In their 2020 report, Smith & Williamson described a sector "in denial". For all the apparent success, in the traditional terms of profit per equity partner and claimed profits, the underlying facts suggested a harsher reality. But was anyone listening?

It's no different now. Announcements still give a lie to the devastation wreaked by COVID-19. So, how are firms really positioned for whatever transition into the 'next normal' demands? A senior partner we spoke with recently sees "intellectual dishonesty" across the sector: do firms really have 'purpose' and is that "denial" more fundamental and enduring?