The financial planning market is experiencing one of its most profound reinvention in decades. Once a static, labor-intensive process reserved for the ultra-wealthy, it is shifting into a dynamic, “always-on” partnership driven by real-time data, artificial intelligence, and seamless digital collaboration. At the center of this revolution is WealthTech: the fusion of cutting-edge technology and wealth management expertise that is empowering firms to fundamentally rethink how they engage clients, deliver hyper-personalized advice, and scale their businesses with unprecedented efficiency.

Celent’s latest analysis reveals that WealthTech is not just enhancing traditional advice models: it is redefining them. Intelligent planning platforms, AI-powered insights, automated onboarding, and continuous monitoring are streamlining advisor workflows and enabling scalable, goals-based planning for clients at every wealth tier. In particular, the mass affluent segment, households with $250,000 to $1 million in investable assets, has emerged as a critical growth opportunity. Technology is making it possible to deliver high-touch, personalized service to this underserved market at a sustainable cost.

This report explores the transformative trends, breakthrough technologies, and innovative strategies that are reshaping the future of financial planning and client engagement. Drawing on real-world case studies, leading vendor solutions, and best-in-class practices from banks and wealth management firms, it provides actionable insights for organizations seeking to thrive in this new era.

This is the first report in a series of two written by Celent Wealth Management on the topic of Financial Planning.

Table of Contents: Executive Summary The Financial Planning Paradigm Shift Technology Building Blocks Serving the Mass Affluent at Scale Case Studies The Role of the Advisor The Path Forward