Maria Ceruti
31 July 2024 8 min read

People today have high expectations when it comes to getting advice on investing their money in the right places. With technology progressing at a rapid pace, they expect the services to be as personalised as possible to match their needs and also to get efficient delivery.  

Thus, people today want to work with financial advisors who understand their situations and provide advice that is just right for them. In light of such expectations, it has become essential to provide excellent customer experience to grow as a business.  

When client expectations are met, financial advisors have a competitive edge in the market. When your services make the clients feel valued and understood, there is high chance of them trusting you more and staying loyal. 

 

Emergence and Benefits of Hybrid Financial Advice

In light of such expectations, hybrid financial advice steps in to save the day and make the work of financial advisors easier. Hybrid financial advice, as the name suggests, combines the wisdom of human advisors and the advanced benefits of automated digital tools.

So, now, the customers will get the best of both worlds: the personal touch and wisdom of an advisor and the efficient working capability of advanced technology.  

Hybrid financial advice is crafted for today's digital-savvy clients who are looking for accurate financial advice on investing and the human touch in it.  

 

Key Benefits of Hybrid Financial Advice 

          #1 Personalisation 

Human financial advisors carry out detailed client profiling and set goals to offer customised financial plans and recommendations just for you. This means the investment advice they deliver is made especially to fit your specific needs and goals. 

 

          #2 Efficiency and Accessibility 

One of the main advantages of working with digital tools is that they offer 24*7 support. Thus, you can get answers and assistance whenever you need them. Apart from assistance with queries, these digital tools also streamline routine inquiries and transactions, making the whole process faster and easier. 

 

          #3 Client Empowerment 

Digital tools also provide unlimited access to educational resources and decision-making aids to help you learn more on how to manage your finances. This gives you more control over your money and can make you more confident about your financial decisions. 

 

          #4 Trust and Credibility 

Human advisors are there to handle nuanced and complex financial situations where a personal touch is necessary. A personal connection is important not only for good investment decisions but also for building long-term relationships based on trust. When you know your advisor is reliable for both simple and complicated advice on investing, it improves your overall experience and satisfaction.

 

Implementing Hybrid Advice in Practice 

Balancing Digital Tools and Human Interaction

The best way to implement hybrid financial advice is to balance digital tools and human interaction in the right amount.  For example, digital tools can give your clients quick advice on investing. But when you add a human advisor, their investment plans become more accurate. This helps your clients understand their long-term goals and personal preferences and keeps the important human connection between them and your advisor. Maintaining this balance enables you to get the best service possible. This way, you can start with automated advice and move to personal consultations with financial advisors when needed. 


Improving Client Comfort and Their Confidence 

In the first stage, digital tools step in to provide educational materials and easy-to-understand data to help you make informed investment decisions. With this knowledge, you can take the first steps on your own. However, when it’s time to finalise important decisions, it is best to talk to a human advisor. They will not only offer personalised advice on investing but will validate your choices, making you feel secure and confident.  


Future Trends in Financial Advice 

          #1 Advancements in AI and Machine Learning 

AI and machine learning have made automated advice much more accurate and tailored to personal goals. Thanks to advanced algorithms, you can now get advice on investing that matches your financial goals and personal situation to the T.  

Apart from algorithms, AI also uses predictive analytics to foresee potential financial opportunities or challenges to help you make effective financial investment plans. 

Robo-advisors

One exciting example of AI and machine learning is robo-advisors. These digital tools use AI to handle your investments without any kind of human presence. 

Robo-advisors use large language models (LLMs) and natural language processing (NLP) to generate a comprehensive investor profile. They take into account many aspects, such as your willingness to take on risk, your budget, and the length of time you expect to invest. You receive tailored advice based on your requirements and interests. 

Another great example of robo advisors is Morgan Stanley’s partnership with OpenAI in March 2023. This collaboration was carried out to improve their financial advisors' services using AI technology similar to ChatGPT. This technology organises complex information from Morgan Stanley's vast knowledge base, making it easier for advisors to give personalized investment advice. 

 

          #2 Market Transformation: New Paradigms for Client Experiences 

Data-powered insights are now playing an important role in developing advanced financial strategies. This means advisors now use detailed data to create investment strategies that consider current trends and anticipate future changes. Plus, financial advice is becoming more well-rounded, combining both traditional investment approaches with new wealth products like cryptocurrencies and sustainable investments.  

 

          #3 Strategic Themes

Disruption

Disruption is changing the set ways of investing by redefining client expectations and service models. Clients now expect more innovative and flexible advice on investing, pushing advisors to adopt new technologies and approaches.

Gambit is at the forefront of this transformation, with a dedicated innovation department that focuses on leveraging cutting-edge technology. Our team is constantly seeking the next big product to enhance the customer experience, ensuring that we remain ahead of the curve in providing exceptional service. 

Democratisation

Democratisation means making high-quality financial advice accessible to everyone, regardless of their wealth level. With hybrid financial advice, even those with modest means can get expert advice on investing.

Gambit is dedicated to promoting financial literacy, empowering clients to manage their financial assets with the same care and attention they give to their physical and mental health.

Integration 

Integration is about combining the human touch and digital elements to provide smooth investment service. With integration, you get to tap into the digital benefits of digital tools while still getting to connect with a human advisor. 

Gambit is currently refining its branding, with our new banner "The Future is Digital and Not in Human" encapsulating our vision. While we emphasise digital technology, we deeply value human connections. Our goal is to equip financial advisors with digital tools that improve the customer experience, ensuring the best of both worlds.

Data Use

With the help of advanced data analytics, advisors are now offering more precise and tailored advice on investing, helping you make better financial decisions based on comprehensive insights.

At Gambit, our mission is to provide precise and personalised human advice to our clients. All our digital innovations are driven by data, enabling us to create standardised processes that improve the accuracy and relevance of our financial guidance.

 

Actionable Steps for Wealth and Private Banks (WPBs) 

          #1 Identifying a Future Model for Client Experiences 

  • WPBs have to work on creating a strategic framework for implementing hybrid advice.  

  • This has to be a detailed plan combining the strengths of digital tools and human advisors.  

  • Apart from coming up with the plan, they must also make sure that all parts of the system are working well together and can quickly adapt to new changes.  

  • This would provide the clients with a seamless and effective experience, whether they get in touch with a human advisor or use digital tools. 


          #2 Investing in Technology and Talent Integration 

  • WPBs will have to move forward to invest in advanced digital platforms and tools that provide accurate and personalised financial advice.  

  • At the same time, advisors need to continue their education to develop their skills continually so that they can give the best financial tips and advice.  

  • With improved advisor skills, WPBs can make sure that their team can use new technologies effectively and offer clients the best possible guidance. 


          #3 Cultivating the Right Culture and Mindset

  • Advisors and digital systems should be on the same page and work together smoothly, complementing each other’s strengths.  

  • Teams should be open to new ideas and willing to adjust to changes.  

  • This positive culture will help WPBs offer reliable advice on investing and make clients feel more confident and well-supported in their financial decisions. 

 

Final Words 

Hybrid financial advice can significantly improve the process of getting investment advice. With the ultimate combination of human advisors and digital tools, clients will now be able to get accurate and timely advice. 

Therefore, it is high time for financial consultants to adopt the hybrid financial advice model and gain a competitive edge in the industry. This approach will help the consultants stay relevant in the market despite changes and improve their ability to offer exceptional investment advice.

Financial advisors who use hybrid models and are always looking for new and creative methods to help their clients will have a good chance of success. Giving customers the best investing advice available, regardless of how the industry changes, is essential to make sure they feel encouraged and secure in their financial endeavours.