EATT 2026 signals a turning point: advice firms move from AI curiosity to execution

The mood at this year’s Empowering Advice Through Technology event (EATT 2026) signalled a clear shift for the UK advice profession. As a leading UK-wide industry event, EATT brings together advice firms, technology providers and industry experts to explore how digital tools and AI are reshaping the future of financial advice. This year’s audience polling revealed that more than 50% of attending firms are now actively using AI tools within their businesses – a significant increase from previous years, when enthusiasm often outpaced real-world implementation. A further 20% of delegates said they were currently in the process of deploying AI solutions, highlighting the pace of change across the sector.

Our Head of Sales, Richard, who has attended EATT for the past three years, described 2026 as the most mature event yet. “In the past, advisers were excited by what AI could do. This year, they’re seeing tangible benefits and asking a different question: what’s the next AI improvement we make?” he said.

One of the most popular plenary sessions tackled the question of whether firms should buy, build or rent their technology. The clear takeaway was that advisers must retain ownership of their data, conduct thorough due diligence on suppliers, and avoid over-engineering their technology stacks. Panel discussions reinforced that building in-house systems can take years and significant investment, while many firms are now seeking a balanced approach that combines trusted partners with internal capability.

Across both the sessions and the associated media coverage, integration and data flow emerged as a major priority. In one audience poll shared at the event, 96% of advisers said they want greater visibility into which platforms work best with the rest of their technology. Delegates agreed that limiting integrations to a small number of trusted providers is critical to maintaining data quality, resilience and operational control. Increasingly, the industry conversation is moving beyond simple integration towards unification, with firms seeking a stronger data foundation to support growth.

The technology demonstrations were also a highlight of the event. These sessions gave firms the opportunity to see practical applications in action, including automated onboarding, AI-powered note taking, real-time compliance and improved workflow management. The focus was not on replacing advisers, but on improving consistency, efficiency and scalability. Many firms highlighted that freeing up time from administration allows advisers to spend more time with clients and deliver higher-quality outcomes.

This shift is already influencing how firms think about the future of paraplanning. While some discussions have focused on job displacement, the broader message was about evolution. AI is increasingly taking over routine and repetitive tasks, such as data gathering and report drafting, allowing paraplanners to focus on higher-value work. Many firms are investing in upskilling staff so they can contribute more to technical analysis, governance and client engagement.

Polling during the event suggested that over the next five years, many firms expect a shift towards fewer purely administrative roles and greater advisory capacity. However, the consensus was that firms do not want to lose experience and institutional knowledge. Instead, the opportunity lies in retraining and strengthening teams so they can add more value as technology becomes embedded in advice workflows.

Cyber security also emerged as a pressing issue. Research shared at the event revealed that 32% of firms surveyed had no cyber security certification or framework in place, while a further 31% said they were unsure. Only a small proportion had implemented recognised standards such as Cyber Essentials or ISO27001. With financial advisers increasingly targeted by organised cyber crime, the message was clear: cyber resilience must now be treated as a strategic priority and a core part of client trust.

Alongside operational challenges, discussions also focused on the scale of future opportunity. With the £6 trillion Great Wealth Transfer expected to reshape the advice landscape, speakers highlighted that many existing firms risk losing long-standing client relationships. Research suggests that a large proportion of spouses and next-generation clients do not remain with their current adviser, reinforcing the need for more inclusive, digital and personalised client engagement.

New service models were also discussed, including financial coaching and micro-saving solutions. Research presented at the event suggested that over 50% of clients with property assets between £250,000 and £1 million would be willing to pay for services that help them identify monthly savings opportunities. This highlights the potential to build relationships earlier and engage younger clients ahead of wealth transfer.

Summing up the event, Richard commented: “The message from EATT was simple, first-class technology is no longer optional. Firms that evolve now will be leaner, more scalable, and better positioned to serve more clients without increasing risk. At Centology we feel well placed to provide advice firms the technology partner that can deliver both the benefits and security needed to thrive in the coming years.”