The Big Shift: Why Advice & Wealth Management Firms Must Become Data-Led Now.

The Future Belongs to Firms That Own Their Data

The advice & wealth management industry is standing at a crossroads. Regulatory scrutiny is intensifying, client expectations are evolving, and the rapid rise of AI is reshaping the way firms operate. But one challenge continues to hold many firms back: fragmented, underutilised data.

At Alirity, we believe that future firms won’t just manage data—they’ll own it, harnessing it to drive more intelligent decision-making, create meaningful client relationships, and unlock real business value. That’s precisely why Accelerator Labs exists: to give advice & wealth management firms the practical tools, expert guidance, and forward-thinking strategies they need to lead in a data-driven world.

Big Shift Session 1: What We Learned

Our first Big Shift webinar brought together leaders from across the advice & wealth management sector to tackle one critical question:

What does it take to become a genuinely data-led firm?

The answer was clear. While most firms recognise the importance of data, many are still in the early stages of transformation—grappling with fragmented systems, regulatory complexities, and shifting client expectations.

Here are the five biggest insights from the session: all statistics and responses relate to the views of the companies involved in the webinar.

1. The Regulator is Watching—Closely

The FCA has gone fully data-led, meaning firms must be able to prove compliance with real-time insights and detailed reporting. Falling behind isn’t just inefficient—it’s risky.

• 93% of firms say data is now a board-level priority.

• But only 29% have a dedicated budget for data strategy.

📢 Action: If data governance, data consolidation, and real-time reporting aren’t on your radar yet, it’s time to prioritise them.

2. AI is Here—But Poor Data Won’t Cut It

AI can benefit advice & wealth management firms—but only if the data behind it is clean, structured, and secure. Currently, many firms are rushing into AI adoption without getting their data foundations in order.

• 57% of firms are already reviewing their data governance for AI readiness.

📢 Action: Before jumping on the AI bandwagon, firms must get their data in shape to ensure AI delivers meaningful, accurate insights.

3. The £5.5 Trillion Wealth Transfer is Already Underway

Over the coming years, £5.5 trillion will shift from baby boomers to younger investors. But here’s the challenge: many wealth firms don’t have strong relationships with next-gen clients—putting assets under management (AUM) at risk.

• Digital-first firms are already winning over the next generation by offering tech-driven, highly personalised experiences.

📢 Action: To stay relevant, firms must rethink their client engagement strategy—embracing digital tools, personalisation, and data-driven decision-making.

4. A Proactive Data & Service Strategy Wins Every Time

For too long, firms have tackled data reactively—scrambling to meet business reporting demands instead of building a future-proofed strategy. The leaders in this space are shifting from firefighting to a structured, proactive data and service led approach.

• 50% of firms already have a data warehouse or data lake.

• But many still lack a clear roadmap for turning data into a competitive advantage.

📢 Action: Firms must take ownership of their data, centralise insights, and invest in a long-term, structured data strategy.

5. Transformation is a Journey, Not a One-Off Project

Becoming a data-led business isn’t a one-time project—it’s an ongoing journey. Many firms are still defining their data maturity model, and success will come to those who embrace continuous evolution, investment, and learning.

📢 Action: The firms that thrive will be the ones that commit to long-term investment in data, AI, and analytics—not just quick fixes.

Join the Conversation: Be Part of the Next Big Shift Webinar

If your firm is still working through its data transformation journey, now is the time to act.

At Accelerator Labs, we’re helping wealth management firms unlock the power of data-driven decision-making, AI readiness, and next-gen client engagement strategies.

What Next:

• Webinar #2 will take place on 25th March at 12pm.

The topic is: “Surviving the great wealth transfer: Delivering the next-gen client experience.”

Join our next webinar to:

• Hear insights from top industry leaders

• Learn practical, actionable strategies

• Get exclusive access to Accelerator Labs frameworks

• Understand what it takes to deliver a next gen client experience

📅 Sign up now via the link and take the next step in your firm’s transformation.