By Steve Conley | Academy of Life Planning Something important is happening in financial regulation. And most people won’t see it. Because on the surface, it looks like progress. Faster authorisations Smarter use of data AI-driven oversight Clearer communication with firms The Financial Conduct Authority calls it becoming a “smarter regulator.” And to be fair—there … Continue reading The System Is Becoming Easier to Comply With… But Not Necessarily Safer to Participate In
Author: Steve Conley
Steve Conley brings over four decades of innovation and expertise to the forefront of financial planning. As the founder and driving force behind the Academy of Life Planning and HapNav Ltd, Steve has been a pivotal figure in transforming financial services to be more democratic and decentralised. His role as a Game Plan Practitioner, Coach, Mentor, Speaker, and Author of "Your Money or Your Life: Unmask the Highway Robbers - Enjoy Wealth in Every Area of Your Life" underlines his comprehensive approach to financial education.
The Academy of Life Planning, hailed as the "Most Pioneering Financial Planner Network," reflects Steve's commitment to fostering transparency, integrity, and accessibility. This institution serves as a testament to his dedication to enhancing the financial planning landscape.
Under Steve's innovative leadership, HapNav Ltd has launched groundbreaking advancements, including the first end-user financial planning app integrated with open banking. This app guides users towards achieving 'Kokoro'—a life rich in financial, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual abundance.
Recently, Steve introduced "Planning My Life" and "Financial Life Coach"—services that extend his ethos into practical, impactful tools for financial autonomy. "Planning My Life" offers an affordable subscription model, giving members access to an AI Life Planner, comprehensive resources, and expert insights. These initiatives epitomise Steve’s commitment to empowering individuals, nurturing community growth, and contributing significantly to global efforts to eradicate poverty.
Steve's journey is more than a career; it's a steadfast crusade to revolutionise financial education and planning, creating a world where financial wellbeing is not just attainable, but enriches every aspect of our lives. Contact steve.conley@aolp.co.uk.
The Future of Wealth Planning Isn’t Financial—It’s Human
Why Total Wealth Planners must integrate Human Capital Plans with Financial Capital Plans to create true Total Capital For decades, financial planning has been built on a narrow premise: 👉 Optimise the money. Assets. Portfolios. Tax wrappers. Withdrawal strategies. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: That’s only half the equation. Because the largest, most dynamic, and … Continue reading The Future of Wealth Planning Isn’t Financial—It’s Human
When Justice Doesn’t Come: The Hidden Identity Crisis Behind Financial Harm
Not everyone who loses money loses their life. But some do. Not because of the money. Because they cannot find a way to live as the person they have become. The Loss No One Sees When people experience financial harm—especially through betrayal, mis-selling, or institutional failure—the visible loss is measured in pounds. But beneath that … Continue reading When Justice Doesn’t Come: The Hidden Identity Crisis Behind Financial Harm
The Six Traits That Determine Whether You’re Ready to Become a Total Wealth Planner
“Financial planning is not being disrupted by technology.It is being exposed by it.” There’s a growing conversation in financial services about skills. Assessments.Frameworks.Competency models. They all ask a version of the same question: “Do you have what it takes to become a financial adviser?” But this question belongs to an old world. Because it assumes: … Continue reading The Six Traits That Determine Whether You’re Ready to Become a Total Wealth Planner
The Future of Wealth Isn’t Financial—It’s Human
While financial advice is still optimising assets, the world’s leading companies are investing in people. That gap is where the future of planning now sits. And most of the profession hasn’t noticed. A Quiet Shift Is Already Underway A new 2026 report from Stanford’s Learning Society and UVA Darden—“The Future is Now”—interviewed senior HR and … Continue reading The Future of Wealth Isn’t Financial—It’s Human
The Transparency Illusion: Why Financial Advice Still Isn’t Structurally Trustworthy
“If clients don’t understand how they pay you, they cannot truly trust what they receive.” A new study from Unbiased has revealed something the financial advice industry can no longer ignore. 1 in 5 advised clients don’t understand how they pay for advice 70% of advisers do not publish their fees online 37% of advisers … Continue reading The Transparency Illusion: Why Financial Advice Still Isn’t Structurally Trustworthy
Why Every Total Wealth Plan Must Start with Human Capital
Because without it, you’re not planning wealth—you’re managing decline. For decades, financial planning has focused on one narrow question: “How do we allocate financial capital?” But the research is unequivocal: The primary driver of economic growth, income, and long-term prosperity is not financial capital—it is human capital. And yet… Most financial plans barely acknowledge it. … Continue reading Why Every Total Wealth Plan Must Start with Human Capital
“Clients Are Bringing ChatGPT Into the Advice Meeting. Good.”
The real risk isn’t AI. It’s what happens when clients start thinking for themselves. There’s a quiet shift happening in financial advice. It didn’t start with regulation.It didn’t start with Consumer Duty.And it won’t be solved by another compliance framework. It started when the client walked into the meeting…with ChatGPT open. 🔹 The Headline Everyone … Continue reading “Clients Are Bringing ChatGPT Into the Advice Meeting. Good.”
Apocalypse Now? No. The Power Shift Has Already Happened.
There’s a familiar pattern playing out across financial services. Panic.Denial.Then debate. “Will AI destroy financial data firms?”“Are incumbents safe?”“Is this the end—or just another hype cycle?” It’s the wrong conversation. Because while the industry argues about who owns the pipes…the flow of power has already changed direction. The Industry Is Fighting the Wrong War The … Continue reading Apocalypse Now? No. The Power Shift Has Already Happened.
Are You Good Enough to Be an Adviser… Or Is the System Good Enough for You?
“Most people don’t lack potential.They lack the right frame to see it clearly.” There’s a new wave of career messaging in financial services. It’s polished.It’s optimistic.And it asks a compelling question: “Are you good enough to become a financial adviser?” At first glance, this feels empowering. But if you look more closely, something deeper is … Continue reading Are You Good Enough to Be an Adviser… Or Is the System Good Enough for You?
Academy of Life Planning 