While some investors promote Bitcoin as a revolutionary asset or hedge against systemic failure, I see something far more troubling — a slow-motion Ponzi scheme, enriching early adopters at the expense of future generations. While I respect the curiosity and critical thinking that Bitcoin inspires in many, I remain deeply sceptical. To me, Bitcoin is … Continue reading 💬 My Position on Bitcoin: A Mirage of Innovation?
Month: June 2025
🏝️ The Isle of Scam: A Systemic Governance Breakdown
“The real scandal isn’t just the fraud—it’s the silence of those paid to prevent it.” When news broke that Wilton Group (Isle of Man) was being investigated by police over money laundering allegations, it barely registered with the mainstream press. But for victims of cross-border pension fraud—especially those caught in the web of QROPS schemes—this … Continue reading 🏝️ The Isle of Scam: A Systemic Governance Breakdown
🔍 Another Regulator. Another Excuse. Another Victim Left Behind.
When the FCA refuses to act on clear evidence of fraud, it’s not just a bureaucratic failure—it’s a betrayal of public trust. Victims like Paul Birch warned the FCA as early as 2017 that a so-called adviser, John Maurice Pye, was fraudulently claiming FCA authorisation. Internal FCA emails acknowledged the evidence. So did the Chartered … Continue reading 🔍 Another Regulator. Another Excuse. Another Victim Left Behind.
AI Won’t Wait — And Neither Should You
When it comes to preparing for an AI-powered future, Gen Z has been left hanging.Schools aren’t teaching it. Employers aren’t training for it. Policymakers are watching from the sidelines. And yet, AI is transforming the world of work — right now. According to a recent Gallup and Walton Family Foundation report, while 43% of Heartland … Continue reading AI Won’t Wait — And Neither Should You
Regulatory Silence, Revolving Doors, and the Great Pension Betrayal
“Any organisation that prioritises being within the rules over doing the right thing will not stand up to scrutiny for long.”– Andrew Bailey, FCA Annual Public Meeting, July 2019 While victims of pension fraud pleaded for justice, the silence from Britain’s top regulators grew louder. What began as isolated complaints has become a national disgrace: … Continue reading Regulatory Silence, Revolving Doors, and the Great Pension Betrayal
Financial Education in Schools: Why the Law Must Change
By Steve Conley, Founder of the Academy of Life Planning Early Investment: Why Human Capital Matters Most At the Academy of Life Planning, we advocate for a definition of wealth that goes beyond bank balances. The CFA Institute’s 2024 study Lifetime Financial Advice: A Personalized Optimal Multilevel Approach defines total wealth as: Total Wealth = … Continue reading Financial Education in Schools: Why the Law Must Change
🎩 “Meet the Advice CIO?” Or Meet the Unaccountable Power Behind £16bn?
By Steve Conley | Academy of Life Planning A recent Citywire profile introduces Dean Cheeseman as the newly empowered Chief Investment Officer at Mattioli Woods, now steering over £16bn of client assets. It paints the picture of a once-‘directionless’ accounting student turned titan of investment advice, just as Mattioli Woods announces a merger with Kingswood … Continue reading 🎩 “Meet the Advice CIO?” Or Meet the Unaccountable Power Behind £16bn?
🧭 India Just Drew a Line — Should the UK Follow?
SEBI, India’s financial regulator, has made a bold and principled move: disentangling financial advice from product distribution. It ruled that Mutual Fund Distributors (MFDs) must not describe themselves as “financial advisers” or “planners” unless they’re formally registered as fee-only fiduciaries (RIAs). Why? Because doing so misleads the public, confuses roles, and masks conflicts of interest. … Continue reading 🧭 India Just Drew a Line — Should the UK Follow?
🧊 Freezing at the Core: Why the FCA Targets Abroad While Ignoring the Fire at Home
This week, the FCA took centre stage with FT Adviser headlines declaring a global crackdown on “illegal finfluencers.” As part of a coordinated international effort, the regulator claims to have issued dozens of warnings, takedown requests, and cease-and-desist letters—heralding its commitment to protecting consumers from rogue financial promotions online. Yet, while the FCA polices Instagram … Continue reading 🧊 Freezing at the Core: Why the FCA Targets Abroad While Ignoring the Fire at Home
The Great Pension Heist: Are Our Retirement Savings Being Looted?
By Steve ConleyFounder, Academy of Life Planning "They say it's putting money in people’s pockets — but like the artful pickpocket, they’re actually taking it out." Today’s unveiling of the UK government’s Pension Schemes Bill has been lauded in headlines as a “game-changer,” a “blockbuster,” even a “revolution” for savers. But scratch beneath the surface … Continue reading The Great Pension Heist: Are Our Retirement Savings Being Looted?
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