In today’s fast-paced financial world, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the latest investment opportunity. Whether it’s cryptocurrencies, zero-fee pensions, or AI-driven platforms, there’s no shortage of shiny new things claiming to revolutionise the way we save and invest. But as someone who’s spent decades overseeing product review teams in banks—and … Continue reading The Next New Shiny Thing Syndrome: Why Good Investments Should Be Boring
Tag: business
Balancing the Rhetoric: The Reality Behind Financial Adviser Recruitment
When financial advice giants recruit fresh talent, they present a polished, alluring image of the industry. However, behind the glossy brochures and motivational career talks, the reality often paints a more nuanced picture. This article seeks to balance their claims with a fair and clear explanation of what aspiring advisers should consider before stepping into … Continue reading Balancing the Rhetoric: The Reality Behind Financial Adviser Recruitment
Post-Growth Objective: Can We Believe Anything the FCA Tells Us About SJP?
Last Tuesday, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) made a startling revelation to the Treasury Committee: internal decisions will now be filtered through its shiny new secondary growth objective. In simpler terms, if transparency threatens the City’s competitiveness or disturbs a “too big to fail” institution, silence prevails. Their justification? Future consumers will supposedly benefit. What … Continue reading Post-Growth Objective: Can We Believe Anything the FCA Tells Us About SJP?
Presencing in Financial Planning: Shifting from Ego to Soul for Meaningful Client-Centred Solutions
In today's rapidly evolving financial landscape, there's a growing movement towards a more holistic, client-centred approach known as "presencing." This method shifts the focus from traditional, ego-centric financial planning—which often prioritises assets and transactions—to a soul-centric model that emphasises genuine human connection and the client's overall well-being. Understanding Presencing in Financial Planning Presencing, a concept … Continue reading Presencing in Financial Planning: Shifting from Ego to Soul for Meaningful Client-Centred Solutions
Pensions at Risk: Are Consumers Being Let Down by the FCA’s Latest Proposals?
The Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) recent Consultation Paper CP24/27 – Advice Guidance Boundary Review proposes reforms to deliver "targeted support" for pension savers. At first glance, this initiative seems to promise much-needed assistance for the millions of UK pension savers navigating complex retirement decisions. However, a closer examination raises important questions about who these changes … Continue reading Pensions at Risk: Are Consumers Being Let Down by the FCA’s Latest Proposals?
Why We Need a Wall Between Regulators and the City
By Steve Conley, December 12, 2024 Trust is the foundation of any healthy financial system. Without it, people hesitate to invest, plan for their future, or participate in the economy. Yet, in the UK, the relationship between our financial regulators and the City raises serious questions about whose interests are being prioritised—and at what cost. … Continue reading Why We Need a Wall Between Regulators and the City
Regulatory Oversight or Industry Bias? A Consumer Champion’s Perspective on the FCA Debate
The recent report by the all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on investment fraud and fairer financial services has ignited a critical debate about the effectiveness of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). As customer champions, we believe this discussion highlights systemic issues that cannot be ignored, especially when consumer trust and financial well-being are at stake. At … Continue reading Regulatory Oversight or Industry Bias? A Consumer Champion’s Perspective on the FCA Debate
Fair Value Assessments for Holistic Wealth Planners: A Practical Guide
Fair value is at the heart of delivering transparent, ethical, and client-focused financial planning services. For holistic wealth planners, especially those not bound by regulated adviser rules, understanding and implementing fair value assessments is essential to create accessible, personalised, and meaningful service offerings. Here’s a guide to structuring fair value assessments that resonate with clients … Continue reading Fair Value Assessments for Holistic Wealth Planners: A Practical Guide
Where is the Old-School Financial Planning Model Heading?
The financial planning profession is at a crossroads. For decades, the old-school model dominated—a system where financial planners often doubled as financial advisers, wearing two hats. These professionals combined strategic financial planning with product-driven advice, often charging fees as a percentage of assets under management (AUM). However, cracks are forming in this model, and new … Continue reading Where is the Old-School Financial Planning Model Heading?
HapNav v2.0: Enhancing Your Financial Journey – Upgrade Details
This weekend, on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December 2024, HapNav, the revolutionary Happiness Navigator, will receive a major upgrade! Designed to empower you to take full control of your financial future, HapNav integrates seamlessly with Open Banking to deliver personalised financial planning. Why HapNav?HapNav is more than just a financial planning app. For just … Continue reading HapNav v2.0: Enhancing Your Financial Journey – Upgrade Details
Academy of Life Planning 