In the ever-evolving landscape of finance, where high interest rates and the Federal Reserve's maneuvers cast shadows on portfolio performance, financial advisors find themselves at a crossroads in 2024. The tumultuous market swings, coupled with economic uncertainties in an election year, intensify the challenges of maintaining client relationships. For financial advisors, addressing these fluctuations amid rising pressures on the economy are critical to maintaining client relationships. Without the right digital tools at their fingertips, however, advisors struggle to stay ahead of shocks and market drops and miss important opportunities to build trust during challenging times.
As a wealthtech provider, I’ve observed advisors successfully navigate crisis by leveraging new platforms and products that foster frequent client engagement and trust building. Demand is growing. According to a 2023 report from Cerulli Associates, the technology that advisors use the most is e-signature (92%), which increased by 22 percentage points from 2019 to 2022. E-signature (77%), video conferencing (75%) and client portal (64%) are the technologies that are most often mentioned as having a positive effect on the client experience.
In a landscape where every financial move is scrutinized, the absence of the right digital tools leaves advisors grappling with market shocks and drops, missing crucial opportunities to cultivate trust during challenging times. In this era of digital disruption, empowering advisors with tools that amplify their relevance to clients, enables them to not only weather the storms but thrive amid the chaos.
The Economic Stage: High Interest Rates, High Prices
The prolonged period of high inflation might be tapering off, but the repercussions are far from over. Prices persistently edge upward, and in this environment, everything is more expensive than it was just a short time ago. As unemployment hovers under 4%, the Fed remains steadfast in its battle against inflation. Every financial move is scrutinized, and markets react swiftly to the central bank's proclamations. In this climate, advisors must be primed to address client concerns about the future economic impact on portfolios, making the choice of the right digital platform more critical than ever.
Expect High-Pressure Days Ahead
Advisors cannot afford to wait for the storm to hit before fortifying their defenses. The memories of the March 2020 market downturn loom large, serving as a stark reminder that preparation is key. Technological advancements that facilitate increased client communication, from emails to phone calls, demand proactive measures. Videos and personalized messages at scale emerge as powerful tools, effectively addressing client concerns over an extended period, thereby building a trust reservoir that acts as a buffer against future uncertainties. In times of economic ambiguity, frequent client interaction becomes a linchpin.
From Crisis To Cradle-To-Grave Management
While "black swan" events may be rare, advisors who not only survive but thrive during market cycles are embracing comprehensive lead generation platforms. By automating practices across all areas of front-office operations, these tools keep the client pipeline flowing, contributing to a streamlined, organized approach to long-term relationships that remains largely immune to market cycles. Staying ahead of client anxiety caused by market fluctuations extends beyond crisis communication. It requires a holistic approach, building trust and fostering relationships from the moment clients walk through the digital door.
In this era of economic uncertainties, digital wealth platforms emerge as the lifeline for financial advisors. Those who navigate the undulating market cycles with intentionality are the ones deploying scalable digital tools, proactively engaging clients and building trust—a critical element for long-term business growth and sustainability. As we stand on the precipice of financial unknowns, it is not just about surviving; it is about thriving. The right digital platforms are the compass guiding advisors through the uncharted waters of economic turbulence, guiding them to intentional and sustained success.
Richard Thoeny is executive vice president at PreciseFP, an automated engagement and onboarding platform that helps financial advisors collect, profile and engage their clients. He previously served as vice president of product management at Docupace, which acquired PreciseFP in 2021.