Artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining real traction in the advisory space, and not just as a buzzword. AI is a tool that is actively reshaping how financial advisors approach client management and day-to-day decision-making.

For research professionals, this shift raises important questions: How are advisors actually using AI? What are their expectations, concerns, and constraints? 

To explore these questions, Bellomy leveraged its Financial Advisor Community (FAC), our proprietary panel designed to surface firsthand perspectives from practicing advisors. This exclusive group of financial advisors is regularly tapped by Bellomy and our clients to provide direct, real-world insights from the front lines of the industry. Our recent exploration into AI adoption within this group uncovered behavioral patterns, adoption drivers, and emerging tensions that offer a deeper understanding of how advisors are navigating this technological shift. The findings can inform both strategy and further research in financial services. 

How We Explored the Topic of AI Use with Financial Advisors  

To better understand how financial advisors are adopting and using AI, Bellomy conducted a survey using the FAC, our proprietary panel of practicing advisors, giving us rapid access to authentic, firsthand industry perspectives. The FAC is regularly used by Bellomy clients and by our internal research team to explore pressing issues in the financial services space. 

For this study, we engaged 490 advisors across firm types and AUM levels, providing a comprehensive snapshot of their current AI usage, attitudes about AI, and barriers they face.  

What Insights Did We Uncover?  

AI is mainstream and gaining momentum. 

Nearly half (46%) of advisors surveyed are already using AI, with another 46% considering it and just 8% uninterested. This near-even split between current users and those on the cusp of trying AI marks a pivotal shift: the technology has moved from the periphery to the core of advisory practices. AI is no longer a “nice-to-have.” It’s becoming essential.

Advisors are using AI to boost efficiency and insight. 

Among those leveraging or evaluating AI, here’s where the technology is making the biggest splash: 

• Client Communication (60%): Streamlining emails, messaging, and updates.  
• Administrative Tasks (56%): Automating scheduling, paperwork, and reminders.  
• Market Research (43%) & Investment Analysis (42%): Powering smarter, faster analysis.  
• Portfolio Management (28%): Enhancing monitoring and rebalancing.  
• Lead Generation (25%): Finding new clients and opportunities.  
• Compliance & Risk (16%): Early steps toward automating compliance, with more caution.  

AI is primarily a tool for saving time on routine tasks and enhancing the quality of research and communication. More advanced applications, such as compliance, are still in their early stages, likely held back by regulatory uncertainties. 

Which AI tools are gaining traction? 

• Free tools are the most popular, with ChatGPT leading the charge, often in combination with Microsoft Copilot, Gemini, Perplexity, and others.  

• Specialized industry-specific tools are also being used, such as Jump AI, Zocks, and AI features within CRM/compliance platforms.  

• Meeting aids like AI-powered note-takers (Zoom AI, Notetaker, etc.) are also being adopted.   

Advisors are actively experimenting by mixing and matching AI tools to suit their unique workflows. There is no “one-size-fits-all” AI solution that meets everyone’s needs.  

What's the impact? Mostly positive. 

84% of advisors from the survey report that AI has improved their workflow and client outcomes.

Bottom line: For the vast majority, AI is making a real difference.  

Attitudes about AI reflect both growing optimism and lingering doubt. 

While 64% view AI positively, some remain neutral (27%) or negative (9%) when it comes to AI. Many of those who are still on the fence have a wait-and-see attitude, seeking more concrete proof that AI delivers real value before forming an opinion.  

What is holding advisors back from using AI?  

Among the 8% who are not interested in AI, the barriers are diverse: 

• No perceived need: This is especially the case among long-tenured or soon-to-retire advisors.  
• Trust and security: Data privacy and AI reliability continue to be concerns. 
• Firm policy restrictions: Some are prohibited from using AI by compliance or firm rules.  
• Client demographics: Some advisors express a belief that clients (often older) won’t benefit from their adoption of AI. 
• Learning curve: Some advisors worry about the time and effort to get started.  
• Personal touch: There is fear that AI could erode advisor-client relationships.  

No single barrier dominates. Resistance is spread across practical, cultural, and generational concerns, suggesting that overcoming hesitation among non-adopters will require a multifaceted approach.

What Do These Findings Mean for Market Researchers?

The results of our study reveal a financial advisor landscape that is actively adapting to AI, but with a spectrum of engagement, from enthusiastic adopters to cautious skeptics. For market researchers in financial services, this landscape presents several key opportunities and considerations. 

Understand and segment your audience.

Just as advisors fall into distinct groups (adopters, fence-sitters, and skeptics) so too should your research approaches. Tailor your studies to capture the full range of attitudes and experiences with AI. This segmentation will help you anticipate shifts in client expectations, product needs, and industry dynamics. 

Track the evolution of AI integration. 

Advisors are experimenting with and piloting AI in various aspects of their work, from administrative tasks to investment analysis and lead generation. For researchers, this means there’s value in tracking not only adoption rates but also the depth of integration and the outcomes achieved. Longitudinal surveys, follow-up interviews, and deep dives into specific AI topics can surface trends and best practices as AI matures in the field. 

Address drivers and barriers.  

The barriers to AI adoption are diverse and nuanced, ranging from compliance and trust to learning curves and client demographics. Researchers should design studies that explore both the obstacles and the motivators for adoption, helping firms and vendors develop more targeted solutions. 

Use the right tools to engage advisors for research. 

Bellomy’s Financial Advisor Community (FAC) is uniquely positioned to help researchers access reliable, timely feedback from a broad cross-section of advisors. By leveraging a managed, responsive community like the FAC, you can conduct both quick-turn quantitative research and deeper qualitative explorations, ensuring your insights are grounded in real advisor experiences. 

Use insights to inform product development and communication strategies. 

Insights from advisor adoption patterns can guide product teams and marketers in shaping solutions that truly meet advisor needs. Researchers can help clients understand how to position AI tools as complementary by enhancing, and not replacing, the advisor’s expertise and client relationships. 

Stay agile and informed. 

The regulatory and technological landscape is evolving rapidly. Continuous research and feedback loops are essential for staying ahead of industry shifts and ensuring your strategies remain relevant.

Market researchers have a critical role to play in helping financial services firms navigate the AI transition. By understanding where advisors stand, tracking their evolving needs, and leveraging high-quality sample sources like Bellomy’s FAC, you can generate insights that drive purposeful innovation and shape the future of the industry.

What Is Bellomy’s Financial Advisor Community? 

The FAC is a proprietary, actively managed research panel of 800-1,000 financial advisors across key channels (Wirehouse, RIA, Broker/Dealer). This community is designed to capture high-quality, reliable feedback from advisors quickly and cost-effectively. The FAC is continually refreshed and managed by Bellomy’s full-service team, ensuring you can access a representative and engaged sample without the headaches of panel management.

With response rates averaging 40–50% for quantitative studies and the flexibility to conduct qualitative follow-ups and iterative testing, the FAC is a trusted source for both quick-turn surveys and in-depth research. Whether you’re exploring emerging trends or foundational industry issues, the FAC provides robust, timely insights.

The FAC delivers:

• Large, flexible sample sizes across advisor types and other firmographics 
• High-quality, rigorously screened participants 
• Efficient, cost-effective engagements, from quick polls to deep dives 
• Ongoing access for longitudinal studies and trend tracking 
• Full-service support from Bellomy’s expert team 

Whether you’re exploring the next wave of AI adoption, testing new product concepts, or monitoring industry sentiment, Bellomy’s FAC gives you the access and agility you need. 

Stay Ahead of Industry Change and Elevate Your Research with Bellomy. 

The financial services landscape is changing at breakneck speed. If you’re looking to conduct research on transformative topics like AI or evergreen insights needs (advisor segment analysis, concept evaluation, user experience testing, etc.), Bellomy’s Financial Advisor Community is a best-in-class resource.

Beyond the FAC, Bellomy sets the gold standard in financial services research, with deep industry expertise and a consultative team ready to partner with you on your next research challenge.

Let’s connect to discuss how Bellomy can support your next study, deliver rapid insights, and keep your brand at the forefront of industry evolution.