Financial advisers are facing increasing time pressures as demand for advice rises, according to new research from UK protection and health insurer The Exeter.

While advisers remain confident in managing the challenges of 2025, many cited the need to balance client engagement with regulatory changes, industry updates, and professional development.

INCREASED DEMAND IMPACTING ADVISERS’ TIME

The survey found that 35% of advisers reported network, industry, and provider updates as a major factor impacting their time. A further 34% highlighted the increasing demand for financial advice and regulatory changes as key challenges, reflecting both the growing need for advice and the time required to adapt to new regulations.

Other time-consuming factors cited by advisers included:

• Continued professional development and learning (31%)
• Meetings with business development managers and third parties (28%)
• Documenting and recording advice conversations (26%)

STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING TIME PRESSURES

Following the findings, The Exeter’s protection coach, Matthew Chapman, has shared practical strategies for advisers looking to optimise their time while ensuring effective client conversations.

Chapman recommends that advisers prioritise client engagement over administrative tasks, using structured sales frameworks and technology to streamline processes.

“Blocking out dedicated hours for client conversations, using structured sales frameworks, and leveraging digital fact finds or automated follow-ups can help advisers maximise the time they spend advising clients,” he said.

Another key recommendation is scheduling time for personal development to stay informed without sacrificing client interactions.

“Regulatory updates and CPD are essential, but they shouldn’t come at the expense of client time. Advisers should book structured learning time into their weekly schedule, whether that’s attending training sessions, listening to industry podcasts, or engaging with industry peers,” Chapman added.

Chapman also encouraged advisers to adopt the ‘one-touch’ rule to manage workloads more effectively. This involves making client recommendations as clear as possible, ensuring regulatory updates are relevant and actionable, and combining topics in existing client meetings – such as annual reviews – to cover multiple areas in a single conversation.

Jamie Page, head of protection distribution at The Exeter, said the findings highlight the need for advisers to balance their time effectively while keeping up with industry developments.

“These findings highlight the challenges advisers face daily and underscore the importance of balancing client-centric conversations with ongoing professional development and efficient time management,” he said.

“Matthew Chapman’s practical tips provide valuable insight on navigating these pressures whilst continuing to deliver the best possible outcomes for clients.

“As well as looking to colleagues or the wider adviser community for support, I would also encourage advisers to make the most of the relationships, tools and resources available from insurers which are designed to support their advice conversations and ongoing professional development.”