Holistic Wealth Planning: The Future of Financial Advice Beyond Products

Imagine sitting down with a city banker—someone on a six-figure salary, comfortably supplemented by annual bonuses. The conversation starts predictably: pension contributions, stock and fund investments, perhaps a foray into Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) or Enterprise Investment Schemes (EISs). Conventional financial planning might recommend maximising these strategies for tax efficiency and long-term growth. But what … Continue reading Holistic Wealth Planning: The Future of Financial Advice Beyond Products

The End of Free Financial Justice? How New Fees Could Undermine Consumer Protection at the Financial Ombudsman Service

Fairness Analysis: The Introduction of Fees for Complainants Seeking Legal Representation at the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) Introduction The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) was founded on the principle that consumers should have free and accessible redress when financial firms treat them unfairly. Historically, its funding model ensured that complainants bore no cost for lodging disputes, … Continue reading The End of Free Financial Justice? How New Fees Could Undermine Consumer Protection at the Financial Ombudsman Service

The Death Knell for Asset-Based Adviser Charges: Why Fixed Fees Are the Future

The financial advice industry stands at a critical juncture. The UK government’s decision to bring inherited pensions within the scope of Inheritance Tax (IHT) is not just a tax change; it marks the demise of asset-based adviser charges. With this shift, advisers must adapt—or risk obsolescence. The only sustainable way forward? Fixed-fee advice that prioritises … Continue reading The Death Knell for Asset-Based Adviser Charges: Why Fixed Fees Are the Future