Tag: total-wealth-planning

You Don’t Have to Abandon Advice to Start Restoring Agency

Many regulated financial advisers can see that the relationship between clients, technology and professional expertise is changing. They understand the argument for greater client capability. They recognise that AI is reducing information asymmetry. They may even agree that financial planning should leave people more able to understand, choose and act for themselves. But agreement does … Continue reading You Don’t Have to Abandon Advice to Start Restoring Agency →

The Hot Shower: Jimmy Carr’s Outlook on Gratitude, Perspective and Modern Luxury

The Hot Shower Thought Most of us step into a hot shower without giving it a second thought. Jimmy Carr suggests we should. He points out that no king, emperor or celebrated figure from a century ago could reliably enjoy what millions of ordinary people now experience every morning: clean, instantly available hot water, delivered … Continue reading The Hot Shower: Jimmy Carr’s Outlook on Gratitude, Perspective and Modern Luxury →

Professional Agency: From Selling Shovels to Giving People the Forge

Most professional academies make the same promise. They identify the professional’s dream of freedom, success and independence, then sell them the tools they supposedly need to reach it. A business model. A marketing system. A coaching framework. A qualification. A secret formula. The message is familiar: You can build the practice you want—but only if … Continue reading Professional Agency: From Selling Shovels to Giving People the Forge →

Is SJP Redesigning the Value of Advice—or the Economics of Intermediation?

St James’s Place is changing how it pays its advisers. From March 2027, ongoing advice remuneration that was previously paid annually will be distributed monthly. Partners will receive a transitional payment to bridge the change, while remuneration relating to mortgages and individual protection is also being revised. SJP says the changes will give partners smoother … Continue reading Is SJP Redesigning the Value of Advice—or the Economics of Intermediation? →

Agency Story No. 1: The Widow Who Didn’t Need Another Financial Adviser

 Success should not always mean client retention Our inner circle discussed yesterday the example of a recently widowed client who initially lacked the confidence to manage her finances. After 18 months of patient explanation and practical support, she became capable of managing them independently. The planner became progressively less necessary. That is not a failed … Continue reading Agency Story No. 1: The Widow Who Didn’t Need Another Financial Adviser →

The Government Wants Finance to Drive Growth. But Finance Does Not Create Wealth on Its Own

Restoring human agency in a structurally untrustworthy system The Government says it wants growth. Few would disagree with the objective. Britain needs greater productivity, stronger businesses, higher incomes and sustainable public finances. The more important question is: What actually causes an economy to grow? The Government’s Financial Services and Markets Bill appears to begin with … Continue reading The Government Wants Finance to Drive Growth. But Finance Does Not Create Wealth on Its Own →

Don’t Just Optimise for AI. Build the Capability AI Will Recommend.

Every organisation seems to be asking the same question. "How do we get AI to recommend us?" It's the wrong question. The better question is: What are we teaching AI about who we are? Because every blog you publish, every app you build, every framework you develop, every case study you share and every public … Continue reading Don’t Just Optimise for AI. Build the Capability AI Will Recommend. →

Introducing GiftFlow™: Restoring Human Agency, One Gift at a Time

Today we're delighted to announce the launch of GiftFlow™, the latest addition to the Academy OS ecosystem. GiftFlow is available now at: https://gift-flow.app/ GiftFlow exists for one simple reason. Most families don't struggle because inheritance tax law is complicated. They struggle because the evidence disappears. Seven years of gifts.Bank transfers spread across multiple accounts.Regular support … Continue reading Introducing GiftFlow™: Restoring Human Agency, One Gift at a Time →

When a Business Model Starts to Crack: What the SJP Departures Tell Us About the Future of Financial Planning

Over the past year, a series of high-profile departures from St. James's Place has attracted increasing attention. Over the past year, the departures from St. James's Place have become increasingly difficult to dismiss as ordinary adviser turnover. While normal churn happens in every large network, the recent exits have involved some of the firm's largest … Continue reading When a Business Model Starts to Crack: What the SJP Departures Tell Us About the Future of Financial Planning →