More than 60 per cent of UK high-net-worth investors plan to increase their market investments in 2026, buoyed by confidence in long-term strategies and broader regulatory support, despite ongoing macroeconomic risks.
More than six in 10 UK investors with at least £100,000 in investable assets plan to increase what they put into markets in 2026, according to research commissioned by Scottish Widows and reported by City A.M. The survey, carried out by Censuswide in July 2025 of more than 1,000 people with a pension and at least £100,000 in assets, found 62 per cent expect to invest more next year, with 23 per cent saying they will “bolster their portfolio significantly.” On average those intending to invest more plan to add £33,698.
The findings point to sustained retail confidence despite lingering macro risks. Respondents cited US tariffs, geopolitical disruption and the possibility of a global slowdown among the factors shaping decisions. Nearly half (47 per cent) said they had increased the amount they saved in 2025.
The survey highlights a marked difference between advised and non-advised investors. According to the research, 74 per cent of those using a financial adviser plan to increase investments in 2026, and they expect to add an average of £38,983, around £5,000 more than the overall average. More than half (54 per cent) of advised investors who plan to put away more cited expectations of stronger market returns, compared with about 36 per cent of non‑advised investors.
Jenny Davidson, intermediary wealth director at Scottish Widows, said: “Global events have resulted in 2025 being a bumpy ride but despite this the data tells us time and again that investors with a long-term strategy generally reap the rewards of their patience. With all that is going on in the world, that lesson is as timely as ever.
“Our findings underline notable differences between investors actively working with a financial adviser and those who aren’t. With those benefiting from financial advice more confident and planning to invest more in the new year, it demonstrates the critical role advisers play in helping clients build long-term wealth.
“Changes in regulation and the new advances in technology mean that financial education and guidance is set to become increasingly accessible in 2026. Looking ahead, the focus will be on making sure that regulated financial advice, guidance and technology can work in harmony to close the sizeable advice gap.”
The regulator is already preparing to expand how firms can help consumers. The Financial Conduct Authority has said targeted support could give “extra help” to as many as 18 million people over the next decade, allowing firms to make specific suggestions about investments and pensions where those recommendations would demonstrably put consumers in a better position. The FCA indicated firms ready to deliver targeted support would be authorised swiftly after a provisional go‑live date in April 2026, although it stressed recommendations must be suitable.
Market positioning appears to be tilting back towards UK equities for many retail investors. Industry commentary and a December 2025 survey cited by AJ Bell show more than half of retail investors expect to buy domestic stocks in 2026, attracted by higher dividend yields, stable earnings and valuations that remain lower than US peers. The FTSE 100’s strong performance through 2025 has also been cited by brokers and analysts as a factor in renewed investor interest.
Scottish Widows and other industry voices frame the survey as evidence that long‑term strategies and professional advice can bolster investor confidence, while the FCA’s planned changes aim to narrow the so‑called “advice gap.” Yet the usual caveats apply: investment values can fall as well as rise, and the survey respondents represent a wealthier segment of the market, those with at least £100,000 to invest, so the results may not reflect attitudes among wider swathes of the public, including the roughly 7 million adults the FCA has identified as holding £10,000 or more in cash who may be missing out on investing.
- https://www.cityam.com/uk-investors-plan-to-boost-portfolios-in-2026/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.standard.co.uk/business/money/scottish-widows-fca-b1264184.html – A survey by Scottish Widows reveals that nearly two-thirds (62%) of UK investors with at least £100,000 in assets plan to increase their investments in 2026, despite market uncertainties. Over a fifth (23%) intend to significantly bolster their portfolios, aiming to increase their investments by an average of £33,698. The research also indicates that 24% of investors plan to invest the same amount as in 2025, 8% will invest less, and 6% are unsure of their plans. The findings highlight concerns about potential global slowdowns and geopolitical disruptions affecting investment decisions.
- https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/majority-investors-planning-boost-portfolios-000100187.html – According to a survey commissioned by Scottish Widows, nearly two-thirds (62%) of UK investors with at least £100,000 in assets plan to increase their investments in 2026, despite market uncertainties. Over a fifth (23%) intend to significantly bolster their portfolios, aiming to increase their investments by an average of £33,698. The research also indicates that 24% of investors plan to invest the same amount as in 2025, 8% will invest less, and 6% are unsure of their plans. The findings highlight concerns about potential global slowdowns and geopolitical disruptions affecting investment decisions.
- https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/221bd344db324152858556ec863892d5-5HjdPwp_2/ – A survey by Scottish Widows reveals that nearly two-thirds (62%) of UK investors with at least £100,000 in assets plan to increase their investments in 2026, despite market uncertainties. Over a fifth (23%) intend to significantly bolster their portfolios, aiming to increase their investments by an average of £33,698. The research also indicates that 24% of investors plan to invest the same amount as in 2025, 8% will invest less, and 6% are unsure of their plans. The findings highlight concerns about potential global slowdowns and geopolitical disruptions affecting investment decisions.
- https://www.radionewshub.com/articles/news-updates/Majority-of-investors-planning-to-boost-portfolios-in-2026-survey-finds – A survey by Scottish Widows reveals that nearly two-thirds (62%) of UK investors with at least £100,000 in assets plan to increase their investments in 2026, despite market uncertainties. Over a fifth (23%) intend to significantly bolster their portfolios, aiming to increase their investments by an average of £33,698. The research also indicates that 24% of investors plan to invest the same amount as in 2025, 8% will invest less, and 6% are unsure of their plans. The findings highlight concerns about potential global slowdowns and geopolitical disruptions affecting investment decisions.
- https://www.inkl.com/news/majority-of-investors-planning-to-boost-portfolios-in-2026-survey-finds-a4f7c5b8-996a-4f54-9211-5c6838a7075e – A survey by Scottish Widows reveals that nearly two-thirds (62%) of UK investors with at least £100,000 in assets plan to increase their investments in 2026, despite market uncertainties. Over a fifth (23%) intend to significantly bolster their portfolios, aiming to increase their investments by an average of £33,698. The research also indicates that 24% of investors plan to invest the same amount as in 2025, 8% will invest less, and 6% are unsure of their plans. The findings highlight concerns about potential global slowdowns and geopolitical disruptions affecting investment decisions.
- https://www.ajbell.co.uk/group/news/over-half-investors-expected-back-british-shares-2026 – A December 2025 survey revealed that 57% of UK retail investors plan to invest in domestic stocks in 2026, aligning with Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ efforts to boost the UK economy. Reeves proposes curbing the cash ISA allowance for under-65s from April 2027 and aims to attract more public listings on the London Stock Exchange. UK stocks, despite past underperformance compared to US counterparts, have gained momentum, with the FTSE 100 surpassing 9,000 and posting a 22.2% return year-to-date—its best since 2009—outperforming the S&P 500 and Nasdaq. Investors are increasingly attracted to stable earnings, high dividends, and valuations that remain lower than US markets.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative is recent, published on 29 December 2025. Similar reports appeared on 28 December 2025, indicating timely coverage. ([uk.finance.yahoo.com](https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/majority-investors-planning-boost-portfolios-000100187.html?utm_source=openai)) The content is original, with no evidence of recycling from low-quality sites or clickbait networks. The narrative is based on a press release from Scottish Widows, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. No similar content appeared more than 7 days earlier. The article includes updated data and new material, justifying a higher freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
Direct quotes from Jenny Davidson, intermediary wealth director at Scottish Widows, are included. These quotes appear to be original, with no identical matches found in earlier material. No variations in wording were noted. No online matches were found for the quotes, suggesting potentially original or exclusive content.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from City A.M., a reputable UK business news outlet. The report is based on a press release from Scottish Widows, a well-established financial services company. The press release is accessible on Scottish Widows’ official website. ([scottishwidows.co.uk](https://www.scottishwidows.co.uk/about-us/media-centre/press-releases/new-regulations-forcing-advisers.html?utm_source=openai)) No unverifiable entities are mentioned.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about UK investors planning to increase their portfolios in 2026 are plausible and align with recent market trends. The narrative is covered by multiple reputable outlets, including The Standard and Yahoo Finance. ([standard.co.uk](https://www.standard.co.uk/business/money/scottish-widows-fca-b1264184.html?utm_source=openai)) The report includes specific factual anchors, such as the £33,698 average increase in portfolios and the 62% of investors planning to invest more. The language and tone are consistent with UK financial reporting. No excessive or off-topic details are present. The tone is formal and appropriate for the subject matter.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is recent, original, and based on a reputable press release from Scottish Widows. The claims are plausible and supported by coverage from multiple reputable outlets. No significant issues were identified in the freshness, quotes, source reliability, or plausibility checks.