Publisher’s “Robo-Advice:Mapping the Competitive Landscape” looks at the growing robo-advice market. As the industry lacks clear definition of what robo-advice is, we clarify the differences between various automated investment platforms. Case studies of the most successful and established robo-advisors provide insight on what features appeal to clients and why. Drawing on our 2015 Global Wealth Managers Survey the report specifically analyzes HNW investors’ attitudes toward automated advice. Established software vendors’ activity in the robo-advice space is also covered.

The wealth management industry has long been resilient to the digitization process observed in the wider financial services space. This has started to change, however, with interest in robo-advice platforms increasing in 2015. The automated investment management space is hence becoming ever-more competitive as new entrants launch propositions. Supported by software developers, traditional wealth managers have also started exploring the digital advice market. Competition will thus increase further, although robo-advisors are still looking for business models that will appeal to HNW individuals.

Key Highlights

• Regulators have not been able to keep up with the growing popularity of automated advice solutions. This creates an opportunity for industry leaders to have a direct impact on how the regulatory environment around robo-advice is designed.
  
• The US is the home market of low-cost robo-advice, as self-directed investors are driven by price sensitivity above all else.
  
• New entrants across the globe are introducing innovations to the automated advice space.
  
• Most wealth managers focused on the HNW segment do not consider robo-advisors a threat to their business, as the wealthiest individuals show limited interest in robo-advice.
  
• Robo-advisors that emerged as startup companies will partner with incumbents to attract more assets to their platforms.