By Steve Conley of the Academy of Life Planning There are moments when a story returns—not because it was misunderstood, but because it was never fully told. City watchdog accused over ‘hidden credit lines’ in swaps scandal: Calls grow for judge-led inquiry into the Financial Conduct Authority’s role in mis-selling that devastated thousands of small … Continue reading Hidden Credit Lines, Hidden Power: Why the Swaps Scandal Isn’t Over — and What It Reveals About Financial Control
Month: April 2026
Savvy the Squirrel Has a Conflict of Interest — And It’s Not Being Disclosed
There is something deeply uncomfortable about the UK’s latest push to “close the investing gap.” Not because encouraging financial engagement is wrong.But because the way it is being done risks breaching the very principles designed to protect consumers. At the centre of the campaign sits a friendly, disarming character—“Savvy the Squirrel.”A mascot designed to make … Continue reading Savvy the Squirrel Has a Conflict of Interest — And It’s Not Being Disclosed
Renewal or Recycling? What Falling Adviser Age Really Signals
The industry is celebrating. A younger adviser profile.More academy entrants.A narrative of “renewal.” On the surface, it sounds like progress. For over a decade, the average UK adviser has been around 57–58.Recent data suggests that’s now falling into the late 40s—but with half the profession still over 50 and fewer than 6% under 30, this … Continue reading Renewal or Recycling? What Falling Adviser Age Really Signals
The Advice Industry Is Shrinking. But Not for the Reason You Think.
The Financial Conduct Authority has just confirmed what many in the profession have been sensing for years: A 15% fall in adviser firms since 2021 No meaningful growth in adviser numbers (~31,000) Half of all client assets controlled by just 1% of firms Only 9% of UK adults receiving regulated advice On the surface, this … Continue reading The Advice Industry Is Shrinking. But Not for the Reason You Think.
SJP BSP Shock Moment Checklist
For advisers facing first “debt recovery” contact Before You Attend That First Meeting — Read This In many cases, the initial “debt recovery” meeting is not a neutral conversation. You may find yourself facing two individuals: A regional manager (familiar, measured, supportive tone) A collections or recovery specialist (more direct, procedural, outcome-focused) This pairing can … Continue reading SJP BSP Shock Moment Checklist
From Dependency to Agency: Using AI to Unlock Human Potential
There was a time—not long ago—when access to knowledge was the preserve of institutions. If you wanted expertise, you went to the expert.If you wanted guidance, you deferred to authority.If you wanted to make a major life decision, you were expected to rely on someone else to interpret complexity on your behalf. That model shaped … Continue reading From Dependency to Agency: Using AI to Unlock Human Potential
Most People Don’t Understand Their Defined Benefit Pension. Now They Can.
We have built something we should have built years ago The AoLP Occupational Pension Planning Engine gives defined benefit pension scheme members the ability to understand their entitlements, explore their options, and make informed decisions — without waiting for an adviser appointment that may never come. By Steve Conley · Academy of Life Planning · … Continue reading Most People Don’t Understand Their Defined Benefit Pension. Now They Can.
Total Wealth Plans: The Emergence of Financial Agency in the Age of AI
There is a quiet shift underway in financial planning—one that is easy to miss if you are looking in the wrong place. Much of the current narrative is focused on how artificial intelligence will improve financial advice. Faster modelling, better segmentation, more efficient delivery. The assumption remains largely intact: that individuals require ongoing guidance from … Continue reading Total Wealth Plans: The Emergence of Financial Agency in the Age of AI
The Wrong Question: Why Financial Resilience Is Being Misdiagnosed — and What We Should Measure Instead
Only 20% of people feel on track financially. That is the headline finding from a recent industry survey on financial resilience. At first glance, it is concerning.Look closer, and it becomes something else entirely: A reflection not just of financial anxiety—but of a flawed way of measuring it. Because embedded within the survey is an … Continue reading The Wrong Question: Why Financial Resilience Is Being Misdiagnosed — and What We Should Measure Instead
Agentic AI Won’t Close the Advice Gap — It Will Expose It
There’s a quiet shift happening in financial services. AI firms are now building what they call “agentic operating systems”—platforms designed to automate workflows, increase adviser capacity, and scale advice delivery. On the surface, it sounds like progress. And to be fair—technically—it is. But strategically? It may be solving the wrong problem entirely. The Industry’s Framing: … Continue reading Agentic AI Won’t Close the Advice Gap — It Will Expose It
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