Investments & Wealth Institute Client Research Finds Advanced Certifications Carry Weight with Clients
Eighty-two percent of advisory clients say advanced professional certifications would be important if they were looking for a new advisor today
DENVER, CO / ACCESS Newswire / October 15, 2026 / Eighty-seven percent of clients say it is somewhat or very important that their financial advisor hold an advanced professional certification, while 82% say advanced certifications would be important if they were looking for a new advisor today, according to the Investments & Wealth Institute’s 2026 Client Research.
Conducted by Absolute Engagement on behalf of the Investments & Wealth Institute, the research surveyed 1,000 U.S. investors with at least $500,000 in household investable assets who work with a financial advisor and are involved in household financial decision-making. The research also examined client confidence based on whether respondents have a clear financial plan, believe they will reach their goals, feel financially secure and feel in control of their financial future.
The findings suggest a connection between awareness of an advisor’s credentials, client confidence and referral activity. Among clients who referred their advisor to someone else, 87% knew whether their advisor held advanced certifications, compared with 59% among those who did not make a referral. Sixty-eight percent of clients also say they are more likely to refer friends or family because their advisor holds advanced professional certifications. Among respondents with $5 million or more in investable assets, that figure rises to 74%.
A similar relationship appears with client confidence. Among clients with high confidence in their financial future, 75% knew whether their advisor held advanced certifications, compared with 49% of clients with low confidence.
Despite high satisfaction levels, confidence is far less consistent. While 96% say they are satisfied with their financial advisor, one-third still report low-to-moderate confidence in their financial future. The research found that clients with high confidence were about five times more likely to make referrals than those with low confidence.
“Advisors should feel good about the high levels of satisfaction we see in the research, but satisfaction only tells us part of the story,” said Sean Walters, CEO of the Investments & Wealth Institute. “Confidence gives us another way to understand whether clients feel prepared for what is ahead and trust that their advisor has the capabilities and expertise to help them get there. For firms trying to strengthen relationships and grow organically, that is an important measure to understand.”
