- 51% of global wealth managers surveyed cite deepening client engagement as a top priority
- Retention of staff is cited as the biggest potential challenge
- UK is the only region that says clients favour growth over preservation
LONDON, January 27, 2026 – WTW’s Wealth Investments business has identified the key challenges and priorities facing the wealth management industry in 2026. The research, conducted in collaboration with the Thinking Ahead Institute, provides a comprehensive view of what is shaping strategic agendas across global wealth management firms.
The Wealth Study gathered the views of 250 global wealth management professionals from across five regions and 27 countries, with each firm managing at least $500m in assets.
Meeting evolving client expectations and deepening engagement will dominate the agendas of wealth managers this year, with 51% of wealth managers globally citing these areas as their key priority over the next two to three years, underlining the industry’s drive to offer a more personalised and responsive service.
Other priorities included growth through innovation, with 32% planning to expand or develop new services and capabilities, while 31% said ongoing adaptation to changing regulatory and compliance demands.
Attracting and retaining skilled professionals is the greatest challenge for wealth managers, cited by 40% of respondents, as it can hinder firms’ ability to deliver consistent expertise. In parallel, over one-third of wealth managers anticipate that the accelerating pace of digital transformation will pose significant hurdles, with many highlighting the difficulty of keeping up with technological advancements.
While the generational handover of assets remains a structural force shaping industry evolution, WTW’s analysis identifies a marked acceleration in the demand for advanced digital tools to model long-term family scenarios and cross-border implications. Additionally, there has been a noticeable shift in value alignment, with a significant proportion of next-generation clients showing clear preferences for sustainable, purpose-led investments and transparent reporting.
Regional dynamics also remain pronounced. The research identifies differing rates of digital adoption and client values across continental Europe, Asia, North America, and the UK, requiring firms to build flexible, regionally sensitive strategies. In Asia and continental Europe, business ownership remains the leading source of wealth, driving greater entrepreneurial focus and appetite for innovation, while inherited wealth dominates in the UK and North America, further reinforcing the need for bespoke multigenerational planning.
