Targeted Support: The Pitfalls of Prioritising Investment Sales Over Personal Empowerment

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) recently acknowledged a harsh truth: their new "targeted support" measures won’t deliver "perfect advice" for everyone. The initiative aims to encourage more people to invest and take on long-term financial risks. But as we dig deeper, it becomes clear that this approach prioritises financial capital over human capital, raising significant … Continue reading Targeted Support: The Pitfalls of Prioritising Investment Sales Over Personal Empowerment →

Regulatory Oversight or Industry Bias? A Consumer Champion’s Perspective on the FCA Debate

The recent report by the all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on investment fraud and fairer financial services has ignited a critical debate about the effectiveness of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). As customer champions, we believe this discussion highlights systemic issues that cannot be ignored, especially when consumer trust and financial well-being are at stake. At … Continue reading Regulatory Oversight or Industry Bias? A Consumer Champion’s Perspective on the FCA Debate →

CPD Masterclass: The Holistic Financial Planner

Workshop Content: The Holistic Financial PlannerDate: Wednesday, 11th DecemberTime: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM You are invited to a Zoom meeting.When: Dec 11, 2024 02:00 PM London Price: FREE. Register in advance for this meeting: REGISTER HERE > After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Welcome and Overview … Continue reading CPD Masterclass: The Holistic Financial Planner →

Fair Value Assessments for Holistic Wealth Planners: A Practical Guide

Fair value is at the heart of delivering transparent, ethical, and client-focused financial planning services. For holistic wealth planners, especially those not bound by regulated adviser rules, understanding and implementing fair value assessments is essential to create accessible, personalised, and meaningful service offerings. Here’s a guide to structuring fair value assessments that resonate with clients … Continue reading Fair Value Assessments for Holistic Wealth Planners: A Practical Guide →

Why Holistic Wealth Planners Can Benefit from Membership in a Professional Community

As the regulatory landscape for financial services evolves, non-FCA-regulated financial planners—referred to as holistic wealth planners—find themselves navigating a complex environment. While their work is distinct from that of FCA-authorised advisers, there are overlapping considerations, particularly around governance, transparency, and client outcomes. By joining a community of like-minded planners, holistic wealth planners can align with … Continue reading Why Holistic Wealth Planners Can Benefit from Membership in a Professional Community →

Navigating the Boom-and-Bust Cycles of Regulation: Why Holistic Wealth Planning Matters More Than Ever

Regulation in financial services is a bit like the tide—it flows in and out, driven by economic and political currents. These boom-and-bust cycles of regulation impact everything from how your savings are managed to how financial institutions operate. At first glance, regulatory changes might seem distant or irrelevant, but they directly influence the financial well-being … Continue reading Navigating the Boom-and-Bust Cycles of Regulation: Why Holistic Wealth Planning Matters More Than Ever →

Housing Costs in Retirement: A Growing Concern and How to Plan Ahead

Housing is one of the greatest expenses we face in life. Traditionally, many people worked towards owning their homes outright by retirement, achieving a significant reduction in expenses just as earnings stopped. For decades, this milestone has provided financial stability in later life, easing the pressure on pension income. However, the landscape is changing. Increasingly, … Continue reading Housing Costs in Retirement: A Growing Concern and How to Plan Ahead →

The Conflicted Role of the UK Financial Regulator: Who Does the FCA Really Serve?

In the complex web of UK financial regulation, one fundamental truth should be self-evident: the protection of consumers must come first. After all, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) was established with a primary mandate to safeguard the public from harm caused by financial misconduct. However, recent developments have cast a shadow over its ability—and willingness—to … Continue reading The Conflicted Role of the UK Financial Regulator: Who Does the FCA Really Serve? →

Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Conduct Risk: Inside and Outside the Perimeter

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) was established to regulate financial conduct in the UK. As the name suggests, its primary role is to ensure that firms and individuals within its regulatory perimeter act in ways that protect consumers, maintain market integrity, and promote competition. But not all financial planners operate within this perimeter, and understanding … Continue reading Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Conduct Risk: Inside and Outside the Perimeter →

Lighting the Lamp Within: The Power of Inspiration in Life Planning and Tackling the UK’s Worklessness Problem

When planning for our lives, the journey often begins with a spark—an idea, a dream, or a vision that inspires us. Inspiration is not just a feel-good sentiment; it is a powerful force that shapes our actions and drives us toward our goals. Tony Robbins famously said, "People aren't inherently lazy; they just fail to … Continue reading Lighting the Lamp Within: The Power of Inspiration in Life Planning and Tackling the UK’s Worklessness Problem →