Twelve years ago, bank bosses stepped away from the bancassurance market, labelling it a zero-sum game. Now, they’re back with fresh plans. So, what’s changed, and is it a good idea? HSBC, Barclays, and Lloyds are all making a big push back into wealth management, with HSBC aiming to double its assets under management to … Continue reading Are Banks Returning to the Advice Market? Or Just Dipping a Toe in Distribution?
Tag: finance
Introducing Our New Brochure: The Holistic Wealth Planner: Your Pathway from FS Pro to Holistic Wealth Planner (HWP)
Navigating the world of financial planning can often feel overwhelming, especially when you're eager to elevate your career and make a real impact on clients’ lives. At the Academy of Life Planning, we understand that our range of services and development opportunities can sometimes seem like a maze. That's why we’ve created a concise, user-friendly … Continue reading Introducing Our New Brochure: The Holistic Wealth Planner: Your Pathway from FS Pro to Holistic Wealth Planner (HWP)
Why a Financial Planning Side-Hustle is a Win-Win for Sellers and Buyers of Exited Financial Advice Firms
For seasoned financial advisers who’ve spent years building a successful boutique advice firm, there comes a time to consider stepping back. The idea of leaving behind the pressures of the FCA-regulated world—heavy compliance, liability, and endless red tape—can be an appealing vision. After years spent advising on products, many dream of retiring from regulation, surrendering … Continue reading Why a Financial Planning Side-Hustle is a Win-Win for Sellers and Buyers of Exited Financial Advice Firms
Elevate Financial Literacy for All with MoneyFitt: A Comprehensive Financial Education Platform from AoLP
In today’s complex financial world, understanding how to manage money effectively is a critical skill that empowers individuals, families, and communities. The Academy of Life Planning (AoLP) is proud to introduce MoneyFitt—a comprehensive, accessible, and affordable financial education platform that brings valuable knowledge right to your fingertips. MoneyFitt is designed to help individuals make informed … Continue reading Elevate Financial Literacy for All with MoneyFitt: A Comprehensive Financial Education Platform from AoLP
Good News from the Budget: A Rethink on Auto-Enrolment?
In a surprising twist from the recent Budget, the government might just be reconsidering its push to expand auto-enrolment (AE) requirements for businesses. Why might this be good news, you ask? Simply put, it’s a matter of timing, especially as the nation grapples with a cost-of-living crisis. At the Academy of Life Planning, we believe … Continue reading Good News from the Budget: A Rethink on Auto-Enrolment?
When the Courts Stand Up for Consumers, It’s a Win for All of Us
In a society built on justice and fairness, it’s crucial that financial markets operate transparently, prioritising people over profit. So, when the courts make decisions that protect consumers from hidden fees or unfair practices, you'd expect a round of applause, right? Sadly, in the financial sector, this isn’t always the case. Instead, we often hear … Continue reading When the Courts Stand Up for Consumers, It’s a Win for All of Us
The Rise of Co-Manufacturing: Are Adviser Firms Really Adding Value, or Just Fees?
A growing trend called "co-manufacturing" in financial advice is shifting more responsibility for your portfolio's performance to adviser firms, who are now partnering with discretionary fund managers (DFMs) to customise investments. But while these arrangements might sound beneficial, especially when marketed with claims of higher returns, there are crucial details that clients should examine closely. … Continue reading The Rise of Co-Manufacturing: Are Adviser Firms Really Adding Value, or Just Fees?
Legal Cases and Transparency: How New Rulings Last Week Could Impact St. James’s Place Compensation Claims
Recent merged legal cases, Hopcraft v Close Brothers, Wrench v Firstrand Bank, and Johnson v Firstrand Bank and Motonovo Finance, have set a precedent for transparency in financial advice by underscoring the need for fully informed consent. In these cases, courts ruled that clients must be clearly informed of all commissions and hidden fees for … Continue reading Legal Cases and Transparency: How New Rulings Last Week Could Impact St. James’s Place Compensation Claims
Is Saving More the Solution to Middle Britain’s Financial Woes?
As households across Britain tighten their belts, the financial services industry has a bold suggestion to boost resilience: give them more of your money! The logic, apparently, is simple—set aside more cash for the future, even if that means sacrificing some of today's financial comfort. But while that sounds responsible on the surface, it ignores … Continue reading Is Saving More the Solution to Middle Britain’s Financial Woes?
Beyond the Pension Crisis: Reimagining Retirement as an Age of Opportunity
For years, the financial industry has sounded alarm bells about a looming pension crisis, declaring that people will fall short of funds by the time they hit their 60s. And they’re not wrong—if we look solely at financial capital, things do indeed look bleak. Research by Phoenix Insights suggests that more than half of future … Continue reading Beyond the Pension Crisis: Reimagining Retirement as an Age of Opportunity
Academy of Life Planning 