The majority of financial planners expect their business to grow by at least 15 per cent a year over the next three to five years, according to a new survey.

Out of 230 businesses surveyed, 43 per cent predict growth of more than 25 per cent a year within this period, while 26 per cent of respondents expect an expansion of between 15 to 25 per cent.

The survey was conducted in September 2008 by Business Health on behalf of National Australia Bank's business bank Financial Planner Banking team and the MLC Adviser Business Centre.

"We expect this healthy optimism is due to advisers anticipating increased demand for their services, due to the ageing Australian population requiring more specialised support, and more Australians seeking advice in response to the difficult financial environment," MLC Adviser Business Centre national manager Bob Neill said.

Of the businesses that expected growth, the vast majority said this would be realized through organic growth. Only 30 per cent of participants said they planned to grow through acquisitions.

Despite the optimism about future growth financial planning, Neill warned businesses to run a tight ship and watch their cash flow and profitability closely.

"To support their growth, businesses should review their plans regularly to ensure they are still valid and achievable, taking into consideration worst-case, likely-case and best-case scenarios," he said.