2045, prompting advisors to learn to serve the next generation with new technologies and values, using different practice management styles that will take time to adjust to.
During periods of change and uncertainty, it becomes clear how essential it is to have well-thought-out strategies and preparations in place long before they’re needed. By proactively seeking guidance and fine-tuning their practice during more stable times, advisors can better position themselves to focus on high-value, client-facing and trust-building activities when market volatility inevitably returns.
In a recent study from Wealthtender, clients emphasized the importance of emotional factors like personalized retirement, loyalty and long-term relationships—and while investment management and portfolio strategy are still key considerations, the relationships seem to be at the forefront when selecting an advisor followed by money management. As such, when volatility strikes, it’s important for advisors to have time to focus on client relationships. A well-run practice will enable an advisor to be fully present for their clients when they need them most.
To help set themselves up for long-term success in a rapidly evolving industry, advisors can utilize tools like Practice Management Consulting Programs. These connect advisors with experienced consultants—professionals who have worked with thousands of financial advisors—to help them build and stay accountable to a strategic plan. With the objective guidance of a coach, advisors can scale their practice, reduce risk and plan more effectively for sustainable growth.
Uncovering Opportunity with Analysis
To have the capacity to do the “human-side” of things, especially when the market is uncertain, advisors can benefit from having the diligence to regularly access and improve the functionality of their practice. A way to do that is with a practice analysis review, which examines an advisor’s work to assess areas of opportunity. From there, advisors are paired with modules for implementing actionable plans to harness those opportunities. In 2024, we saw a 29% increase in total assets and a 28% rise in revenue from advisor businesses who engaged in the program.
Financial professionals also have the opportunity to generate meaningful results—including increasing assets as well as business revenue—when they are able to define measurable goals, establish realistic timelines and create manageable, step-by-step action plans. By finding an accountability coach who understands the broader industry, advisors can potentially improve multiple areas at once, leading to greater efficiency in meeting the evolving needs of clients.
How to Show Up During Volatility
In short, once advisors have taken proactive measures to operate their practice efficiently, they often will benefit from being more present during unpredictable markets. A few examples include:
-
Scheduled Check-ins: Initiate regular outreach to via email or phone to check in—not just when markets drop.
-
Personalized Market Updates: Send short, digestible summaries that contextualize the volatility (e.g., “This isn’t uncommon during Fed transitions.”). This is a tangible way to reaffirm long-term averages for further comfort.
-
Revisit Goals: Frame the conversation around life goals, not just investments. (E.g., “Your retirement timeline and income strategy haven’t changed, we’re still on course.”)
-
Stress-Test Portfolios: Offer to run updated planning scenarios to show a client’s plan remains viable even with current turbulence.
-
Offer a “Volatility Strategy Session”: Positioned as a brief review focused on current allocations and emergency savings as well as making minor adjustments if necessary
-
Webinar and Video Briefings: Host quick, 10–15-minute video updates or webinars explaining what’s driving volatility, what (if anything) is being done in response and why staying the course is wise.
-
Volatility Playbook: Create a one-pager that outlines the investment approach during volatility that includes behavioral finance insights, historical data as well as a client communication commitment.
Onward and Upward
There are many ways advisors can feel more in control during times of volatility, including preparing for it ahead of time. By focusing on steady, long-term improvements when the pace is more manageable, advisors create the capacity to deliver exceptional client service when it matters most—during times of urgency, volatility or transition.
#Advisors #Strategies #Navigate #Market #Volatility