Only 4% of Your Time Is Spent on Growth. Here’s How to Make It Count.

In the financial services industry, time isn’t just a resource—it’s your most limited and valuable asset. While the workday remains fixed at 24 hours, the expectations on financial advisors continue to grow. Between serving existing clients, meeting compliance obligations, and running your practice, only a small sliver of time—just 4% of your week—is typically invested in yourself and your professional development.

And yet, that 4% could be the single biggest lever for future growth.

Time Management: A New Competitive Edge

According to the Natixis 2020 Global Survey of Financial Professionals, here’s how the average advisor spends their time each week:

• a. 26% meeting with clients
• b. 22% on client communications
• c. 13% managing portfolios
• d. 8% on prospecting
• e. 3% on marketing
• f. 8% on compliance-related tasks
• g. 4% on continuing education

That’s right—prospecting and compliance now take equal time, while professional learning ranks among the lowest priorities, despite industry regulators continuing to mandate it.

The problem isn’t a lack of ambition. Every financial professional understands the importance of growing their client base. The issue is time—and how it’s being used.

Prospecting, Compliance, and the Time Squeeze

In a typical week, advisors spend nearly two-thirds of their time servicing existing clients. While this is vital for retention, it leaves minimal time for client acquisition, branding, or investing in personal growth.

Even more concerning, compliance obligations have steadily increased over the past decade, from 5% of advisor time in 2009 to 8% in 2020, and likely more today. That’s now double the time spent on education, which is not only required for maintaining licensing but essential for professional credibility.

If financial advisors want to meet performance goals, attract new clients, and stay compliant, they must create efficiency in other parts of their workflow.

Why 4% on Education Matters More Than You Think

Although seemingly small, the 4% of time spent on education can have a significant impact.

Competent advisors use that time to:

• a. Stay current with regulatory changes
• b. Develop expertise in niche areas (e.g., retirement income, ESG, estate planning)
• c. Build confidence when engaging new prospects
• d. Strengthen long-term client relationships
• e. Differentiate their practice in a competitive market

Education isn’t a distraction from growth—it drives it. When applied strategically, continuing education leads to more trust, more referrals, and ultimately, more assets under management.

Making the Most of Your Time with Smarter Tools

To optimize limited time and ensure compliance, advisors need modern tools that simplify non-revenue-generating tasks, like tracking CE credits, managing renewals, and organizing designations.

At CE Records, we make it easier for Canadian financial advisors and insurance professionals to:

• a. Track CE hours in real-time
• b. Stay ahead of deadlines
• c. Ensure all education meets licensing and designation requirements
• d. Focus on client-facing and growth-oriented activities

With streamlined compliance, you can reclaim precious time for prospecting, personal development, and client engagement.

Final Thought: You Can’t Add Hours—But You Can Add Value

Time will always be finite. But how you prioritize and invest your hours determines the trajectory of your business.

If just 4% of your time can drive improved performance, increased credibility, and sustainable growth, isn’t it worth maximizing?

Start today—transform how you use your 4%, and let it power the rest of your success.