Register For Our Mailing List

Register to receive our free weekly newsletter including editorials.

Register

8 January 2026

Home / 129

Results of roboadvice survey

A few weeks ago, our article, Scenes from a roboadvice pitch to angel investors, presented a fictitious pitch by a roboadviser startup to venture capitalists. Judging by the thousands of times it has been read, it was passed around much of the roboadvice industry.

A Reader Survey was attached asking questions on the potential attraction of the investment, the features of a good roboadvice offer, who the likely providers of roboadvice will be and the background of the respondents.

We attach the full survey results linked here.

Thanks to all the people who responded. The numbers were not as big as expected due to a dodgy survey link on the first day.

We have opened the full text of the responses because the comments are at least as valuable as the bare statistics.

A few highlights:

  • 75% of respondents said they would not invest, while 24% said they would at a lower entry price than the initial valuation. This seems like a promising result for the availability of venture capital at a price.
  • The negative comments focus on competitors undercutting the offer and the lack of a ‘moat’.
  • The requirements of a good robo offer are extensive, with 88% expecting portfolio allocation recommendations, 62% wanting educational material and 66% investment implementation.
  • There was no consensus on who is most likely to succeed in this space, although only 18% responded ‘nobody’.

A software developer advised us last week that he has a list of 41 ‘roboadvice’ offers either in the market or under development in Australia. There will be a lot of activity in this space, in many different forms.

 

Graham Hand is Editor of Cuffelinks. The Survey is released for general information and no responsibility is accepted for any of the opinions.

 

  •   8 October 2015
  •      
  •   

 

Leave a Comment:

RELATED ARTICLES

The upside of fintech for wealth managers

Roboadvice's role in financial advice’s future

Lessons for roboadvice in Centrelink debacle

Firstlinks is sponsored by:
banner

Most viewed in recent weeks

Australia's retirement system works brilliantly for some - but not all

The superannuation system has succeeded brilliantly at what it was designed to do: accumulate wealth during working lives. The next challenge is meeting members’ diverse needs in retirement. 

Australian stocks will crush housing over the next decade, 2025 edition

Two years ago, I wrote an article suggesting that the odds favoured ASX shares easily outperforming residential property over the next decade. Here’s an update on where things stand today.

The 3 biggest residential property myths

I am a professional real estate investor who hears a lot of opinions rather than facts from so-called experts on the topic of property. Here are the largest myths when it comes to Australia’s biggest asset class.

Get set for a bumpy 2026

At this time last year, I forecast that 2025 would likely be a positive year given strong economic prospects and disinflation. The outlook for this year is less clear cut and here is what investors should do.

AFIC on the speculative ASX boom, opportunities, and LIC discounts

In an interview with Firstlinks, CEO Mark Freeman discusses how speculative ASX stocks have crushed blue chips this year, companies he likes now, and why he’s confident AFIC’s NTA discount will close.

Property versus shares - a practical guide for investors

I’ve been comparing property and shares for decades and while both have their place, the differences are stark. When tax, costs, and liquidity are weighed, property looks less compelling than its reputation suggests.

Latest Updates

Superannuation

Meg on SMSFs: First glimpse of revised Division 296 tax

Treasury has released draft legislation for a new version of the controversial $3 million super tax. It's a significant improvement on the original proposal but there are some stings in the tail.

Investment strategies

10 fearless forecasts for 2026

The predictions include dividends will outstrip growth as a source of Australian equity returns, US market performance will be underwhelming, while US government bonds will beat gold.

Infrastructure

How many hospitals will an extra 1 million people need?

We're about to add another million people to cities like Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. How many hospitals and other essential infrastructure are needed to cater to a million more people? This breaks down the numbers.

Risk management

Is the world's safest currency actually the riskiest?

The US dollar’s long-standing role as a ‘shock absorber’ during times of market stress is showing cracks. The ‘Liberation Day’ sell-off was a timely reminder of this, and here's what investors should do about it.

10 things I learned about dementia and care homes from close range

My mother developed dementia before eventually dying in June last year. She was in three aged care homes before finding the right one. Here is what I learned along the way.

Economics

China's EV and solar backlog and future trade wars

China has flooded the world with electric cars and solar panels to offset the economic drag from a weak domestic property market. How long can this go on, and what are the implications for commodities and Australia?

Investment strategies

Why Elon Musk's pay packet is justified

Tesla copped criticism after its shareholders approved a package allowing Musk to earn up to $1 trillion in stock options. If only Australian businesses were more like Tesla.

Sponsors

Alliances

Site Map

About Firstlinks

© 2026 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer
The data, research and opinions provided here are for information purposes; are not an offer to buy or sell a security; and are not warranted to be correct, complete or accurate. Morningstar, its affiliates, and third-party content providers are not responsible for any investment decisions, damages or losses resulting from, or related to, the data and analyses or their use. To the extent any content is general advice, it has been prepared for clients of Morningstar Australasia Pty Ltd (ABN: 95 090 665 544, AFSL: 240892), without reference to your financial objectives, situation or needs. For more information refer to our Financial Services Guide. You should consider the advice in light of these matters and if applicable, the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before making any decision to invest. Past performance does not necessarily indicate a financial product’s future performance. To obtain advice tailored to your situation, contact a professional financial adviser. Articles are current as at date of publication.
This website contains information and opinions provided by third parties. Inclusion of this information does not necessarily represent Morningstar’s positions, strategies or opinions and should not be considered an endorsement by Morningstar.