One in Four UK Adults Risk £50,000 on Investments Without Professional Advice

Research from Mattioli Woods reveals a significant advice gap in the UK, with over a quarter of adults willing to invest £50,000 without professional guidance despite widespread financial anxiety. For fintechs and wealth managers, this highlights a critical disconnect between consumer confidence in DIY decision-making and the actual complexity of long-term financial security.

What was announced

Mattioli Woods commissioned YouGov to survey UK adults on their financial planning habits and concerns. The data shows that 26% of respondents are comfortable investing up to £50,000 without consulting a professional financial adviser. This DIY approach extends to high-stakes decisions, with 21% stating they would manage pension and retirement choices without expert guidance.

The research identifies a paradox: while many bypass professional help, 44% of UK adults do not feel financially prepared for the future. When seeking advice, only 31% turn to professionals. Instead, 41% rely on family and relatives, followed by banks, building societies, and friends. A further 10% choose to make decisions entirely on their own.

Concerns regarding long-term financial health are driven by macroeconomic pressures. 40% of respondents cited rising costs and housing expenses as major threats, while 39% are worried about health or long-term care costs. Additionally, 33% fear the loss of income or the inability to work.

The survey also pinpointed when the public believes financial planning should begin. On average, UK adults suggest starting at age 28.5, though this rises to 30 in London and Wales. This coincides with the firm’s operational update regarding its merger with Kingswood Group, which has now been integrated under a unified brand following an October 2025 merger. The combined entity now manages over 30,000 clients through more than 200 advisers across 40 UK locations.

"It is understandable that people turn to family and friends when faced with an important financial decision. However, decisions around investments, pensions and long-term financial planning can have unanticipated and significant consequences that last decades. With tax, pension and inheritance rules continuing to evolve, professional advice and expertise can help people understand their options and make informed decisions based on their individual circumstances and long-term goals."

Amit Joshi, Managing Director of Wealth at Mattioli Woods

The companies involved

Mattioli Woods is a prominent UK-based wealth management and employee benefits firm. The company provides a broad range of services, including investment management, pension consultancy, and financial planning for both individuals and corporate clients. It has historically focused on the self-invested personal pension (SIPP) and small self-administered scheme (SSAS) markets, expanding its reach through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions.

The firm recently completed the integration of Kingswood Group, a move that followed a merger in October 2025. Kingswood Group, which previously operated as an independent wealth and investment management business, brought additional scale to the combined entity. The integration under the Mattioli Woods brand was designed to consolidate its position as a national wealth manager, leveraging a network of over 40 offices across the UK. This consolidation allows the group to offer a more unified suite of services, combining Kingswood’s investment capabilities with Mattioli Woods’ established expertise in employee benefits and wealth planning. The combined business now services a client base exceeding 30,000 individuals and businesses.

What FF News has reported before

Mattioli Woods has been active in modernising its technological infrastructure and service offerings. FF News previously reported that Iress Xplan to underpin Mattioli Woods’ transformation, a move aimed at streamlining its advice delivery. The firm also sought to expand its corporate services, as seen when Mattioli Woods Partners with Vestd to scale employee share scheme offering ahead of EMI expansion. Meanwhile, Kingswood Group has also focused on digital capabilities, with FF News reporting that Kingswood appoints new technology leader to support best-in-class tech initiatives to drive its internal efficiency and client experience.

What this means

This data underscores a persistent "advice gap" that the UK wealth management sector has struggled to close. The fact that a quarter of adults would risk £50,000 without professional oversight suggests that the perceived value proposition of traditional advisers is still not resonating with a large segment of the mass-affluent market. For fintechs, this is a clear signal that there is a massive opportunity for hybrid-digital or "robo-advice" tools that bridge the gap between DIY family consultations and expensive bespoke planning. As regulatory environments for pensions and inheritance tax grow more complex, firms that cannot simplify their entry points risk losing a generation of investors to inertia or informal, potentially ill-informed, advice.