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
Author: Steve Conley
Steve Conley is the founder of the Academy of Life Planning, a movement dedicated to restoring human agency in financial planning and helping people navigate life's decisions with greater confidence, capability and independence.
With over 40 years' experience in financial services, Steve has held senior leadership roles with HSBC, Royal Bank of Scotland, Santander and Royal London. A Chartered Financial Planner and Chartered Insurer, he combines deep industry expertise with a passion for challenging systems that leave people unnecessarily dependent on experts.
Steve believes the future of financial planning is not about replacing advisers with artificial intelligence, but using AI to strengthen people's ability to understand, question and make informed decisions for themselves. This philosophy underpins Academy OS, a growing ecosystem of AI-powered tools designed to help individuals, families and planners build capability rather than dependency.
Through the Academy of Life Planning, Steve works with financial planners, organisations and individuals who share a vision of a more transparent, ethical and human-centred approach to planning. His work spans education, research, technology, speaking and professional development, with a focus on creating practical solutions that improve financial capability and restore confidence in decision-making.
Steve is also the creator of the Total Wealth Planner approach, which recognises that a fulfilling life depends on far more than money alone. By integrating financial, personal, social and purpose-driven wellbeing, he helps people pursue what he calls "enough"—a life of balance, resilience and meaning.
As a speaker, mentor and author of *Your Money or Your Life: Unmask the Highway Robbers*, Steve continues to challenge conventional thinking about financial planning, arguing that the profession's greatest opportunity is to move beyond advice alone and become a catalyst for greater human agency.
To learn more or connect with Steve, visit the Academy of Life Planning or email steve@academyoflifeplanning.com.
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
The Academy of Life Planning: Empowering the Next Generation of Holistic Wealth Planners
Welcome to a future-ready approach to financial planning, where your career aligns with your values, and your clients’ lives are genuinely transformed. The Academy of Life Planning (AoLP) offers an inspiring alternative to traditional financial adviser academies, free from product sales targets, regulatory burdens, and corporate red tape. Here, you are not just trained to … Continue reading The Academy of Life Planning: Empowering the Next Generation of Holistic Wealth Planners
Understanding the New IHT Rules for Pension Death Benefits from April 2027: What You Need to Know
From 6 April 2027, pensions will no longer remain untouched by inheritance tax (IHT), marking a significant shift in retirement and estate planning. This new landscape will require pension scheme members to rethink how they manage their savings, beneficiaries, and estate plans. Let’s break down the implications and outline what you can do now to … Continue reading Understanding the New IHT Rules for Pension Death Benefits from April 2027: What You Need to Know
Breaking Away from the Old Paradigm: Financial Planning for a New Generation
For decades, the financial planning profession has operated within a paradigm shaped by product intermediation. The old way trained advisers to act as intermediaries, bridging clients with financial products. While this served a purpose in its time, it left advisers with an incomplete toolkit, particularly for solving life’s bigger, more complex problems. Today, we’re at … Continue reading Breaking Away from the Old Paradigm: Financial Planning for a New Generation
Holistic Wealth Planning: Navigating Life Before Money
Holistic wealth planning isn’t just about managing your finances—it’s about shaping your life, understanding your journey, and aligning your resources with your purpose. At the heart of this approach lies a powerful truth: before you plan your money, you must plan your life. When we closely examine a life plan, we uncover a profound psychological … Continue reading Holistic Wealth Planning: Navigating Life Before Money
Where is the Old-School Financial Planning Model Heading?
The financial planning profession is at a crossroads. For decades, the old-school model dominated—a system where financial planners often doubled as financial advisers, wearing two hats. These professionals combined strategic financial planning with product-driven advice, often charging fees as a percentage of assets under management (AUM). However, cracks are forming in this model, and new … Continue reading Where is the Old-School Financial Planning Model Heading?
HapNav v2.0: Enhancing Your Financial Journey – Upgrade Details
This weekend, on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December 2024, HapNav, the revolutionary Happiness Navigator, will receive a major upgrade! Designed to empower you to take full control of your financial future, HapNav integrates seamlessly with Open Banking to deliver personalised financial planning. Why HapNav?HapNav is more than just a financial planning app. For just … Continue reading HapNav v2.0: Enhancing Your Financial Journey – Upgrade Details
Arthur C. Brooks: A Beacon for Finding Purpose and Fulfilment
At the Academy of Life Planning, we celebrate thought leaders whose ideas align with our mission of helping individuals and practitioners create balanced, purpose-driven lives. Arthur C. Brooks is one such inspiring figure, whose transformative work resonates deeply with our ethos and the principles of the GAME Plan framework. With a unique blend of academic … Continue reading Arthur C. Brooks: A Beacon for Finding Purpose and Fulfilment
Empowering Financial Professionals: Navigating Personal Growth and Purpose Through the Ego-Soul Journey
In the financial services industry, navigating the journey from ego-driven goals to soul-centred purpose can be both challenging and rewarding. Our latest article explores how professionals can embrace personal growth through the stages of individuating, self-actualising, integrating, and ultimately serving. Discover how aligning your career with your values can lead to a life enriched with … Continue reading Empowering Financial Professionals: Navigating Personal Growth and Purpose Through the Ego-Soul Journey
Academy of Life Planning 