1. Local Economic Momentum and Its Impacts

The Gold Coast is currently leading Australia in economic growth. From 2021 to 2023, its GRP grew by 17.4%—well above Queensland’s 11% and the national 9.8%—and is projected to sustain a 10.07% mid-term growth rate through 2028 . The region boasts a diverse economy: health, tourism, creative industries, video games startups, and more . For more information please visit goldcoastfinancialadvisers

Implication for finance advising locally:

  • Increased demand arises from growing personal and business wealth.
  • A surge in startup and entertainment sector professionals creates potential advisory clientele.
  • Rising property values, especially in prime suburbs, drives wealth-management needs

2. Technology & Digital Innovation: A Local Game-Changer

AI, Robo-Advisors & Digital Tools

  • The broader Australian financial advice industry is rapidly adopting AI. About 74% of advisers now use AI tools—well above the global 64% average
  • Clients increasingly expect AI-enabled services, especially Millennials (72%) and Gen X (60%), though many still prefer human oversight due to trust concerns—only 29% trust AI as much as human advisers
  • Hybrid models—AI enhancing human advisors rather than replacing them—are emerging as the prevailing vision
  • On Reddit: “Technology has enhanced the role of financial advisers rather than replacing them… robo-advisors can handle the basic stuff, but most people still want a human to talk to about their money… There’s still something about that personal connection, ya know?” .

Open Finance & Integration

  • Australia’s Consumer Data Right (CDR) enables secure third-party data sharing—supporting more connected, seamless advisory services
  • Advisors are also moving toward “one-stop-shop” models, bundling banking, insurance, tax, estate, and investment advice

3. Client Preferences & Demographic Shifts

Ethical & Sustainable Investing (ESG)

  • ESG investing isn’t niche—83% of Australians expect responsible investment of their super, and 64% expect their advisor to be ESG-knowledgeable
  • Responsible investing now accounts for over 40% of professionally-managed assets in Australia

Wealth Transfer & Retirement Planning

  • The Gold Coast’s growing retiree population and asset-rich Boomers fuel demand for intergenerational planning, estate strategy, and retirement advice

Data-Driven Personalization

  • Clients expect tailored, data-informed financial plans that adapt to personal goals and behavior .
  • Real-time tracking and behavioral nudges (e.g., mobile goal tracking) are on the rise

4. Regulatory Environment & Industry Dynamics

  • The number of financial advisers across Australia is declining—from over 25,000 in 2019 to around 15,500 in 2025
  • The Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) is advocating for reforms—like trainee incentives and tax-deductible advice—to boost adviser numbers
  • Regulatory scrutiny, heightened standards, and rising costs are pushing advisers to serve higher-net-worth clients, leaving a “missing middle” underserved
  • Looking ahead, visions of the future include digitized, plan-centric advice models, fee-for-service flexibility, and specialist-focused coop practices

5. What This Means for the Gold Coast’s Advisory Landscape

Key Opportunities:

  • Growing regional wealth and economic diversification create a widening client base.
  • Tech-savvy, younger demographics and startup founders demand digital-first advisory experiences.
  • Strong appetite for ESG and intergenerational planning aligns with global trends.
  • Integrated service models—finance, insurance, estate planning—will resonate locally.

Strategic Responses for Advisers:

  1. Blend tech with human touch — use AI/autonomous tools for scale, but preserve deep personal interaction for trust.
  2. Boost ESG capabilities — offer ESG-aligned portfolios and communicate impact clearly.
  3. Target underserved segments — offer affordable, simplified advisory for the “missing middle.”
  4. Leverage open finance — build digital dashboards, streamline onboarding, and offer holistic financial views.
  5. Differentiate via specialization — consider niche services tailored to retiree planning, creative professionals, and startup founders.
  6. Stay agile amid regulation — monitor FAAA initiatives, and position practices to benefit from tax or subsidy changes.