In defence of the ordinary saver—and against the captured State. They’re at it again. Just when you thought your savings were safe, Chancellor Rachel Reeves bows to the City fat cats on Cannon Street. With the smug blessing of the lobbying elite, she’s plotting to shift your hard-earned savings from the relative safety of banks … Continue reading Your Money or Your Life: The Great ISA Heist
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Why Networks Are Wrong to Block ARs from Running Generic IFA Side Hustles
In the UK, networks of financial advisers are increasingly pushing back against appointed representative (AR) firms looking to run side ventures offering generic independent financial advice (IFA) services. The standard objection? “It’s a compliance risk.” The reasoning? These activities lie in the blurry borderlands of the FCA perimeter and detract from the focus on the … Continue reading Why Networks Are Wrong to Block ARs from Running Generic IFA Side Hustles
Schroders Shifts Focus to Advised Channel: A New Era for Financial Advice?
By Steve Conley | Academy of Life Planning In a notable strategic pivot, Schroders has pulled back from its direct-to-consumer (D2C) ambitions, doubling down on its commitment to the advised channel through Benchmark Capital. This move is not just a tactical adjustment—it could reshape the economics of financial advice in the UK. The rationale is … Continue reading Schroders Shifts Focus to Advised Channel: A New Era for Financial Advice?
From Earnings to Impact: Redefining Human Capital through Holistic Wealth Planning
From Earnings to Impact: Redefining Human Capital through Holistic Wealth Planning By Steve Conley In the conventional world of financial planning, human capital is often reduced to a mathematical abstraction—the present value of future earnings. This narrow view, rooted in neoclassical economic thought, fails to capture the full spectrum of human potential and the expansive … Continue reading From Earnings to Impact: Redefining Human Capital through Holistic Wealth Planning
Your Money or Your Life: When Silence Costs Everything
Why UK Financial Services Must Embrace Independent Whistleblowing Before Trust Collapses Entirely 🕯️ For the ones who spoke up—and were crushed by the system.For the ones who stayed silent—because they knew what happens to the brave.For every truth-teller this industry pretends not to hear. The Injustice Unmasked One in five whistleblowing reports in 2024 involved … Continue reading Your Money or Your Life: When Silence Costs Everything
The Academy of Life Planning: A New Paradigm for Wealth and Wellbeing
At the Academy of Life Planning (AoLP), we start with a powerful, people-first premise: 90% of people, 90% of the time, can manage their own wealth and wellbeing — if they have the right support. Our mission is to provide that support in an empowering, ethical, and accessible way. We believe that true wealth is … Continue reading The Academy of Life Planning: A New Paradigm for Wealth and Wellbeing
Distorted Data and Dangerous Ambitions: Why the Investment Industry’s Latest Push Should Concern Us All
Another week, another investment industry survey. This time, the Investment Association (IA) is sounding the alarm that "one in five Brits lack investment knowledge." Their proposed solution? Ramp up investment product sales until 75% of the population is participating in capital markets—regardless of whether individuals have sufficient savings, whether investments are the right tool for … Continue reading Distorted Data and Dangerous Ambitions: Why the Investment Industry’s Latest Push Should Concern Us All
From Policy Capture to Public Interest: Rebalancing the FCA’s Objectives for a Fairer Financial System
By Steve Conley, Founder of the Academy of Life Planning When the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) was established, its primary duty was clear: to protect consumers. Yet in recent years, a troubling shift has emerged—one that places industry growth above public interest, leaving victims of financial crime struggling for redress and reform. This is no … Continue reading From Policy Capture to Public Interest: Rebalancing the FCA’s Objectives for a Fairer Financial System
Breaking the Silence: How to Navigate External Gatekeepers and Raise a Serious Grievance with an MP as a Victim of Financial Crime
By Steve Conley, Academy of Life Planning When you’ve been the victim of financial crime, the journey toward justice can feel like a long, lonely road. Often, the first instinct is to turn to your Member of Parliament (MP) for help—after all, they’re elected to serve and represent their constituents. But what happens when your … Continue reading Breaking the Silence: How to Navigate External Gatekeepers and Raise a Serious Grievance with an MP as a Victim of Financial Crime
Your Money or Your Life: Why 97% of Whistleblowers Are Silenced
From truth-tellers to targets—how the system punishes the brave and protects the corrupt. For the ones who dared to speak up—and were met with silence.For the ones who uncovered fraud—and paid for it with their careers.For the ones who fought for integrity—and were labelled the problem. This is for you. The Injustice Unmasked 97%. That’s … Continue reading Your Money or Your Life: Why 97% of Whistleblowers Are Silenced
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