Fragmented data is making operational control harder for advisers
This is article 3 in our 6-part series which explores the operational challenges shaping growth for wealth management firms across the UK. Developed from our work alongside ambitious firms, it brings together key themes, pressures, and priorities we’re seeing across the market.
When firms struggle to stay in control, it’s rarely because they lack data. More often, the problem is that information is spread across too many systems to see clearly, quickly, or in the right context.
According to the Owen James Scene Setter research, the number one barrier to back-office productivity for advice firms was unreliable data.¹
Disconnected systems lead to rekeying, duplication and checking. Each time data is copied, the risk of error increases, along with the time spent fixing it.
Visibility weakens when the record is split
This tends to happen gradually.
Communication history sits in one place. Portfolio data sits in another. Documents are stored elsewhere. Workflow progress may be visible, but not always alongside the wider servicing context. Each part of that setup may make sense on its own. The difficulty is that teams now have to piece the picture together manually.
That operational pressure is growing at the same time as client expectations are becoming more demanding. EY’s 2025 global wealth research found that 45% of wealthy clients see investment complexity compounding rapidly, while 44% are asking for more frequent adviser meetings.² When clients want more clarity and more contact, fragmented records quickly become a problem.
Control becomes more reactive
When data sits in different systems, compliance oversight becomes harder to rely on. Managers spend more time checking whether they have the full picture. Issues take longer to spot, and teams end up relying on people remembering what’s happened, rather than having a clear, shared view of the record.
That gap is reflected in adviser research too. FE fundinfo found that 90% of financial advisers believe integrations between software providers are important to their financial planning process, yet only 28% had an active integration between FE CashCalc and their back office system.³ That gap, between what firms know they need, and what is joined up, is where inefficiency starts to creep in.
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Fragmented data creates fragmented oversight
When information is scattered, visibility suffers in the same way. Teams can see parts of the picture, but rarely the whole thing at once.
A team may be able to see portfolio information, but not the communication trail around it. Documents may be available, but not in the same environment as ongoing servicing activity. Advisers may understand what is happening with a client, while operation teams still have to do additional work to build a reliable view.
This is where visibility stops being a convenience and becomes a compliance concern.
The problem is not that the information does not exist. It is that too much effort is required to make it usable.
A more controlled model
Most firms are not trying to centralise every source of data into one system. The more practical goal is to create a clearer, more consistent way to manage client interactions.
That means bringing communications, documents, and key interactions into a secure digital layer that sits across existing systems. The benefit is not tidier data for its own sake. It is stronger visibility, faster oversight, and less reliance on individual team members knowing where to look.
What this looks like in practice
What happens when clients and firms can see the right information in one place? Visibility improves. Oversight becomes easier. And the whole experience feels more connected.
That is exactly what Moneyinfo client Six Degrees were looking for. As they put it:
“Seeing part of someone’s wealth in isolation is effectively useless. You need to see the whole picture and Moneyinfo were the only portal for us that could deliver that to clients and deliver that experience.”
Ollie Saiman, Co-founder at Six Degrees
With Moneyinfo, over 80% of Six Degrees’ clients regularly log in to their app. This is a clear example of information being brought together in a way that clients actually find useful. This gives clients clearer visibility and gives firms a more usable, joined up view of what’s happening.
It’s not about lack of data, it’s about seeing it clearly, in one place
Does your data still rely on people piecing the record together manually?
Then join our webinar on Friday, 22nd May, 10:00 - 6 Operational challenges Wealth Managers can’t ignore.
It is a practical way to step back and see where pressure is building across the business. We’ll look at six common problem areas that often lead to inefficiency, inconsistent service, and growing compliance strain. If even one sounds familiar, this session will help you see what’s really going on and where to focus next.
Ready to review your current setup now?
Book a discovery call to identify where visibility is limited, and see how Moneyinfo could support a more controlled and joined up client servicing model.
Peak Performance. Unlocked.
Sources:
¹ https://moneyinfo.com/latest-news/the-productivity-puzzle-whats-holding-mid-sized-advice-firms-back
² https://www.ey.com/en_uk/insights/wealth-asset-management/how-wealth-managers-can-leverage-complexity-for-competitive-advantage
³ https://www.fefundinfo.com/insights/90-of-financial-advisers-believe-system-integrations-are-important-so-what-s-the-hesitation