Why EATT matters for advice firms

If you work in financial advice, you already know technology is no longer a “nice to have” – it is fundamental to how advice is delivered, evidenced and experienced. EATT, hosted by the Financial Technology Research Centre (FTRC), is fast becoming the must-attend event for firms who want to get that technology mix right.

On 29 January 2026 at The Pullman Hotel, EATT brings together advisers, tech innovators and business leaders for a full day focused on what works in the real world – not just what looks good on paper. It is about balancing adviser experience (AX), business experience (BX) and client experience (CX), and asking some important questions:

• Are our digital tools genuinely making advice easier and better for everyone?
• Where does technology remove friction – and where does it quietly add it back in?
• How do we balance automation with the irreplaceable value of human judgement?

At Focus, these are the questions that shape everything we build. Our mission is to help firms streamline delivery, cut unnecessary admin and use data and automation in ways that support – not replace – professional advice.

What makes EATT different?

EATT is designed first and foremost for real-world application. The agenda looks past buzzwords and into the detail of how advice is actually delivered today – and how that needs to evolve.

Across the day, you will find sessions exploring:

• Evolving digital relationship management – moving beyond “which portal?” to a joined up client experience.
• The “buy, build or hybrid” debate, where clarity about your goals and capabilities becomes the real differentiator.
• The reality of AI in advice – what is working, what is still hype and where firms need to tread carefully.
• Preparing for a more competitive, tech-driven advice landscape.

The exhibition area is a big part of that experience. It is not just a sales floor – it is an opportunity to get hands-on with technology, ask awkward questions and see how tools really perform in a live environment.

Battle of the Tech: where words meet reality

A highlight of EATT every year is the Battle of the Tech – where providers are invited to show, live, how their technology really works for advisers. No smoke, no mirrors, just practical demonstrations and real use cases.

We are excited to be taking part again this year, including:

• The Advice Engine Challenge: Visit the Focus stand and see if you can beat the Advice Engine in our interactive challenge.
• Lifetime Planner live in Battle of the Tech: Join us as we showcase the Focus Lifetime Planner and demonstrate how it helps advisers show value across the entire client lifecycle.

EATT is where the real conversations happen about what advisers need, what actually works and where technology is heading next. It is a chance to see how tools like our Lifetime Optimiser and Advice Engine can support better outcomes every day.

Join us at Empowering Advice Through Technology (EATT) 2026

We would love to see you there.

If you are planning to attend, you can use the code FOCUS20 to save £20 on your event ticket.

Find out more about EATT and book your place.

And if you do join us on the day, come and say hello at the Focus stand, take a shot at the Advice Engine Challenge and see the Lifetime Optimiser in action during Battle of the Tech.