Gosling's Grouse: How can our industry attract young advisers?

Average age of advisers edging up

The recent BWD survey of adviser remuneration concludes the average age of advisers has gone up slightly to 46, with anecdotal evidence it is now as 'high' as 50.

In a follow-up debate on LinkedIn, participants commented about why advisers are getting older again and what could be done to bring the average age down. A lot of sensible comment followed: the cost of training is too high, not enough people are taking up some of the excellent financial services degrees which are available at universities, and the generally negative image of the profession outside the industry. One participant perceptively made the comparison with accountancy, pointing out trainee accountants have a clear career path – pass the two chartered accountancy exams and you...