The executive chairman of Intelliflo has said 2017 was a "tipping point" for advisers waking up to the opportunities offered by technology.
Nick Eatock said an example of this was the success of the company's two conferences, with 750 delegates at the London and Manchester venues in June - twice as many as attended two years previously.
Mr Eatock said: "While robo-advice is seen as a threat by some, other advisers are realising that they can harness the benefits of having a direct-to-consumer offering via their own firms and it doesn't have to cost the earth to set up.
"During 2017 we worked with a number of advice firms to create their own automated advice systems, enabling them to meet the needs of investors who like the protection provided by using an adviser-backed investment service but who don't feel the need to have a full advice package.
"For those advisers looking over their shoulders at what the large product providers are doing, this is an ideal solution as it opens the door to building a broader client base that can move up the advice chain as assets grow and lifestyle changes demand a more holistic financial planning approach."
Mr Eatock said another theme for 2017 was cyber-security, with the ransomware attacks hitting large organisations and businesses highlighting the issue.
He said this prompted Intelliflo and its cyber-security partner, NCC Group, to bring forward to launch its their free cyber-security helpline to May.
Mr Eatock said: "The helpline means all users of iO have access to immediate assistance from our in-house, NCC Group-trained security consultants, should they believe their cyber security has been compromised."
damian.fantato@ft.com
