Trump has driven up enquiries by new clients by 20% to a global financial advisory giant in the first 50 days of his second presidency.
First, it was to capitalize on the euphoria of the ‘Trump Trade’. Now, it’s concerns over tariffs and economic growth fears.
deVere Group, one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory organizations, has recorded a 30% surge in new client enquiries since Trump was sworn in.
It attributes this dramatic increase to heightened market volatility caused by abrupt policy swings—first the post-election rally, and now escalating fears of trade wars that could stall growth.
As markets react to the White House’s latest trade decisions, investors are scrambling for financial advice at an unprecedented rate. The whiplash of optimism and uncertainty, driven by erratic tariff policies and unpredictable global negotiations, is fueling demand for professional guidance.
“This is a tale of two market reactions,” says deVere CEO Nigel Green.
“Initially, investors were racing to position themselves to benefit from the Trump Trade—a pro-business, pro-market stance that sent stocks soaring. But the sentiment has shifted. The reality of tariffs, trade conflicts, and inflation concerns is causing a flight to expert financial planning.”
The markets have become a barometer of Trump’s unpredictable policy moves.
“His administration’s initial signals of corporate-friendly deregulation and tax cuts propelled equities to new highs. But in the weeks that followed, tensions with China, renewed tariffs on key industries, and aggressive rhetoric toward trade partners introduced instability,” notes Nigel Green.
As a result, the dollar has wobbled, equities have swung violently, and global investors are growing wary.
“The uncertainty is palpable,” continues Green. “Our clients—high-net-worth individuals, expats, and international investors—want to know how to protect their portfolios from sudden shocks. Many are restructuring their holdings, diversifying into non-dollar assets, and increasing exposure to safe-haven investments like gold and select emerging markets.”
Trump’s trade policies, a defining feature of both his presidencies, remain as volatile as ever. From sudden tariff hikes to threats of punitive measures against major economies, his approach is leaving businesses and investors struggling to plan ahead.
“This unpredictability is a double-edged sword,” says Green. “On one hand, there are opportunities in the volatility—currency fluctuations, sectoral shifts, and geopolitical repositioning all create investment openings. But on the other hand, the lack of a consistent trade framework means long-term economic growth could be at risk.
“It’s this dynamic that is prompting a surge in financial planning enquiries.
“Investors who once sought guidance on how to maximize gains during the Trump Trade are now seeking protection strategies. Many are questioning the sustainability of the market rally and whether it’s time to hedge against downside risks.”
This is particularly evident in sectors directly impacted by Trump’s policies.
Tech stocks, which had been key beneficiaries of his first term’s tax cuts, are now facing potential headwinds from regulatory scrutiny and supply chain disruptions.
Meanwhile, manufacturing and agricultural industries, once promised revitalization through protectionist measures, are grappling with retaliatory tariffs that threaten their global competitiveness.
deVere’s advisors are reporting an uptick in demand for strategic wealth management, tax-efficient investment vehicles, and international diversification. The firm notes that more clients are actively repositioning assets, taking a long-term approach to hedge against political and economic unpredictability.
“Trump’s policies are keeping markets on edge, and investors are responding by seeking expert guidance to navigate these choppy waters.
“Whether markets rally or recoil from each new announcement, one thing is certain: investors will keep seeking clarity in an era of uncertainty,” concludes Nigel Green.