Financial advisors' confidence in the economy and stock market declined in September, with the Advisor Sentiment Index showing a 6-point drop in market sentiment and a 12-point drop in economic sentiment -- the steepest one-month decline in two years. Advisors cited political instability, ineffective governance and tariff policies as major risks. Despite this, 50% of respondents said they expect economic improvement over the next year, and 65% remain bullish on the stock market.

High-net-worth individuals are increasingly targets of AI-driven cyberthreats, with impersonation scams rising 148% last year, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center. Sid Yenamandra, CEO of SurgeONE.ai, advises clients to create plans such as family codewords, limit social media exposure, enable multifactor authentication, consider trusts to shield assets and engage cybersecurity specialists. "As AI-enabled cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, HNW individuals must take proactive steps to protect their safety, privacy and legacy," Yenamandra writes.

Online communities are playing a pivotal role in breaking down the isolation that many financial advisors experience. These forums and apps facilitate both professional development and emotional support, allowing advisors to discuss industry challenges, find potential partners, and even translate virtual interactions into real-world relationships.

A Prudential Financial survey finds 83% of mass affluent individuals globally, including 79% in the US, are open to working in retirement, with many interested in self-employment, teaching and property management. The survey also reveals that 87% feel confident about covering retirement expenses, though only 41% have sought help from financial advisors and only 50% have factored evolving costs into their retirement planning.

Women who actively participate in managing household finances and attend advisor meetings are significantly more confident in handling their finances during and after a divorce, according to a BMO survey. The survey also found that nearly all women who engaged an advisor after their divorce reported improved financial confidence, and two-thirds of women said they found their advisor through referrals from friends and family.

More than four-fifths of mass affluent respondents to a Prudential Financial survey indicate that they would consider working in retirement. In addition, the survey found that 89% of high-net-worth adults feel prepared to meet essential costs, but just 55% have accounted for the impact of inflation. "Feeling ready is very different than actually being ready," said Prudential's Caroline Feeney.

The IRS will limit 401(k) catch-up contributions for high earners starting next year, requiring those earning at least $145,000 to make catch-up contributions to Roth 401(k)s instead of traditional 401(k)s, eliminating the option for pretax contributions. This change, part of the SECURE 2.0 Act, aims to increase Roth contributions but complicates retirement planning for high earners, who may need to adjust their strategies to accommodate the new rules.

The Senate recently approved legislation designed to clarify the notices the IRS sends to taxpayers when it believes they have made math errors. Taxpayers generally have 60 days to respond to these notices, after which point the IRS' suggested corrections are finalized. The legislation has already passed the House and will now head to President Donald Trump for signature.

Industry groups have voiced support for the SEC's approval of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board's proposed four-year rate card, but have urged further adjustments to its fee structure. In a letter sent to the SEC, SIFMA recommends implementing a market activity-based fee on municipal advisors for competitively sold new issues and continuing to raise municipal advisor fees, which currently account for only 8% of the MSRB's budget.

Investor confidence and trust in the industry remain high, according to the 2025 Voice of Investor Satisfaction, Trust, and Advocacy (VISTA) study. The KPMG LLP independent study, sponsored by SIFMA and released at SIFMA's 2025 Annual Meeting, surveyed 2,000+ investors and found 8 in 10 are satisfied with the industry. But there are significant breaks between younger and older investors. Download the full study to learn more.

SIFMA and KPMG LLP recently released the results of the 2025 Voice of Investor Satisfaction, Trust, and Advocacy (VISTA) Study - The Future of Investment Advice. The findings reveal a healthy baseline of investor confidence--and a clear mandate for the industry moving forward. Join us for a member-only briefing as we take a closer look at the study's key insights and what they mean for firms, advisors, and investors today.