Betterment Advisor Solutions' 2026 Survey Finds AI and Generational Shifts Are Reshaping the Advisor Relationship

Third annual report finds trust in human advice remains strong, yet client expectations of advisors split sharply across generations

NEW YORK, Sept. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Betterment Advisor Solutions, an all-in-one custodian for modern RIAs, has published the results of its third annual survey. For the first time, the survey went directly to investors who currently work with a financial advisor, examining how client expectations are evolving and what that means for independent RIAs.

A generational divide in what clients want, paired with the growing role of AI in how investors research and make decisions, is raising the bar for what the advisor relationship must deliver. Younger clients are more likely to use AI to inform financial decisions. At the same time, they are engaging with their advisors more often and asking for more proactive guidance.

Key findings from the survey include:

• AI is now an important investment tool, but it isn't replacing advisors: 75% of investors use AI at least occasionally for financial tasks, from looking up concepts to evaluating whether their advisor's fees are worth it. Even so, just 3% would consider replacing their advisor with an AI-powered alternative, and 76% say they'd still want a financial advisor even if AI could answer most of their financial questions.
• Younger clients want more coaching, especially during life transitions: Two-thirds of investors want more support during periods of financial stress, such as buying a home. That gap is widest among Gen Z and Millennial clients.
• Advisor loyalty remains strong, but splits sharply by generation: Nine in ten investors are satisfied with the value they receive from their advisor, and 56% cite trusting their advisor's expertise as the top reason they stay, ahead of investment performance. Still, 53% of Gen Z investors have seriously considered switching advisors and 18% already have, both well ahead of every other generation.
• Younger clients expect advisor technology to keep pace with the rest of their digital lives: Nearly two-thirds (63%) of both Gen Z and Millennial clients say poor technology or a clunky digital experience would influence their decision to switch advisors, compared with 28% of Boomers.

"Investors are telling us exactly what they want from their advisor relationship," said Sarah Levy, CEO of Betterment. "Trust in advisors remains the foundation. What's changed is the bar clients set for service: more proactive contact, modern technology, and deeper insights as AI handles financial basics. Advisors should consider whether Gen Z's and Millennials' expectations today will become universal in five to ten years."

The survey, fielded in June 2026, captured responses from 1,001 U.S. investors who have worked with a financial advisor for at least a year.

To learn more about the 2026 Betterment Advisor Solutions Survey and its findings, please visit https://www.betterment.com/advisors/solutions-survey.

Methodology

An online survey was conducted from a panel of potential respondents in June of 2026. The survey was completed by a total of 1,001 U.S. respondents who have had a financial advisor for at least 12 months and have between $10,000 and $30 million in investments with that advisor. The sample was provided by Sago, a research panel company. All respondents were invited to take the survey via an email invitation. Panel respondents were incentivized to participate via the panel's established points program, regardless of positive or negative feedback.

About Betterment Advisor Solutions

Betterment Advisor Solutions is an all-in-one custodial platform for independent RIAs. We empower advisors to manage their book with flexible, robust portfolio management software, automated back office tools, and comprehensive advisor support. From model management to customizable billing and multi-channel client solutions across cash, investing, and 401(k)s, Betterment Advisor Solutions helps firms streamline operations and scale efficiently without sacrificing control.

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SOURCE Betterment