By Steve Conley In April 2026, the Personal Finance Society (PFS) announced that it had achieved a significant milestone: more than 500 new entrants recruited into its Pathway to the Profession initiative. Backed by a £1 million investment from PFS, the programme has been positioned as a bold step forward—lowering barriers to entry, widening participation, … Continue reading The Pipeline Question: Are We Building a Profession—or Feeding a System?
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.
Restoring Human Agency—Before, During, and After Financial Harm
By the Academy of Life Planning | http://www.academyoflifeplanning.com A Total Wealth Planner is someone who has restored their human agency—able to think clearly, act independently, and navigate life, money, and uncertainty without reliance on structurally untrustworthy systems. The Gap We’ve Been Designing Around For decades, financial planning has been framed as a service delivered at … Continue reading Restoring Human Agency—Before, During, and After Financial Harm
AI Won’t Cut Headcount in Financial Planning… Or Will It?
A recent industry survey suggests that nearly 70% of financial planning firms do not expect artificial intelligence to reduce headcount this year. At first glance, that sounds reassuring. Stable. Even optimistic. But look a little closer, and a different picture begins to emerge—not one of stability, but of transition. What the Industry Is Saying The … Continue reading AI Won’t Cut Headcount in Financial Planning… Or Will It?
Restoring Human Agency in a Structurally Untrustworthy World
Restoring Human Agency in a Structurally Untrustworthy World A Total Wealth Planner is someone who has restored their human agency—able to think clearly, act independently, and navigate life, money, and uncertainty without reliance on structurally untrustworthy systems. The Problem We Rarely Name We live in a world where trust is assumed—but too often misplaced. Financial … Continue reading Restoring Human Agency in a Structurally Untrustworthy World
AI Can Cut Advice Admin to Seconds — But That’s Not the Real Story
By Steve Conley, Academy of Life Planning A recent industry piece featuring Bravura Solutions makes a bold claim: artificial intelligence could reduce core adviser tasks from hours to seconds. They’re right. But they’re also missing the point. This is not an efficiency story.It’s a structural shift in who holds power, who makes decisions, and what … Continue reading AI Can Cut Advice Admin to Seconds — But That’s Not the Real Story
When Judges Use AI… What It Means for You
There’s been a quiet but important shift in the UK courts. Senior judges are now openly using artificial intelligence as part of their day-to-day work. Not to decide cases—but to improve clarity, reduce error, and increase efficiency. That matters. Because it shows where AI is genuinely useful—and where the boundaries still sit. The judiciary has … Continue reading When Judges Use AI… What It Means for You
Hidden Credit Lines, Hidden Power: Why the Swaps Scandal Isn’t Over — and What It Reveals About Financial Control
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
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.
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