Advisers are on the move in 2026… and clients are following them

Mobility is accelerating in 2026.

Advisers are shifting licensees, moving to self-licensing, joining aggregators, and building boutiques.

But here’s the real shift: clients are moving with them.

This shift is more than just numbers; it reflects changing expectations, loyalty, and risk in the advice industry.

But why are advisers moving? Often, it’s a combination of:

• Desire for autonomy

• Frustration with operating models

• Cultural misalignment

• Commercial incentives

And, naturally, clients follow due to trust in the individual adviser over the brand, perceived disruption risk, and often a relationship-first loyalty.

The Insight: If your enterprise value depends on advisers staying put, but your structure doesn’t inspire loyalty, you’re exposed.

Retention in 2026 is no longer contractual - it’s leadership-driven. Culture, clarity, and communication will determine whether your people stay or leave.

Watch Episode 3 of Encore's Big Six Insights of 2026 to learn what this shift means for your firm’s future.