The results mark a shift from previous years, as in 2012 35% held that view, while in 2011 just 7% of advisers anticipated an improvement.
Ian Beaumont, chief executive officer at Matrix Solutions, said: “This research is further evidence that confidence is returning to the market. Before RDR came in, many advisers were worried about the effect it would have on client numbers.
“However, with the majority of advisers expecting to see an increase in client acquisition this year, it seems that RDR has been less of a disruption than initially anticipated.”
Some 73% of IFAs also expected to see an increase in client numbers, compared to 51% in 2012. Just 4% of advisers expected the economy to worsen in 2014.
Simon Leadbetter, founder of Blue & Green Tomorrow, added: “This new found confidence should be treated with caution.
“The recovery is fragile and by no means certain. Advisers should therefore maintain a watching brief over the state of the industry and work to make their propositions relevant in the market place.”
