Why Adaptation Is the New Alpha
By Curtis Brown, President & CEO
As client expectations evolve, and technology upends old models, the future of financial advising belongs to
those who anticipate change—rather than react to it. At Tier1 Level Consulting, we help teams navigate disruption with confidence and clarity.
Here are five mega-trends we believe every advisory team should be planning for in 2025 and beyond:
- AI & Generative AI: From Buzzword to Backbone
Generative AI is now embedded in tools used by major wirehouses and independent advisors alike. From summarizing meetings to developing client-ready reports, AI is boosting productivity by up to 30% in advisory roles (McKinsey, 2023).
Tier1 Takeaway: Start piloting AI tools—like ChatGPT, Salesforce Einstein, or 4Cast IQ—to automate non-revenue tasks and scale personalization.
- Digital-First Clients Demand Hyper-Personalization
Millennials and Gen Z now control a growing share of investable assets and expect experiences that mirror the best of fintech: fast, frictionless, and personal.
67% of investors under age 40 say they prefer hybrid advice—digital plus human (Accenture, 2024).
Tier1 Takeaway: Review your team’s tech stack and communication cadence. Are you delivering modern, segmented experiences that speak to each client’s values and goals?
- Advisor Shortage & Succession: A Looming Capacity Crisis
With nearly 4 in 10 advisors set to retire within 10 years, firms face a supply crunch (Cerulli, 2023). This places a premium on team building, coaching, and leadership development.
Tier1 Takeaway: Create a succession and continuity plan. Build bench strength within your team through structured coaching and development pathways.
- Democratization of Alternatives & Thematic Investing
Access to private markets and ESG/thematic ETFs is no longer limited to the ultra-wealthy. BlackRock forecasts the alternatives market will reach $23.3 trillion by 2027 (BlackRock, 2024).
Tier1 Takeaway: Use alternatives and themes to create differentiated value. But be ready to explain structure, liquidity, and risk in simple terms.
- Intergenerational Wealth & Client Mobility
The Great Wealth Transfer is underway. But 81% of heirs say they plan to switch advisors within 2 years of inheritance (Financial Times, 2024).
Tier1 Takeaway: Build family relationships now. Involve next-gen clients in planning. Add family education sessions to deepen trust across generations.
Final Thought: Change Favors the Prepared
These trends aren’t just industry headlines—they are strategic imperatives. Tier1 Level Consulting stands ready to help your team translate these insights into action.
If you’re unsure where to begin, we invite you to schedule a complimentary strategy consultation and discover how your practice can thrive through transformation.
Click here to schedule your free consultation
Or contact us at: info@tier1levelconsulting.com
