Advisers must act as the calm in the storm amid market volatility – Bawa

The global situation has fed quickly into swap rates and, by extension, mortgage pricing, resulting in rapid and, at times, unpredictable change. Lenders have withdrawn entire product ranges, often with minimal notice, before returning with repriced offerings that may themselves only be available for a short window.

Data from Moneyfacts underlines the scale of this disruption, with more than 500 products reportedly pulled within a two-day period – a rate of product removal and repricing that is difficult to manage in practice.

Supporting clients through uncertainty

For clients, this environment only adds to what is already a significant financial and emotional decision. Purchasing or refinancing a property is rarely straightforward, and the added uncertainty of product volatility can heighten anxiety considerably.

This adds up to a really challenging environment for advisers. They are rebroking cases at speed, conscious that a suitable product available in the morning may not be there by the afternoon. At the same time, they are managing a steady flow of queries from borrowers, understandably, concerned about whether the rate they have been quoted will still be available when it comes to application.

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In this context, the role of the adviser becomes even more important. Clients are not simply looking for access to products, but for reassurance and perspective. They need someone who can interpret what is happening in the market and help them make decisions that are grounded in their longer-term objectives, rather than driven purely by short-term volatility.

Keep calm and carry on

This is where advisers must position themselves as the calm in the storm.

When markets are moving quickly, there can be a natural tendency to match that urgency in every aspect of the advice process. However, acting with undue haste can introduce unnecessary risk, from errors in applications and missed details to rushed recommendations, which ultimately create further delays and complications for clients.

A more measured approach is essential, where advisers take the time to ensure accuracy, maintain clear communication, and set realistic expectations, all of which can make a significant difference to outcomes. By staying calm and methodical, they are better placed to deal with a fast-moving market.

Recognising the pressure on advisers

While much of the focus is rightly on supporting clients, it is equally important to acknowledge the pressure this environment places on advisers themselves.

This is a profession that has never been confined to standard working hours, but periods of heightened volatility inevitably extend those demands further. Keeping pace with product changes, managing client expectations, and ensuring cases progress smoothly can lead to longer days and increased stress levels.

Advisers are often expected to be constantly available and to deliver consistently high standards, which can take a toll on their wellbeing if not carefully managed.

It is vital that advisers take steps to look after themselves, whether that means setting boundaries where possible, leaning on available support, or simply taking time to step away and reset. Maintaining that balance is not only important for the individual, but also for the quality of service they are able to provide to clients.

The importance of a strong support framework

Periods like this also bring into sharp focus the importance of having the right support structures in place.

Advisers who are attempting to manage every aspect of their business alone may find that the strain begins to show, particularly when the pace of change accelerates. By contrast, those operating within a supportive network structure are often better equipped to cope with these demands.

Having access to compliance support, marketing assistance, and efficient systems can help to alleviate some of the operational burden, allowing advisers to concentrate on delivering advice. The most effective networks are those that act as enablers, providing the infrastructure and flexibility advisers need to perform at their best, particularly when conditions are at their most challenging.

They can also deliver the mental health support that can ease the burden during these more stressful periods. At Rosemount, our partnership with mental health and addiction support organisation, Six MHA, was driven by the desire to ensure advisers feel there is somewhere to turn if and when their mental health takes a hit.

The current environment provides a clear opportunity for networks to demonstrate their value, not through rhetoric, but through the tangible support that makes a difference to advisers’ day-to-day working lives.

Building resilience for the future

While the current bout of volatility may feel particularly intense, the truth is it is far from unprecedented. Across the market, we have navigated a series of shocks over the past two decades, from the financial crisis and Brexit to the pandemic and the mini Budget, each of which has brought its own challenges, usually a period of intense product change.

It is reasonable to expect that similar periods of disruption will arise again in the future, driven by geopolitical events, economic policy decisions, or wider market forces.

As a result, advisers should view this not simply as a moment to manage, but as an opportunity to reflect on how resilient their business is. That means considering whether they have the right processes, the right partnerships, and the right support in place to deal with future periods of volatility without pushing themselves to unsustainable limits.

Ultimately, environments like this serve to highlight the true value of professional advice. Getting the right support structure in place ensures that when volatility returns – and it will – you can continue to provide clients with the sense of calm they need.