Advisers are becoming increasingly optimistic about the role of robo-advice, according to the latest research by Prudential.
The 2018 Adviser Barometer found 75 per cent of advisers surveyed agreed robo-advice could help close the advice gap while just 16.5 per cent disagreed.
This compared with just 17 per cent thinking robo-advice had a role to play in 2016 while 47 per cent had disagreed.
The survey also found almost half - 49 per cent - of firms planned to offer robo solutions alongside their traditional services in the next 12 months, and 56 per cent believed robo-advice could help grow their business.
Kirsty Anderson, business development manager at Prudential, said: "The growing acceptance of the important role that robo-advice can play in tackling the advice gap and increasing business for adviser firms is striking
"Views are changing rapidly as advisers recognise how to adapt and integrate technology to complement the value of the bespoke advice they already offer. It is partly driven by making the best use of advisers' time and expertise."
The survey also found the mix of new business was changing, with 39 per cent of advisers saying their existing clients were their best source of new business in 2018, down from 68 per cent in 2016.
Accountants and solicitors increased as a source of new business, accounting for 16 per cent, while online presences and social media also became more important.
The survey also found an increasing level of optimism about the future, with 41 per cent saying the number of advisers would grow in the year ahead, compared with only 11 per cent saying this in 2016.
Meanwhile 79 per cent would recommend advice as a career, compared with 44 per cent in 2016.
The research was conducted in September among 200 financial advisers across the UK.
damian.fantato@ft.com
