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Nearly two-thirds (62%) of investors with at least £100,000 in assets plan to increase the amount they save in 2026, a survey has revealed, despite market uncertainty.
More than one in five (23%) said they would seek to significantly strengthen their investment portfolios. scottish widow.
Despite market challenges, those intending to invest more in the coming year plan to increase their portfolios by an average of £33,698.
The research also found that less than a quarter (24%) of investors will hold the same amount as in 2025, with 8% investing less. About 6% were unsure of their plans.
The figures were released ahead of the release of the Scottish Widows Investor Confidence Barometer report for January 2026.
The study found that U.S. tariffs, geopolitical chaos and government changes were responsible for some of the changes in investors’ portfolios.
However, nearly half (47%) of investors said they increased their reserve amounts in 2025.
While the majority of respondents expect to invest more in 2026, some are proceeding with caution.
Concerns highlighted in the survey include worries about a potential global economic slowdown and continued geopolitical chaos.
The study also shows the differences between advised and non-advised investors. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of advised investors plan to increase their investment, with an average increase of £38,983, more than £5,000 more than the survey average of £33,698.
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More than half (54%) of advised investors who plan to increase their savings in 2026 say this is due to expectations of better market returns, compared with just over a third (36%) of unadvised investors.
Jenny Davidson, director of intermediary wealth at Scottish Widows, said: “Global events have made for a bumpy 2025, but despite this, the data tells us time and time again that investors who adopt a long-term strategy are often rewarded for their patience. Given everything going on in the world, this lesson is as timely as ever.”
“Our findings highlight significant differences between investors who actively work with a financial advisor and those who do not. Investors who benefit from financial advice are more confident and committed to investing more in the new year, demonstrating the critical role advisors play in helping clients build long-term wealth.
“Regulatory changes and new advances in technology mean that financial education and guidance will become increasingly accessible by 2026. Going forward, the focus will be on ensuring regulated financial advice, guidance and technology are aligned to close the growing advice gap.”
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) recently said that at least 18 million people could get extra help with their investments and pensions over the next decade through “game-changing” targeted support.
This means businesses can make concrete recommendations to consumers to help them make more informed decisions about how to spend their money.
The regulator said companies need to ensure the advice is appropriate and should only be given if it puts employees in a better position.
It is thought the changes could help close the “advice gap” and enable more people to make the right financial decisions based on their needs.
The regulator said companies that can demonstrate they are ready, willing and organized to provide targeted support will receive authorization quickly after the provisional go-live date of April 2026.
The value of investments can fall as well as rise, although some investments may perform better than cash savings over the long term.
According to the FCA, around 7 million adults in the UK with cash savings of £10,000 or more could miss out on the benefits of investing throughout their lives.
Scottish Widows commissioned a survey by Censuswide in July 2025 of more than 1,000 people with pensions across the UK who have investable assets of at least £100,000.