Financial technology and financial advisors are not at odds in the eyes of investors,but complement each other, according to a recent Envestnet survey.
While 58% of a survey of more than 2,000 U.S. investors said that financial apps are important to their financial goals, 76% of participants working with a financial advisor said that fintech was key to their success.
"What is clear is that our industry must deliver a new digital human experience—one that is a balanced combination of human-centric help through trusted financial professionals, with integrated technology engagement via financial apps and embedded finance," said Mary Ellen Dugan, Envestnet’s chief marketing officer, in released comments. "We have an incredible opportunity to understand what investors of all ages really want, need, and expect will be provided to help guide them on their journey toward financial wellbeing—allowing them to achieve their full financial potential."
Americans who have a financial planners are 12% more likely to use financial apps than those who are self-directed, according to the study.
The survey also confirmed the importance of the human element, with 58% of the participants responding that they trust human advice over digital options. Envestnet found that the preference for human advice cuts across every generation in the study, from millennials to baby boomers. At the same time, 54% of the investors said that they wished there was technology that could handle their personal finances for them.
The online survey included 2,158 U.S. participants ages 25 to 65 and was conducted in December and January.