What do paraplanners really think? The 2025 survey results revealed

Here's a question that might make you pause between client meetings: when paraplanners are really honest about their day-to-day reality, what do they actually say about the platforms they're wrestling with, the tech they're being asked to embrace, and where they see this profession heading?

Well, wonder no more. The Paraplanner Survey 2025 results are in – and they're packed with insights.

We're talking real concerns, genuine opportunities, and some genuinely surprising truths about what it's actually like to be a paraplanner right now. 

Join us online at 1.00 pm on 29 October to dive deep into what paraplanners are really thinking

We've invited Craig Spittal from Scottish Widows to reveal the findings of this year's comprehensive survey and to discuss the results.

During this lunch-hour Assembly, we'll unpack the three big themes that emerged from the research:

Job satisfaction – Most paraplanners feel supported (that's the good news), but they're asking for more: more recognition, more influence, and clearer career paths. Confidence in the profession is strong – but it's not evenly spread across different age groups. What does that tell us?

Platforms and due diligence – Turns out three platforms is the sweet spot for most firms, but service reduction is the biggest red flag that gets paraplanners reaching for the exit button. We'll explore what actually drives platform loyalty, what triggers change, and why onboarding remains such a persistent headache.

AI and tech – Here's where it gets interesting. Automation is definitely wanted, but adoption? That's moving at a snail's pace. Cost concerns, workflow disruption, and lack of influence in decision-making are holding paraplanners back. And while AI promises greater efficiency, concerns about accuracy and data security are keeping people awake at night.

You'll come away with practical insights, honest reflections, and a clear view of where paraplanners think paraplanning is headed.

Whether you're a paraplanner looking to understand how your experiences compare with your peers or a paraplanning leader trying to figure out what your team actually need, this session will help you understand both the challenges and the genuine opportunities shaping the future of financial planning.

So this Assembly, packed with findings from original research among paraplanners, is a chance for all of us to reflect on what's really affecting our work and help focus our minds on how we want to shape this profession moving forward.

Want to be part of the conversation? Then save your spot now.

Revealed: the results of Scottish Widows’ 2025 annual survey of UK paraplanners