The Expanding Role of Financial Advisors: Estate & Cryptocurrency Planning & Personal Finance

Financial advisors have long been viewed as investment strategists, but today’s clients expect far more than portfolio management. They are looking for holistic guidance that considers their full financial picture—including estate and cryptocurrency planning.

This demand isn’t just about planning for the future; it’s about easing financial anxiety in the present. According to Trust & Will’s 2025 Annual Estate & Cryptocurrency Planning Report, financial anxiety is at an all-time high, with 49% of Americans saying they are more concerned about their financial future than they were last year. Clients are looking to their financial advisors not just to grow their wealth, but to provide security, peace of mind, and long-term financial stability.

The Role Financial Advisors Already Play

While some may see estate and cryptocurrency planning as the domain of attorneys, the reality is that financial advisors already have deep insight into their clients’ personal and financial lives.

When asked how much personal information they share with their financial advisor:

• 43% of clients said they share details about family dynamics that impact their finances.

• 39% keep discussions strictly financial.

• 18% disclose everything—even private or sensitive family matters.

This suggests that financial advisors often serve as trusted confidants—far beyond just handling investments. Many clients are already opening up about their family structure, wealth transfer concerns, and long-term financial goals—all of which are directly tied to estate and cryptocurrency planning.

What Clients Expect from Their Financial Advisor in Estate & Cryptocurrency Planning

The data also reveals that clients don’t just want advice about estate and cryptocurrency planning; they want active support.

When asked what role they think their financial advisor should play in estate and cryptocurrency planning:

• 41% want help with specific tasks like beneficiary designations and tax strategies.

• 37% expect their advisor to educate them on estate and cryptocurrency planning basics.

• 35% want a full suite of estate and cryptocurrency planning services, including document drafting.

• 33% want proactive reminders to update their estate and crypto plan.

• 32% want their advisor to collaborate with estate and cryptocurrency planning attorneys.

The message is clear: Clients don’t see estate and cryptocurrency planning as separate from their financial lives—they expect their financial advisor to help guide them through it.

Generational & Demographic Trends

While demand for estate and cryptocurrency planning integration is widespread, Millennials are leading the charge. They were above average in nearly every category, showing a clear preference for a collaborative and hands-on approach to estate and cryptocurrency planning.

In contrast, Gen Z was the most likely to keep financial conversations strictly investment-focused (57%)—suggesting that younger clients may need more education on the benefits of estate and cryptocurrency planning.

Women also stood out, as they were more likely than men to want full estate and cryptocurrency planning services and proactive reminders. This highlights an opportunity for advisors to better engage female clients by offering more structured estate and cryptocurrency planning discussions.

The Advisor’s Advantage: Strengthening Client Relationships & Retention

For financial advisors, embracing estate and cryptocurrency planning isn’t just about offering an additional service—it’s about strengthening client relationships and increasing retention.

Consider this:

• Clients who see their advisor as a holistic planner are more likely to remain long-term clients.

• Advisors who integrate estate and cryptocurrency planning can differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive industry.

• Providing estate and cryptocurrency planning support helps ease financial anxiety—something nearly half of Americans are experiencing today.

In short, estate and cryptocurrency planning presents a powerful opportunity for financial advisors to position themselves as trusted, long-term partners in their clients’ financial lives.

These insights were unveiled in the Trust & Will 2025 Annual Financial Advisor Report. Click here to view the full report.

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