Financial Advisers Shift Toward Goal-Based Advisory Amid Calls for Distributor Professionalization

At the Moneycontrol FiDEX 2026, industry leaders highlighted a shift in financial distribution from product selling to goal-based advisory, with advisers increasingly acting as personal CFOs guiding clients on long-term wealth planning, including estate planning and trusts. Meanwhile, experts noted that nearly 80% of mutual fund distributors in India are 'accidental,' emphasizing the need for professional training and capacity building to strengthen investor education and trust. Technology aids reach, but personal relationships remain central to effective financial advisory.