In some areas of technology, there’s a much lower rate of adoption by advice firms compared to other technologies. Are some capabilities being overlooked?

Key takeaways:

• Many advice firms rely on core technology but overlook emerging tools that could improve client experience, security, and operational efficiency.
• Several high‑potential technologies such as dashboards, client portals, VPNs, data integration, and RegTech are growing quickly but remain underused by most firms.
• Niche tools like employee benefit portals and online advertising platforms may offer strategic advantages for firms looking to strengthen capability and competitiveness.

Whether it be CRM platforms, super and investment platforms, or online meeting tools, some technology is firmly planted in the tech stacks of most advice firms. However, according to our 2025 AdviceTech Buyer’s Guide research, some other tech tools are significantly less adopted, meaning there are some capabilities the majority could be missing.

These lagging tools fall into one of two categories in our assessment. The first is ‘high potential adoption’, which means the technology has had a year-on-year growth in use of at least 10%, or it has a high intended adoption rate in the next 24 months of at least 20%. Today's usage is between 20% and 60% for firms overall, with higher usage by AdviceTech Stars (the firms that take a pioneering position when it comes to adopting technology).

The second category, ‘niche adoption’, sees the tools used by less than 30% of firms overall, with usage not much higher among the Stars.

Here, we take a closer look at what these tools are, as there could be capability that select firms are gaining that others are overlooking.

Tools that could be overlooked

High potential adoption

• Client data and reporting dashboard tools: Used by 46% of firms overall and 55% of AdviceTech Stars; with 28% overall and 35% of Stars intending to adopt them within 2 years. Dashboard and reporting tools enable advisers to consolidate all of a client’s data from multiple sources – such as CRM, investment portfolio or bank accounts – into one dashboard. This dashboard enables interactive visualisations so that advisers can quickly identify trends, monitor KPIs, and uncover insights to share with clients.
• VPNs (Virtual Private Networks): Used by 41% overall and 46% of AdviceTech Stars; with 20% overall and 21% of Stars intending to adopt them within 2 years. VPNs create secure, encrypted connections between devices across different networks via the internet. For advisers, they can help protect sensitive data, and allow them to access internal systems remotely and securely.
• Client portal technology: Used by 40% overall and by 54% of AdviceTech Stars; with 36% overall and 37% of Stars intending to adopt them within 2 years. A client portal is a secure, advice-firm branded desktop or mobile app that gives clients a clear, real-time view of their finances. These platforms simplify complex data into easy-to-understand dashboards, and enable secure messaging, document sharing and digital approvals.
• Database and system integration: Used by 36% overall and 63% of AdviceTech Stars; with 28% overall and 24% of Stars intending to adopt them within 2 years. These tools connect and synchronise various data sets, and internal systems, helping to consolidate data into a structural format for better visibility and analysis.
• Stand-alone RegTech solutions for compliance and regulatory management: Used by 29% overall and 42% of AdviceTech Stars; with 20% overall and 21% of Stars intending to adopt them within 2 years. Stand-alone RegTech solutions manage regulatory obligations independently of CRMs, investment platforms, or advice tools. They automate compliance workflows, monitor regulatory changes, and support surveillance, disclosure, and reporting requirements.

Niche adoption

• Employee benefit portal: In the niche adoption category, these are used by 18% overall and 38% of AdviceTech Stars; with 15% overall and 20% of Stars intending to adopt them within 2 years. Employee benefit portals enable staff to access, manage, and claim a wide range of workplace benefits, for example, discounted gym memberships or deals on health insurance.
• Online and mobile advertising tools: Used by 12% overall and 24% of AdviceTech Stars; with 15% overall and 17% of Stars intending to adopt them within 2 years. Online and mobile advertising tools help with audience targeting and real-time analytics to maximise ROI.