A GAME Plan for Britain: Unlocking Growth Through Purpose and People

The UK Government has set its sights on economic growth, an ambition I fully support. However, the approach currently being pursued—one that relies heavily on the financial sector’s guidance—will not deliver the outcomes we need. Growth isn’t achieved through short-term financial engineering or a deregulated banking system; instead, it stems from long-term investment in human … Continue reading A GAME Plan for Britain: Unlocking Growth Through Purpose and People →

Rethinking the UK’s Growth Agenda: Why Banking Alone Isn’t Enough

The UK Government’s focus on UK capital markets as a driver for economic growth raises important questions. While banking is a cornerstone of the economy, relying heavily on it risks overlooking opportunities in faster-growing, innovation-driven sectors. Here's what bankers are sharing with the government, shaping the direction of their "growth agenda": Losing our place as … Continue reading Rethinking the UK’s Growth Agenda: Why Banking Alone Isn’t Enough →

Unlocking Economic Potential: The Role of Human Capital

When we think about the foundations of economic growth and societal well-being, one key factor often rises to the top: people. Specifically, the skills, knowledge, and capacities they bring to the table—known as human capital. For financial planners and policymakers alike, understanding and investing in human capital is not just an academic exercise; it’s a … Continue reading Unlocking Economic Potential: The Role of Human Capital →

Lifelong Learning: Your Key to Staying Competitive and Building Economic Resilience

In an ever-changing world, where technology advances rapidly and industries evolve, the ability to adapt is more important than ever. One way to future-proof your career and personal growth is through lifelong learning and skill-building. Let’s explore why this approach is vital and how it can empower you to thrive in the face of change. … Continue reading Lifelong Learning: Your Key to Staying Competitive and Building Economic Resilience →

The M-Power Movement: Empowering Lives, Eradicating Poverty

Aligning with the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 1 Poverty is more than just a lack of income—it’s a barrier to opportunities, dignity, and the ability to live a fulfilling life. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG 1) challenges the world to eradicate poverty in all its forms by 2030. This ambitious target includes … Continue reading The M-Power Movement: Empowering Lives, Eradicating Poverty →

Bridging the Gap: Investing in People to Tackle Income Inequality

Income inequality isn’t just a financial statistic—it’s a human story, one of opportunity lost or gained. While financial investments often dominate economic strategies, a growing body of research reveals the transformative power of investing in human capital—the skills, education, and health of individuals. The Case for Human Capital Recent findings from Ethiopia underscore the profound … Continue reading Bridging the Gap: Investing in People to Tackle Income Inequality →

Building Prosperity: How Human Capital Insights Empower GenIFAs to Guide Clients Out of Poverty

The study by Minh Quang Dao presents a powerful lens through which we can understand poverty and income inequality in developing nations. For Generic Independent Financial Advisers (GenIFAs) focused on enabling sustainable financial well-being, these findings can be transformative. Let’s explore how this research can guide actionable steps in financial planning to alleviate poverty. The … Continue reading Building Prosperity: How Human Capital Insights Empower GenIFAs to Guide Clients Out of Poverty →

Where’s the Justice? The Tenet Collapse and the Cost to Consumers

The collapse of Tenet has left nearly 10,000 customers in financial limbo, raising pressing questions about the effectiveness of consumer protection in the UK’s financial services industry. These individuals, who trusted a Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) registered firm and its advisers, now face a sobering reality: they’re left to rely on the Financial Services Compensation … Continue reading Where’s the Justice? The Tenet Collapse and the Cost to Consumers →

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? →

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 →