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Clever.

Clever.

Clever.

The Future of Jobs and Financial Advice: What It Means for the Industry

  • Writer: Eloise Bell
    Eloise Bell
  • Apr 23
  • 3 min read

By now, you’ve likely come across the brilliant World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 - a comprehensive look at the changing global labour market shaped by technological disruption, demographic shifts, climate imperatives, and economic uncertainty. But what does this mean for the finance sector, and more specifically, for financial advisers?


As the report reveals, technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics, is expected to reshape every sector, finance included. With 86% of employers expecting AI and information processing to transform their business by 2030, the pressure is on for financial professionals to adapt.


This doesn’t signal the end of financial advice. On the contrary, it marks a turning point. The role of advisers is evolving, not disappearing. Forward-thinking firms are using technology not to replace advisers, but to enhance human judgement with data-led insights, making client service more personalised, efficient, and scalable. This reflects the approach of companies like Clever, who combine robust investment technology with a strong emphasis on adviser oversight and control.





The Rise of AI, and Its Practical Implications

The report identifies AI and big data as the fastest-growing skills across industries. For financial advisers, this reinforces the importance of being fluent in AI-enhanced investment tools, data interpretation, and automated portfolio management. These technologies are already transforming how advisers make informed decisions and engage clients, whether that’s through performance monitoring, suitability reviews, or portfolio rebalancing.


However, AI adoption must be strategic and ethical. As the report notes, without proper frameworks, AI risks increasing inequality and inefficiency. That’s why the integration of technology must be underpinned by transparency and human expertise, an approach that’s central to Clever’s proposition, ensuring clients benefit from innovation while retaining adviser oversight.



Skills Overhaul: Analytical Thinking and Resilience Are Key

The report suggests that 39% of current skills will be outdated by 2030, while soft skills such as analytical thinking, resilience, and adaptability will grow in importance. For advisers, this means staying sharp on technical skills, but also honing human-centric ones, like communication, emotional intelligence, and client trust-building.


As automated solutions handle more routine tasks, advisers are freed to focus on value-added guidance, such as coaching clients through life changes, market volatility, or behavioural biases, areas where tech alone cannot deliver.



ESG, the Green Transition, and Adviser Relevance

Another standout theme is the green transition, with climate mitigation ranking among the top three forces expected to transform businesses. In finance, this drives further demand for sustainable investing expertise and responsible allocation strategies.


Clever has long recognised this shift, supporting advisers with tools to incorporate ESG preferences into portfolios and align client values with long-term financial outcomes. As investor interest grows in sustainability, advisers who can navigate this space confidently will stay relevant.



Demographics, Digital Expectations, and Holistic Advice

With aging populations in high-income countries and growing working-age populations in others, client demographics are polarising. Older clients seek robust retirement and legacy planning. Younger clients want digital-first, values-driven engagement.


The report underlines the importance of flexibility, curiosity, and lifelong learning in meeting this demand. That’s especially relevant for advisory firms that support hybrid servicing models, offering high-quality digital engagement while preserving the personal touch clients value. This is where modern platforms that combine automation with customisation give firms like Clever a distinct edge.



Looking Ahead

The Future of Jobs Report doesn’t suggest advisers are at risk, it shows they’re needed more than ever, but in a different, tech-empowered capacity. As firms adopt smarter tools, advisers can spend less time on admin and more time on strategy, service, and stewardship.


At Clever, the belief is simple: better technology, better advice. The future isn’t about advisers being replaced, it’s about them being elevated.

Sources. 

World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025

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