Rising demand for financial advice and keeping up with regulatory changes are impacting the amount of time advisers have to spend with their clients, research from The Exeter has found.

While advisers generally expressed confidence in their ability to navigate challenges in 2025, more than a third (35 per cent) found their time being impacted by network, industry, and provider updates.

Furthermore, 34 per cent cited an increase in demand for advice and regulatory changes as key challenges, highlighting a positive demand for advice and, the time advisers are taking to understand and embed regulatory change.

Other factors that were found to be taking up a ‘significant portion’ of advisers’ time included continued professional development and learning, which was cited by 31 per cent of respondents, meetings with development managers and third parties (28 per cent), and the documenting and recording of advice conversations (26 per cent).

In light of the findings, The Protection Coach, Matthew Chapman, offered tips for advisers to help balance the demands placed on their time: Prioritise client-centric conversations over admin; schedule time for personal growth like it’s an appointment; and use the ‘one-touch’ rule to help manage workloads.

“The best advisers focus on having meaningful client conversations rather than drowning in admin,” Chapman said.

“To make the best use of the time they have with clients, advisers should consider making some simple changes to their processes and look to technology to help save time where possible.

“By taking control of their time and being intentional with their focus, advisers will be able to not only grow their business but also maintain a level of balance in a constantly evolving landscape.”

The Exeter head of protection distribution, Jamie Page, added: “These findings highlight the challenges advisers face daily and underscore the importance of balancing client-centric conversations with ongoing professional development and efficient time management.

“Matthew Chapman's practical tips provide valuable insight on navigating these pressures whilst continuing to deliver the best possible outcomes for clients.

“As well as looking to colleagues or the wider adviser community for support, I would also encourage advisers to make the most of the relationships, tools and resources available from insurers which are designed to support their advice conversations and ongoing professional development.”

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