The latest Aviva Adviser Barometer, the first to be held post-RDR, surveyed 900 advisers and found 60 per cent of advisers expected income to increase this year.
However, this was countered by 52 per cent who were concerned over how to remain profitable. This was due to high costs for regulatory fees and professional indemnity insurance.
Some 44 per cent were also worried about losing clients in light of RDR, particularly to the DIY online market.
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Although they were concerned advisers said they were taking steps to protect profitability by increasing their client base or seeking wealthier clients.
Some 40 per cent said they were looking for more clients while 31 per cent said they would focus on high-net worth clients.
Andy Beswick, intermediary director at Aviva, said: "Our latest barometer has found a mixed message, with advisers increasingly concerned about how to remain profitable yet they're also optimistic about their income levels over the next 12 months.
"Their increased concerns about remaining profitable, despite adopting strategies to increase income such as servicing more clients, may come down to worries about the impact of regulatory fees and levies and new rules on commission."

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