70% of financial planning firms say AI will not impact headcount this year
28th April 2026
70% of financial planning firms say AI will not impact headcount this year
- 70% of financial planning firms reported that AI will not impact their headcount this year, with only 3% planning to reduce current staffing levels due to AI.
- Over half (55%) of financial planning firms see administrative efficiencies as the greatest potential benefit of AI.
- Over a quarter (26%) believe technological advancements will have a significant impact on the industry in the next 3-5 years.
The Saltus Partnership Programme and L.E.K. Consulting have today launched the second edition of the Financial Planning Growth Index, a survey of over 200 senior leaders at financial planning firms in the UK. The research finds that firms expect to generate a host of benefits through AI, with the technology widely viewed as a transformative force set to reshape the industry over time.
The data shows that 70% of firms say AI will not impact their headcount this year. While AI will reduce additional hiring at 13% of firms, only 3% will reduce current headcount due to AI, suggesting that the technology is being embraced as a tool to enhance, rather than replace, existing teams, particularly as firms look to relieve pressure on adviser capacity and protect time spent on client relationships.
Firms are clear on where the benefits lie, with AI adoption currently focused on targeted, operational improvements rather than wholesale transformation. Over half (55%) of firms see administrative efficiencies as the greatest potential benefit of AI, while almost a third (32%) cite efficiencies in financial planning support. Over the next 1-3 years, over a third (34%) of firms plan to upgrade existing systems, while 26% plan to develop an AI capability. Alongside this, 24% plan to implement new financial planning tools, rising to 30% among firms with AUM below £20m.
Firms also recognise the power of technology more broadly, as over a quarter (26%) believe technological advancements will have a significant impact on the industry in the next 3-5 years, reinforcing its role as a core enabler of efficiency and long-term profitability. This represents a marginal increase from the 21% recorded in November 2024.
Nick Heath, Head of Relationship Management at the Saltus Partnership Programme, said: “It’s significant that 70% of firms say AI won’t affect their headcount – this technology is about empowering people, not replacing them. As AI continues to evolve, it’s unlocking opportunities for firms to tackle key challenges and drive efficiency, from administrative tasks, to planning support or reducing risk within investment portfolios.
“The Saltus Partnership Programme provides access to technology, alongside dedicated support and specialist expertise, to help firms navigate this transition and deliver better outcomes for both their business and clients.”
Bronswe Cheung, Partner at L.E.K. Consulting, said:
“As AI adoption accelerates, firms must adapt in order to remain competitive. The data shows that firms not only recognise the immense possibilities of AI, but are also clear on how they stand to benefit.”
“The adoption of AI must be accompanied with a re-invention in the operating model to realise the true benefit.”
The Financial Planning Growth Index paints a broadly optimistic picture for the sector, with firms reporting confidence in their growth prospects over the coming years. The research was conducted in early 2026, prior to the recent escalation in geopolitical tensions, and provides a benchmark of industry sentiment during that time.
To read the Financial Planning Growth Index from the Saltus Partnership Programme and L.E.K. Consulting in full click here.
-ENDS-
Further information
Rachel Mason / Harleen Kaur
Saltus@boldspace.com
About The Financial Planning Growth Index from Saltus Partnership Programme and L.E.K.
This report is based on a survey conducted in January 2026, with a sample of 216 respondents in senior positions at financial planning firms of various sizes. The sample was derived from the L.E.K. database.
A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on industry trends, challenges, and opportunities. Statistical analysis of the responses provided key insights into the current and future outlooks of the financial planning sector.
About Saltus Partnership Programme
The Saltus Partnership Programme is particularly appealing to businesses with ambitious growth plans that wish to retain full control over their equity and direction.
By selecting from a suite of financing options, technological enhancements, investment management, and other strategic services, partners are empowered to scale their operations more rapidly, cost-effectively, and with less hassle.
This programme also serves as a strategic glidepath to an eventual exit, which may include options such as a management buy-out or full sale.
About Saltus
Saltus is a wealth management company that combines empathy and intellect in equal measure. We help our clients achieve their goals in life through expert financial planning as well as providing sharp focused investment management.
We started life as an investment management firm in 2004, yet over the years we saw that providing high quality investment management is just one of the ways we can help people achieve their aspirations.
Saltus Financial Planning was launched in 2015, with the aim of being an industry leader in providing financial advice. Saltus now employs over 500 people, and we have the privilege of looking after over £11bn for our clients.
Find out more at Saltus.
About L.E.K. Consulting
L.E.K. Consulting is a premier global strategy consulting firm that partners with clients to solve their most critical business challenges and deliver high-impact outcomes. We bring deep industry expertise and rigorous, evidence-based insight to global corporations, growth companies, and private equity investors, helping them turn strategy into action. Founded more than 40 years ago, L.E.K. now operates across 27 offices worldwide. Learn more at lek.com