Learn how retirees and advisers can protect investments and avoid cashing out during market downturns. Smart strategies for long-term retirement planning.
Article last updated 19 December 2025.
The advice challenge is shifting
More clients are now in a position to benefit from tailored portfolio management. Government data suggests the median UK household wealth is approaching £300,0001. For the top 10% of households, that figure rises to over £1.2 million. Many of these clients may not consider themselves wealthy – but their needs are more complex than they used to be.
They often hold a mix of ISAs, pensions, taxable investment accounts and legacy holdings. They may want to plan for income, gifting, intergenerational wealth or long-term care. These situations require more flexibility and more personalisation, which bespoke portfolios are designed to provide.
It’s not just about more money under advice – it’s about what that money needs to do, and how expectations are evolving as a result.
Adviser research points to a clear trend
Rathbones recently commissioned research with 100 UK financial advisers, including those who already offer bespoke investment management2. The findings are striking.
Advisers estimate that around one in five of their clients has investable assets of £250,000 or more. Within three years, that figure is expected to rise to 25%. This marks a clear shift in the shape of the typical client base.
In parallel, the thresholds for accessing bespoke services are increasing. Nearly half of advisers currently set the bar at £400,000. All expect that threshold to rise further in the coming years.
The data shows it’s not a future trend – it’s already happening. Advisers are adapting their models to meet growing demand for personalisation.
Bespoke is growing with client wealth
Bespoke services are typically used for portfolios of £250,000 and up. But size isn’t the only factor. Bespoke becomes particularly valuable where there is:
- A need for tailored tax planning, especially around CGT and IHT
- Income withdrawal in retirement or semi-retirement
- Interest in ESG, ethical or thematic investing
- Legacy assets or concentrated positions
- A desire for a more personal, high-touch relationship
The research shows that 93% of advisers say client interest in bespoke services has increased over the past two years. Every adviser surveyed expects the percentage of client assets managed through bespoke services to rise over the next two years.
Planning for decumulation
The decumulation phase – when clients begin drawing on their wealth – brings different risks, especially for those with larger portfolios. Sequence of returns risk, longevity risk and withdrawal risk all become more acute. A bespoke approach makes it easier to manage these risks by tailoring withdrawal strategies, managing tax allowances across wrappers and adjusting portfolios as client circumstances change.
It’s not just practical complexity that grows. Retirement is an emotionally significant life stage. Bespoke helps advisers provide reassurance through more flexible investment strategies and a joined-up client experience.
A service that supports your business
Bespoke investment management isn’t just good for clients. The research found that advisers who offer bespoke have seen improvements across their business:
- 95% say their firm’s profitability has increased
- 97% say they are able to take on more clients
- 85% report stronger client relationships
Clients value the attention and depth that bespoke offers. More than a third of advisers said their clients are "very happy" after being introduced to bespoke. For advisers, it’s a way to free up time for planning conversations while giving clients the specialist portfolio support they need.
As more clients accumulate meaningful wealth, the case for bespoke becomes clearer. This isn’t about luxury. It’s about providing a level of service that matches the complexity and expectations of today’s retirement planning.
For advisers focused on long-term relationships and meaningful outcomes, bespoke services are fast becoming part of the core toolkit.
Sources
- www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/personalandhouseholdfinance…
- Rathbones commissioned the independent research agency PureProfile to survey 100 UK IFAs and financial planners, including 75 who currently offer bespoke investment management or discretionary fund management services. page 3 of 3
