Introduction For over half a century, the financial services industry has been plagued by a litany of mis-selling scandals. From endowments and pensions to precipice bonds and unregulated collective investment schemes, the list is extensive and disheartening. Despite regulatory oversight, the problem persists, leaving investors vulnerable and eroding public trust. This article delves into the … Continue reading The Persistent Problem of Financial Mis-selling and the Emergence of Non-Intermediating Financial Planning →

Introduction In the hustle and bustle of modern life, we often find ourselves striving to control every aspect of our existence. However, the ancient Taoist concept of Wei Wu Wei, which translates to "action without action," offers a counterintuitive approach. This philosophy encourages us to let go and allow good things to happen naturally, a … Continue reading The Wisdom of Wei Wu Wei: Letting Good Things Happen →

Living to the age of 100 is a milestone many aspire to, but few achieve. But what if the path to longevity is not in the latest fad diet or superfood but in our social connections and lifestyle choices? Research from 'Blue Zones' sheds light on this fascinating connection between whole-person wellbeing and longevity. See … Continue reading The Pursuit of Whole-Person Wellbeing: Unlocking the Secrets of the Blue Zones →

Ah, St. James's Place (SJP), the epitome of financial sophistication—or so they'd like you to believe. In the last two years, the company has seen its share price halved. No, that's not a typo. Halved. And why, you ask? Let's take a leisurely stroll down the rabbit hole. The Tip of the Iceberg First, we … Continue reading The Unveiling of SJP’s Pandora’s Box: A Fair Value Assessment Review That’s Anything But Fair →

Introduction The financial landscape is ever-changing, and the recent introduction of 'Consumer Duty' regulations has led many advice firms to re-evaluate their client relationships. Unfortunately, this has resulted in some diaspora clients being let go by their advisers, often on the grounds that the relationship is not financially viable for the firm. If you find … Continue reading Navigating the Financial Wilderness: A Guide for Diaspora Clients Left Behind by Their Advisers →

🌟 Hello Esteemed Colleagues and Fellow Visionaries! 🌟 I trust you're all doing well and navigating these challenging times with resilience and optimism. Today, I have some exciting news that could significantly advance our collective mission in the financial planning industry. 🎥 Firstly, A Must-Watch Panel Discussion: How some IFAs steal pensions with impunity! I … Continue reading Transforming the Financial Services Industry: A Blueprint for Public Interest →

Introduction St James's Place (SJP), a prominent wealth management firm, has recently been under the spotlight due to its fee structure overhaul. This move comes as a response to regulatory pressures to comply with consumer duty rules. The announcement has had a significant impact on the company's share price, which has dropped by almost 10% … Continue reading St James’s Place: Navigating Regulatory Changes and Market Reactions →

Introduction The financial planning sector has long been accustomed to ad valorem pricing models, particularly those based on assets under management (AUM). However, a recent report by TCC Insights has put these models under the spotlight, questioning their fairness and compliance with the newly enforced Consumer Duty regulation. This article delves into the key issues … Continue reading Ad Valorem Pricing Models Under Scrutiny: A Deep Dive into Regulatory Expectations and Fair Value →

Introduction The financial planning landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, with traditional intermediating financial planners facing increasing pressure on multiple fronts. A recent study by NextWealth reveals a decline in advice fees for the first time in five years, from 2% to 1.75%. This comes at a time when the cost of doing business remains … Continue reading The Future of Financial Planning: Will Non-Intermediating Models Overtake Traditional Advisers? →

By Steve Conley, Founder of the Academy of Life Planning Recent research by LiveMore has laid bare a concerning reality: nearly 59% of people between the ages of 50 and 79 mistrust financial services providers. This statistic is not just a number; it represents individuals whose lives are being negatively impacted by a lack of … Continue reading The Urgent Need for Trust and Transparency in Financial Services →