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The Evolving Landscape of Advisor Relationships: Insights from Betterment's 2026 Survey

The latest survey conducted by Betterment Advisor Solutions highlights how artificial intelligence (AI) and generational shifts are transforming the dynamics between investors and their advisors. This groundbreaking survey, which is now in its third year, captures perceptions directly from over a thousand U.S. investors who have an established relationship with a financial advisor.

Key Findings of the Survey

The survey found that trust in human advisors remains robust. However, expectations are diverging sharply across different generations. For the first time, the survey examined how younger clients, particularly from Generation Z and Millennials, are leveraging technology to inform their financial decisions and engage more actively with their advisors.

1. The Role of AI in Investment Decisions
AI has emerged as an invaluable resource for many investors, with 75% of those surveyed indicating that they use AI tools for financial tasks. These tasks range from researching investment concepts to critically assessing their advisor's fees. Despite the growing reliance on AI, a mere 3% of respondents are open to completely replacing their advisor with an AI solution. Interestingly, a striking 76% still value the guidance and perspective that a financial advisor brings, even if AI could theoretically manage most of their inquiries.

2. Demand for More Support During Life Transitions
The survey unearthed a significant desire for increased advisory support during critical life events, like purchasing a home. Approximately two-thirds of investors expressed the need for enhanced coaching and guidance during periods of financial stress. This sentiment was especially pronounced among younger clients, underscoring their expectations for a more hands-on approach from financial professionals.

3. Generation-specific Loyalty Trends
Loyalty to financial advisors remains strong overall, with 90% of investors stating satisfaction with the value provided by their advisor. Trust in expertise stands out as the primary reason for this loyalty, even more so than performance. Nonetheless, younger generations showed troubling trends; 53% of Gen Z investors have seriously contemplated switching advisors, with 18% having already done so, which is notably higher than their older counterparts.

4. Expectations for Technology Integration
Younger clients expect their financial advisors to keep pace with the digital tools and platforms they are accustomed to using in their daily lives. The findings revealed that 63% of Gen Z and Millennial respondents would consider changing advisors if they encounter poor technology or a frustrating digital experience, a stark contrast to the 28% of Baby Boomers who feel the same.

The Future of Advisor Relationships

Sarah Levy, CEO of Betterment, emphasized that these insights represent a shift in the advisor-client landscape. According to her, «Investors are articulating precisely what they seek from their advisory relationships. Trust in advisors remains perennial, but the standard of service is evolving.