Martin Sinclair sat at his desk, looking out over the cityscape from his corner office. It was a view he had cherished for over three decades, serving as a financial planner specialising in the intricate needs of medical professionals and dentists. Today, however, was different. It was his last day as an FCA-regulated financial intermediary. … Continue reading The Retirement of Martin Sinclair: A Journey from Financial Intermediary to Life Planner
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.
Transitioning from FCA-Regulated Intermediation to Meaningful Generic Financial Planning: A New Paradigm for Independent Financial Advisers
As Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs) navigate the evolving landscape of financial planning, a significant shift is occurring. Increasingly, both advisers and their clients are recognising the benefits of moving away from FCA-regulated intermediation to a more holistic and meaningful generic financial planning approach. This transition not only offers a smoother lifestyle for advisers but also … Continue reading Transitioning from FCA-Regulated Intermediation to Meaningful Generic Financial Planning: A New Paradigm for Independent Financial Advisers
The Growing Concern of Impact-Washing in Social Investing
The Growing Concern of Impact-Washing in Social Investing At the Academy of Life Planning, we are dedicated to fostering transparency, integrity, and true social value in financial planning. Recently, a thought-provoking article by Mick McAteer of the Financial Inclusion Centre has brought to light a significant issue in the social investing sector: impact-washing. As champions … Continue reading The Growing Concern of Impact-Washing in Social Investing
The Timeless Truth: Uncovering the Universal Framework of Human Spirituality
Introduction Throughout history, humanity has sought to understand the nature of the divine, the cosmos, and our place within it. One profound concept that has emerged in this quest is Prisca Theologia, or "ancient theology." Prisca Theologia posits that a single, universal truth lies at the heart of all major religious and esoteric traditions. This … Continue reading The Timeless Truth: Uncovering the Universal Framework of Human Spirituality
Why the Financial Services Industry Must Transform to Regain Public Trust
In recent years, the financial services industry has faced a significant backlash from the public. It's not surprising, considering the industry’s track record of scandals, exploitative products, and confusing jargon designed to obfuscate rather than clarify. The sector has garnered a reputation for prioritising self-interest over client welfare, often leading to high earnings for the … Continue reading Why the Financial Services Industry Must Transform to Regain Public Trust
The Shift to Recurring Fees: A Boon or a Curse for Financial Advisers?
For over a decade, since the Retail Distribution Review (RDR) was implemented, financial advisers have increasingly shifted their commercial models towards recurring fees. Today, two-thirds of the revenue in the UK financial investment advice industry comes from ongoing fees based on assets under management (AUM), amounting to a substantial £3.6 billion annually out of a … Continue reading The Shift to Recurring Fees: A Boon or a Curse for Financial Advisers?
Transforming the Financial Advice Industry into a Holistic Financial Planning Profession
Centralised Investment Propositions: The New Norm In the UK, approximately 90% of financial advice firms have adopted centralised investment propositions (CIPs). These are standardised investment strategies or portfolios managed either by the firm itself or a third-party provider. The primary goal is to streamline the investment process and ensure consistency in the advice given to … Continue reading Transforming the Financial Advice Industry into a Holistic Financial Planning Profession
Launch of ChatGPT 4o: Revolutionising Financial LLMs and Customer Service
The financial landscape is on the cusp of a revolutionary transformation with the launch of ChatGPT 4o, a cutting-edge iteration of OpenAI's generative AI technology. This powerful tool promises to redefine the way we manage our financial affairs, offering unprecedented convenience, efficiency, and precision. Imagine a world where your personal Chatbot Concierge seamlessly communicates with … Continue reading Launch of ChatGPT 4o: Revolutionising Financial LLMs and Customer Service
Understanding VAT Exemption and Regulation in UK Financial Planning
Introduction Financial planning is an essential service that helps individuals manage their financial future. However, the VAT treatment of such services in the UK can be complex, influenced by whether they are linked to financial intermediation, which is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This article delves into the intricate relationship between FCA regulations … Continue reading Understanding VAT Exemption and Regulation in UK Financial Planning
The Missing Component of Wellbeing: Spiritual Health
Since Rath and Harter published "Wellbeing: The Five Essential Elements" in 2010, wellbeing has been widely recognised as encompassing five dimensions: Career, Social, Financial, Physical, and Community. Their conclusions were based on an extensive global survey involving two million interviews. Despite the comprehensive nature of their study, there remains a glaring omission that has significant … Continue reading The Missing Component of Wellbeing: Spiritual Health
