The financial services sector has just seen a significant development: the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society of the UK has joined the Chartered Body Alliance. This partnership, which already includes the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI), the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), and the Chartered Banker Institute, now represents nearly 225,000 professionals. The addition … Continue reading CFA UK Joins the Chartered Body Alliance: A Step Towards Holistic Financial Planning
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.
Whose Voice Matters Most? Consumers, Regulation, and the Fight for Fairness
When it comes to financial regulation, consumers should always come first. Protecting them is—or at least should be—the primary objective of any regulatory body. But is that truly what’s happening in the UK today? Increasingly, it feels like the voices of ordinary people are being drowned out by the deafening lobbying power of financial institutions. … Continue reading Whose Voice Matters Most? Consumers, Regulation, and the Fight for Fairness
Revealing Your True Self: Pulling Back the Veils of Illusion
As a Game Plan practitioner, one of the most profound aspects of our work is guiding individuals to uncover their true selves. This transformative process involves pulling back two significant veils that obscure our deeper essence and purpose. By understanding these veils and the illusions they create, we begin a journey of self-discovery that leads … Continue reading Revealing Your True Self: Pulling Back the Veils of Illusion
Unmasking the Highway Robbers: Your Chance to Make a Difference
For too long, a shadow has loomed over the financial services industry. Stories of exploitation, regulatory blind spots, and unchecked malpractice have left many feeling powerless, unheard, and robbed of what is rightfully theirs. But now, there’s a growing movement to shine a light on these injustices, and you can be part of the change. … Continue reading Unmasking the Highway Robbers: Your Chance to Make a Difference
Stay One Step Ahead: Protect Yourself from Fraud in 2025
Fraud has become the most prevalent crime in the UK, affecting millions and causing significant financial and emotional distress. Understanding the current landscape and learning how to protect yourself is crucial. The Current Landscape of Fraud in the UK Recent data reveals that fraud constitutes approximately 40% of all crimes in England and Wales, with … Continue reading Stay One Step Ahead: Protect Yourself from Fraud in 2025
Why It’s Time to Stop Fraud Shaming
Fraud is the most commonly experienced crime in the UK, with millions of incidents reported each year. Yet, beyond the financial loss, victims often carry an additional, unseen burden: the shame and embarrassment of having been deceived. This emotional weight can prevent victims from seeking help, reporting the crime, or even talking about their experience. … Continue reading Why It’s Time to Stop Fraud Shaming
From Financial Planning to Holistic Wealth Planning: A Broader Perspective
A fellow Chartered Financial Planner recently shared a thought-provoking post titled, "WTF is Financial Planning?!" It described a solid approach to traditional financial planning—covering goals, managing resources, and ensuring a balance between living well and preparing for the future. While it was a great outline for what many consider "best practice," it made me reflect … Continue reading From Financial Planning to Holistic Wealth Planning: A Broader Perspective
Bridging the Empowerment Gap: Why Financial Empowerment, Not Advice, is the Future
For too long, the financial services industry has focused on solving the wrong problem. The buzzword has been the “advice gap” — a perceived lack of accessible financial advice for the masses. But the truth is, the real issue isn’t advice; it’s empowerment. People don’t need to be sold financial products disguised as solutions. They … Continue reading Bridging the Empowerment Gap: Why Financial Empowerment, Not Advice, is the Future
Creating Clarity in Financial Services: Why Role Definitions Matter
In financial markets worldwide, establishing clear distinctions between different service providers is essential to ensure transparency, fairness, and better outcomes for investors. By setting specific roles and responsibilities, regulators and industry leaders create an environment where individuals can confidently make financial decisions, knowing they are based on unbiased and accurate guidance. Why Clear Role Definitions … Continue reading Creating Clarity in Financial Services: Why Role Definitions Matter
Why Do 80% of Financial Advisers Want to Expand Auto-Enrolment? A Closer Look at the Debate
In a recent survey by fintech firm iPipeline, over 80% of financial advisers expressed support for changes to the UK’s auto-enrolment pension system. Many called for a lower minimum age and higher contributions, aiming to bring more people into the fold. Some called for dropping the Lower Earnings Limit deduction and the trigger point to … Continue reading Why Do 80% of Financial Advisers Want to Expand Auto-Enrolment? A Closer Look at the Debate
Academy of Life Planning 