The number of active financial adviser clients grew last year after dropping in 2013, a new Investment Trends survey shows.

There were 2.5 million active clients last year, up from 2.4 million the previous year.

The upturn follows a decline from 3 million since 2010.

Investment Trends Analyst King Loong Choi says the survey of 6256 Australians finds people are getting more from their relationships with advisers.

“This has driven a natural uplift in client referrals,” he said.

The survey also shows more people intend to seek financial advice within the next two years, up to 1.9 million from 1.5 million in 2013.

“The increase in demand for financial advice is partly driven by Australians becoming more concerned about their finances,” Mr Choi said.

“In particular, Australians are more worried about the adequacy of their retirement savings, the impact of inflation and managing their cashflow.”