A new “degree apprenticeship” route into financial advice has just been launched by the London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF) and Future Financial Adviser (FFA). It promises an appealing blend of “earn while you learn” opportunities, government-funded qualifications, and a fast track to chartered status. At first glance, it seems like a welcome move … Continue reading “Earn While You Learn” or “Sell While You Serve”? What the New LIBF Apprenticeship Pathway Really Means for Financial Planning
Tag: accounting
When Professional Bodies Forget the Public: What the ICAEW AGM Tells Us About Structural Capture
Professional bodies were created to uphold standards, protect the public, and act as the ethical compass of their industries. When they function well, they safeguard trust. When they drift, the consequences ripple across the whole financial ecosystem. In July 2025, Professor Atul K. Shah — a respected academic, ICAEW fellow, and long-time advocate for ethics … Continue reading When Professional Bodies Forget the Public: What the ICAEW AGM Tells Us About Structural Capture
Why Transitioning from Regulated Advice to Financial Planning Could Be Your Next Win-Win Strategy
Financial advice firms spend an extraordinary amount of time and money on compliance. A recent report by Model Office and Fidelity Adviser Solutions shows that firms are devoting 65% of their time to business, governance, and compliance, leaving only 35% for client meetings. With an average of 11 hours per week spent solely on compliance, … Continue reading Why Transitioning from Regulated Advice to Financial Planning Could Be Your Next Win-Win Strategy
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
Live Longer: Thriving Beyond Financial Regulation
In an industry often perceived as fraught with the pressure of regulations, financial advisers are facing a silent challenge that goes beyond the balance sheets: their mental health. With a staggering 86% of advisers reporting a toll on their well-being due to regulatory demands, it's clear that the time has come for a paradigm shift … Continue reading Live Longer: Thriving Beyond Financial Regulation
Navigating the Future of Financial Advising: A Call to Action
Ensuring Compliance and Building Trust: The Imperative of Documenting and Evidencing Ongoing Reviews In the ever-evolving landscape of financial advising, the stark revelation that 77% of fee income for firms is recurring raises critical questions about the sustainability and integrity of current practices. The Financial Conduct Authority's scrutiny has underscored a fundamental principle: without documented … Continue reading Navigating the Future of Financial Advising: A Call to Action
Academy of Life Planning 