Financial Crime: A Crisis of Trust and Survival For too long, financial crime has been framed as an economic issue. But as the Faces of Financial Crime report makes clear, the reality is far more devastating. Victims don’t just lose money—they lose their peace of mind, their sense of security, and in some cases, even … Continue reading How the GAME Plan Empowers Victims of Financial Crime to Rebuild Their Lives
Tag: finance
Competitor Analysis of Non-FCA Regulated Financial Planners (UK & International with UK Presence)
1. Identification of Competitors Direct Competitors (Non-FCA Regulated Financial Planners): These are firms offering holistic financial planning without intermediating product sales. They provide advice-only or life planning services and do not act as introducers to regulated advisers (i.e. they are not merely lead generators). Key examples include: Second Life Financial Planning (UK): A newly launched … Continue reading Competitor Analysis of Non-FCA Regulated Financial Planners (UK & International with UK Presence)
Dodgy Advice and a Land-Banking Scam: Lessons from the Asset Land Case
Think twice before trusting “advice” from someone who’s also selling you an investment. It might sound convenient – your adviser has a perfect opportunity just for you – but that double role can hide huge conflicts of interest. The £21 million Asset Land Investment scandal is a prime example. Investors were lured by salespeople posing … Continue reading Dodgy Advice and a Land-Banking Scam: Lessons from the Asset Land Case
Think You Can Outsmart the Market? Why Timing Stocks – and Crypto – Rarely Works
Is timing the market a fool’s errand? Many investors dream of selling at the top and buying at the bottom. The reality: even professional fund managers with fancy models often can’t pull it off. For everyday investors, trying to time the stock market is like playing darts blindfolded – and when it comes to crypto, … Continue reading Think You Can Outsmart the Market? Why Timing Stocks – and Crypto – Rarely Works
The Financial Planning Crisis: Why We Need a Clear Wall Between Advice and Products
Trust in financial planning is at an all-time low. Scandals like the recent £2m fraud case involving Nexus IFA only deepen the public’s cynicism. But let’s be honest—this isn’t a one-off. It’s a symptom of a broken system that blurs the lines between advice and sales, leaving consumers vulnerable. The solution? A financial planning profession … Continue reading The Financial Planning Crisis: Why We Need a Clear Wall Between Advice and Products
Holistic Wealth Planning: The Future of Financial Advice Beyond Products
Imagine sitting down with a city banker—someone on a six-figure salary, comfortably supplemented by annual bonuses. The conversation starts predictably: pension contributions, stock and fund investments, perhaps a foray into Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) or Enterprise Investment Schemes (EISs). Conventional financial planning might recommend maximising these strategies for tax efficiency and long-term growth. But what … Continue reading Holistic Wealth Planning: The Future of Financial Advice Beyond Products
Becoming a Holistic Wealth Planner: Why Should You Care?
Do you dream of running your own business, living by your own rules, and being your own boss? Imagine a career where you leverage what you’re good at, what you love, what the world needs, and what people will pay you for. A career where you don’t just earn a living, but make a real … Continue reading Becoming a Holistic Wealth Planner: Why Should You Care?
The End of Free Financial Justice? How New Fees Could Undermine Consumer Protection at the Financial Ombudsman Service
Fairness Analysis: The Introduction of Fees for Complainants Seeking Legal Representation at the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) Introduction The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) was founded on the principle that consumers should have free and accessible redress when financial firms treat them unfairly. Historically, its funding model ensured that complainants bore no cost for lodging disputes, … Continue reading The End of Free Financial Justice? How New Fees Could Undermine Consumer Protection at the Financial Ombudsman Service
The Death Knell for Asset-Based Adviser Charges: Why Fixed Fees Are the Future
The financial advice industry stands at a critical juncture. The UK government’s decision to bring inherited pensions within the scope of Inheritance Tax (IHT) is not just a tax change; it marks the demise of asset-based adviser charges. With this shift, advisers must adapt—or risk obsolescence. The only sustainable way forward? Fixed-fee advice that prioritises … Continue reading The Death Knell for Asset-Based Adviser Charges: Why Fixed Fees Are the Future
The Silent Epidemic: Financial Mis-Selling and the Stigmatisation of Victims
For decades, victims of financial mis-selling by FCA-regulated advisers have been ignored, dismissed, and even vilified. Instead of receiving the justice they deserve, they are treated as an embarrassment to the system—ostracised, gaslighted, and accused of tarnishing the financial services industry. This is not just an isolated issue; it is an epidemic and a national … Continue reading The Silent Epidemic: Financial Mis-Selling and the Stigmatisation of Victims
Academy of Life Planning 