For once, it feels like common sense has prevailed. The decision to pause the expansion of auto-enrolment pensions is a welcome relief, especially for businesses and individuals already feeling the strain of financial pressures. Increasing minimum contribution rates, reducing the minimum enrolment age from 22 to 18, and removing earnings thresholds might sound like progressive … Continue reading Thank Goodness They’ve Put the Brakes on Expanding Auto-Enrolment!
Tag: finance
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
Take Control of Your Retirement Finances with HapNav – The Future of Financial Confidence
Are you one of the 75% of over-45s who don’t have a financial plan and worry about outliving your capital? You’re not alone—and the good news is, you don’t have to be an ostrich anymore, burying your head in the sand when it comes to your finances. At HapNav, we’ve created something truly revolutionary just … Continue reading Take Control of Your Retirement Finances with HapNav – The Future of Financial Confidence
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?
The Fight for Justice in UK Financial Services: A Call to Action
When it comes to protecting consumers in UK financial services, one thing has become abundantly clear: the system isn’t working as it should. With the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) bound by a framework that prioritises growth and international competitiveness, achieving genuine consumer justice seems increasingly out of reach. The FCA’s balancing act between protecting market … Continue reading The Fight for Justice in UK Financial Services: A Call to Action
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
The Case for a Wall Between Advice and Product Sales
“There should be a wall, between advice and products, between advice and large institutions, and between our regulators and large institutions. We need an integrity that is impeccable. Until we actually institute a way of bringing good heart, great integrity, and a fiduciary relationship that is sustainable into the industry, we are going to fail. … Continue reading The Case for a Wall Between Advice and Product Sales
Targeted Support: The Pitfalls of Prioritising Investment Sales Over Personal Empowerment
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) recently acknowledged a harsh truth: their new "targeted support" measures won’t deliver "perfect advice" for everyone. The initiative aims to encourage more people to invest and take on long-term financial risks. But as we dig deeper, it becomes clear that this approach prioritises financial capital over human capital, raising significant … Continue reading Targeted Support: The Pitfalls of Prioritising Investment Sales Over Personal Empowerment
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
Why Holistic Wealth Planners Can Benefit from Membership in a Professional Community
As the regulatory landscape for financial services evolves, non-FCA-regulated financial planners—referred to as holistic wealth planners—find themselves navigating a complex environment. While their work is distinct from that of FCA-authorised advisers, there are overlapping considerations, particularly around governance, transparency, and client outcomes. By joining a community of like-minded planners, holistic wealth planners can align with … Continue reading Why Holistic Wealth Planners Can Benefit from Membership in a Professional Community
Academy of Life Planning 