The majority, 70%, of Financial Planning firms say that AI will not impact their headcount this year, with only 3% planning to reduce current staffing levels due to AI.
However AI will reduce additional hiring at 13% of firms.
The figures have been published today in the second edition of the Financial Planning Growth Index. The survey of more than 200 senior leaders at Financial Planning firms in the UK is published by The Saltus Partnership Programme and LEK Consulting.
More than half (55%) of Financial Planning firms see administrative efficiencies as the greatest potential benefit of AI while almost a third (32%) cite efficiencies in Financial Planning support.
More than a quarter (26%) believe technological advancements will have a significant impact on the industry in the next three to five years. That’s a marginal increase from the 21% recorded in November 2024.
Over the next one to three years, more than a third (34%) of firms plan to upgrade existing systems, while 26% plan to develop an AI capability. Alongside this, 24% plan to implement new Financial Planning tools, rising to 30% among firms with AUM below £20m.
Nick Heath, head of relationship management at the Saltus Partnership Programme, said: “It’s significant that 70% of firms say AI won’t affect their headcount – this technology is about empowering people, not replacing them.
“As AI continues to evolve, it’s unlocking opportunities for firms to tackle key challenges and drive efficiency, from administrative tasks, to planning support or reducing risk within investment portfolios.”
The Financial Planning Growth Index paints a broadly optimistic picture for the sector, with firms reporting confidence in their growth prospects over the coming years. The research was conducted in early 2026, prior to the recent escalation in geopolitical tensions, and provides a benchmark of industry sentiment during that time.
• The research is based on a survey conducted in January 2026, with a sample of 216 respondents in senior positions at Financial Planning firms of various sizes. The sample was derived from the LEK database.