Industry groups unite the insurance and financial services industry to promote financial literacy and encourage a new generation of agents and advisors.

New research from data analytics firm Boobook suggests that COVID-19 has led to a significant number of people in the UK and US saving more than they had previously during the COVID-19 lockdown and the vast majority of those savers are taking stock and reviewing their long terms savings.

According to the John Hancock Wealth Across America Survey, when American consumers are given five options to choose from about how they prioritize their finances, the most important thing they think about is supporting loved ones (29%). And 39 percent define wealth as putting family first. This is the top answer received in 49 out of the 50 states.

As individuals, households and businesses readjust and look ahead to a new era and recovery, demand for financial advice is up by almost a quarter. This is according to the deVere Group, which operates in 100 countries worldwide. The firm says that the number of inquiries from new clients was up  by 24% in April, compared to the previous month.

Nigel Green, the founder and CEO of deVere Group, observes: “Disruption and dislocation have hit entire economies and businesses of all sizes and in all sectors.

“This has had a very real and very immediate impact on the finances of individuals, households and businesses around the world.

“Suddenly, unexpectedly, many have realized that they didn’t have sufficient money behind them, they didn’t have contingency plans.

“This, as they know, could have consequences for the lifestyles and life opportunities of themselves and loved ones and, for those in business, for the long-term sustainability of their firm.

“With financial matters back in sharp focus, for many, ‘I should have’ becomes ‘I need to have.’