The rapid growth of artificial intelligence, regulatory changes and economic challenges are reshaping the workplace as fast as HR professionals can keep pace. As a result, many are building a trusted network of accountants, bankers, brokers, consultants and financial advisors in what isolved calls an “advisory village.”
“Advisors are the market makers across benefits, talent, payroll and HR as they influence how organizations navigate internal and external pressures like compliance complexity, economic uncertainty and shifting employee expectations,” said Amberly Dressler, senior vice president of brand and experience marketing for the human capital management company. “Our annual advisory research highlights how advisors are expanding their expertise and impact, and it’s clear they are indispensable in helping businesses succeed.”
The biggest client challenge is economic uncertainty, followed closely by risk management and compliance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act and Family and Medical Leave Act regulations, according to the company’s latest advisory services research. Meanwhile, health insurance and 401(k) retirement plans are the foundation of most advisory-client relationships.
Across every advisor type, the top business opportunity identified was embracing AI and automation for personalized investment strategies:
- For brokers, this means smarter benefits planning supported by modern decision-support solutions.
- For accountants and banks, it means predictive financial modeling.
- And for consultants, embracing AI and automation means scaling compliance reporting.
Already, more than half of brokers are using AI to automate processes, 44% of bankers are using AI for compliance monitoring and 65% of financial advisors report feeling “very confident” advising clients on AI-powered HR and benefits tools. Advisors continue to weigh the balance between automation and personal connection. Although many are embracing AI for its efficiency, more than 6 in 10 noted concerns about how technology could change the relationship-driven nature of advisory work.
The study highlights the importance of third-party administrators and human capital management technology partners who balance technology advancements with expert services delivered by tenured professionals. A majority of advisors report blending in-house expertise with outsourced support, with many serving as the primary point of contact between clients and TPAs. In choosing partners, advisors consistently prioritize exceptional customer service, compliance expertise and strong onboarding experiences, emphasizing the role of partnership in scaling their value.
“The data reveal a profession in transition,” the report said. “Advisors are no longer only providing retirement plans or health insurance; they’re helping businesses anticipate risks, adopt new technologies and unlock value from benefits strategies that go far beyond the basics.”
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