Financial advisers often enjoy high levels of client trust, with many clients feeling well looked after and loyal. For those who’ve stayed with the same adviser for years, it’s clear that strong, personal relationships are at the heart of these bonds. But if we dig deeper, we can ask another question: beyond emotional intelligence and … Continue reading Are Financial Advisers Driven by More Than Just Emotional Intelligence?
Tag: news
The Difference Between a Conduct Regulator and a Professional Body in Financial Services
When you step into the world of financial services, it's easy to see how confusion can arise between the roles of a Conduct Regulator and a Professional Body. Let’s clear that up. If you’re a financial services professional, you are (hopefully!) qualified and an active member of a professional body. These professional bodies bind their … Continue reading The Difference Between a Conduct Regulator and a Professional Body in Financial Services
Human Capital Development: A Pathway to Financial Independence
With over 400,000 people facing cuts to their benefits, including those with mobility and mental health issues, it’s easy to feel like the system is failing us. Recent policy changes mean that many who were previously considered unfit for work will now be expected to seek employment, while seeing their financial support reduced. This is … Continue reading Human Capital Development: A Pathway to Financial Independence
Why We Need a Wall Between Advice and Product Sales to Protect Investors
When it comes to protecting your hard-earned money, one of the biggest concerns today is the rise of scammers and fraudsters. These criminals target financial firms, often through "clone attacks," where they mimic legitimate companies to trick people into handing over their money. This is exactly why we need a clear wall between financial advice … Continue reading Why We Need a Wall Between Advice and Product Sales to Protect Investors
Squashing Simplified Advice: A Call for Real Consumer Empowerment
The financial industry, along with its regulators, has once again played a familiar game of mislabeling. The latest move involves branding what is essentially a product sale as "advice," a tactic that deliberately blurs the lines between genuine guidance and the promotion of regulated investments. This isn't just a matter of semantics; it’s a strategy … Continue reading Squashing Simplified Advice: A Call for Real Consumer Empowerment
The Dark Side of Financial Trust: A Parallel Between St James’s Place Practices and Coercive Manipulation
In the world of financial services, trust is the cornerstone of client-adviser relationships. However, recent revelations about practices at St James's Place (SJP) bring to light a disturbing parallel between financial exploitation and more insidious forms of coercive manipulation seen in other contexts, such as grooming gangs. While the comparison may seem stark, the underlying … Continue reading The Dark Side of Financial Trust: A Parallel Between St James’s Place Practices and Coercive Manipulation
Speaking Up for Integrity in Financial Services: A Necessary Stand
Recently, Phil Bray, a financial adviser marketing support agent, voiced his discomfort with public criticism of peers and competitors within the financial services industry. In his post, Phil argued that such criticism could alienate potential clients and tarnish the reputation of the profession as a whole. While I understand his perspective, I must respectfully disagree … Continue reading Speaking Up for Integrity in Financial Services: A Necessary Stand
Civilization Is Yours: So, Own it!
Look around. Disappointed with the state of the world? It's easy to point fingers. But here's the kicker: it's our fault. Yep, you heard me. The world’s mess is on us. Let’s break it down. The Freedom to Own Each Moment George Kinder, in "The Three Domains of Freedom," talks about how each moment is … Continue reading Civilization Is Yours: So, Own it!
D2C Investors Drive AJ Bell’s Success: A Growing Trend
AJ Bell, a prominent investment platform, has seen significant growth in its direct-to-consumer (D2C) segment, a trend that highlights the increasing empowerment of individual investors. In the three months ending 30 June, Citywire reported that AJ Bell secured net inflows of £1.7 billion, a 55% increase compared to the same period last year. This surge … Continue reading D2C Investors Drive AJ Bell’s Success: A Growing Trend
Unjust Governance: The FCA’s Burden on Small Financial Firms
In the realm of financial services, the level of reporting required by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for small firms has become disproportionate compared to other industries. Despite the pandemic being behind us, COVID-related reports continue unabated, adding to the regulatory burden. Complaints made to MPs and the Treasury are simply passed on to the … Continue reading Unjust Governance: The FCA’s Burden on Small Financial Firms
Academy of Life Planning 