Pyxis Mobile, a US wireless communications firm, said a survey it carried out among financial advisors showed that 85 per cent of them cannot access client relationship management systems at the present time, but a third expect to do so later this year.

Some 58 per cent of advisors do not access email on their mobile devices but 64 per cent of survey respondents said they will access email remotely within a year's time. Meanwhile, 35 per cent will have a mobile connection some time this year in order to stay in touch with all aspects of their client relationships.

Developments in hand-held technologies, such as the now ubiquitous Blackberry or iPhone devices, for example, are helping to push financial transactions and client relationship information to the mobile arena.

"The survey clearly demonstrates that advisors are mobilizing," said Todd Christy, chief technology officer of Pyxis Mobile.

"Financial advisors rely on strong client relationships, up-to-date market information, and a deep understanding of their investment profiles. Mobile applications empower advisors in each of these key areas, especially as they increase their prospecting and client-facing activities."