New data from Seismic shows that over half of all UK wealth managers aren’t equipped to handle the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in history
LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Britain is bleeding cash, and fast. By the end of 2025, an estimated 16,500 millionaires will have left the country, taking £90+ billion in investable assets with them. It’s the biggest exodus of its kind anywhere in the world.
The headlines blame Brexit, tax hikes, and a stagnant economy, but the underlying truth is that the UK’s wealth industry itself is failing to evolve. According to Seismic’s 2025 State of Wealth Management Report, 45% of UK wealth firms still use manual processes, significantly higher than the European average. Nearly half (48%) cite budget constraints as the principal obstacle to digital transformation. Only 55% say their AI initiatives are “very effective,” with their adoption stuck in eternal pilots.
Today’s high-net-worth clients want digital precision, hyper-personalisation, and real-time answers. When UK firms can’t deliver, they don’t just lose a transaction, they lose trust and inevitably, the client relationship. With the broader industry staring down the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in history through Millennial and Gen Z clients, the numbers get even worse: only 57% say they’re ready to serve these demographics. That’s the lowest score across all of Europe.
The reputational damage is as real as the capital leaking out. American and European competitors are charging ahead with digital-first strategies while London’s wealth managers cling to outdated infrastructure and manual processes. The irony hurts: Britain’s financiers invented modern wealth management but now struggle to evolve the blueprint they created.
“This is an existential threat to relevance,” says Gemma Livermore, International Financial Services Marketing Director at Seismic. She adds, “The risk extends beyond individual firms losing clients. If the UK can’t properly serve the high-net-worth individuals already here, why would wealthy newcomers choose London over other wealth hubs like Dubai, Singapore, or Zurich?”
In wealth management, trust isn’t built on caution; it’s earned through performance, precision, and progress. Britain’s financial leaders now face a choice: modernise or fall behind.
That trust also depends on consistently delivering results. Right now, Britain isn’t and the world’s millionaires are taking note and moving their money elsewhere.
Seismic’s latest report offers a data-backed blueprint for firms ready to rebuild client trust and future-proof their growth. Access it here.
About the research
In partnership with Seismic, Insights For Professionals surveyed 200 senior leaders and decision-makers from wealth management firms across five key European regions in June 2025: France, the UK, DACH (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland), BENELUX (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg), and the Nordics. The sample was evenly distributed, with 20% of respondents representing each region. The majority of respondents (96%) worked in mid-size firms with a workforce of between 250 and 5,000 employees. Respondents held senior roles across a range of leadership functions, with the largest group (29%) holding titles of Chief Digital, Product, or Compliance Officers.
About Seismic
Seismic is the global leader in AI-powered enablement, empowering go-to-market leaders to drive strategic growth and deliver exceptional customer experiences at scale. The Seismic Enablement Cloud™ is the only unified AI-powered platform that prepares customer-facing teams with the skills, content, tools, and insights needed to maximise every buyer interaction and strengthen client relationships. Trusted by more than 2,000 organisations worldwide, Seismic helps businesses achieve measurable outcomes and accelerate revenue growth. Seismic is headquartered in San Diego with offices across North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Learn more at seismic.com/uk.
Contacts
Media Contact:
[email protected]
