While thousands of British citizens await justice after being financially exploited, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) takes another hollow victory lap—this time, trumpeting the guilty plea of an 85-year-old man who defrauded investors of just over £1 million. The FCA’s statement? “Identifying and disrupting criminals who abuse people’s trust for their own gain is a … Continue reading One Bad Apple? The FCA’s Reputation Washing Trick Again
Month: June 2025
Targeted Support: The Return of Product Pushing, Dressed as Progress
By Steve ConleyFounder, Academy of Life Planning "You cannot heal what you refuse to name. You cannot empower people while keeping them dependent." On 30 June 2025, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) unveiled its “once-in-a-generation” targeted support reforms. The industry hails it as a breakthrough. I call it what it truly is — a return … Continue reading Targeted Support: The Return of Product Pushing, Dressed as Progress
The Hidden Design: What the World’s Ruling Class Doesn’t Want You to Remember
"Human beings interpret change in different ways—some through logic and evidence, others through intuition, cycles, and symbols. What follows may not resonate with everyone, but for many, the transition from the Age of Pisces to the Age of Aquarius offers a compelling lens to understand what's unfolding in finance, politics, and society. Whether literal or … Continue reading The Hidden Design: What the World’s Ruling Class Doesn’t Want You to Remember
From Delegation to Self-Realisation: Why Financial Planning Must Evolve with the Age
"Human beings interpret change in different ways—some through logic and evidence, others through intuition, cycles, and symbols. What follows may not resonate with everyone, but for many, the transition from the Age of Pisces to the Age of Aquarius offers a compelling lens to understand what's unfolding in finance, politics, and society. Whether literal or … Continue reading From Delegation to Self-Realisation: Why Financial Planning Must Evolve with the Age
🌱 Academy Case Study: From Disillusionment to Planet-Positive Planning
The Five Truths of Trustworthy Advice: The client is the customer — not their money. You plan the client before you plan the money— in a productive cycle. You model total wealth — human and financial capital — against lifetime liabilities. The goal is not wealth, but whole-person well-being — mind, body, heart, and spirit. … Continue reading 🌱 Academy Case Study: From Disillusionment to Planet-Positive Planning
Filling the Pockets of Citizens: A Better Growth Strategy for Britain
As we brace for yet another Mansion House speech, we already know what’s coming. Once again, the City will pitch its well-rehearsed line: that economic growth depends on feeding financial capital—diverting wealth from citizens into markets so the financial sector can extract its cut in fees. But despite years of trying, this strategy isn’t delivering. … Continue reading Filling the Pockets of Citizens: A Better Growth Strategy for Britain
Are the Ages Going Backwards? Why It Matters More Than You Think
"Human beings interpret change in different ways—some through logic and evidence, others through intuition, cycles, and symbols. What follows may not resonate with everyone, but for many, the transition from the Age of Pisces to the Age of Aquarius offers a compelling lens to understand what's unfolding in finance, politics, and society. Whether literal or … Continue reading Are the Ages Going Backwards? Why It Matters More Than You Think
“Job Done”: FCA Confirms Deregulation Agenda Complete—But at What Cost to the Public?
By Steve Conley | 27 June 2025 This week, FCA CEO Nikhil Rathi stood before the City’s most powerful lobbyists and declared “mission accomplished.” Deregulation demands? Delivered. Compensation levies? Down. Compliance burdens? Dismantled. In a speech at TheCityUK’s annual conference, Rathi confirmed what many suspected: the regulator is no longer regulating for risk—it's regulating for … Continue reading “Job Done”: FCA Confirms Deregulation Agenda Complete—But at What Cost to the Public?
Lifeboats Are Not Built as a Push For More Risk Taking: A Warning to the FSCS on Growth and Risk
“"Lifeguards don’t encourage sailors to sail into storms—they stand ready when the worst happens. The job is rescue, not risk." The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) was never designed to be a vehicle for economic growth. It is, at its core, a lifeboat—activated only when the ship of financial regulation springs a leak and consumers … Continue reading Lifeboats Are Not Built as a Push For More Risk Taking: A Warning to the FSCS on Growth and Risk
🎓 The Rise of the Professional Finfluencer: A Voice Missing From the Debate
When the financial industry talks about finfluencers, the narrative is often limited to enthusiastic amateurs on TikTok or Instagram sharing money-saving tips and viral videos about tax codes. While these influencers are helping raise awareness among the 91% of UK adults not served by traditional advisers, there’s a glaring omission in the debate. Where are … Continue reading 🎓 The Rise of the Professional Finfluencer: A Voice Missing From the Debate
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