As the average age of financial advisers in the UK continues to rise—and younger professionals are not entering the industry at the same rate—consolidation has become an increasingly appealing option, particularly for those looking to retire or exit the business.
Every time I mention that I’ve trademarked Centralised Retirement Proposition, the reaction is always the same:“Really?”Followed by, “But why?”
How we present ourselves—especially online—often reflects the message we want to convey. Being visible and active within my network is essential in a role like mine. But just as important is staying true to my principles. That second part can be tested frequently, particularly in the noisy world of social media, where many seek to present their way as the only way.
Tariffs have dominated recent headlines, with much of the focus on what they might mean for markets and trade relationships. But here’s a simple truth: if you don’t build strong foundations – personal, financial, and societal – then applying tariffs is like adding a roof to a house with no walls. It might hold for a while, but the risk of collapse is high.
"Markets always go up."It’s a comforting phrase often used by investors to justify staying the course through turbulent times. But is it true?
Looking back, it’s incredible how quickly things can change. Think about the euphoria of the dot-com bubble, the crash that followed, and nearly three years of negative stock market returns. Then came the global financial crisis, reshaping economies for years.
We recently visited Berlin and experienced the Berlin Story Bunker, an eye-opening exhibition titled “How Could It Happen?”. This raw exploration of the rise and fall of Hitler offered a stark reminder of how easily minds can be manipulated. While events like these may seem unimaginable today, the experience highlighted how propaganda continues to influence opinions and shape actions.
In my last blog, I shared my lightbulb moment—an insight that shifted my perspective. Today, I want to share something deeply personal about how the challenges of the last few months have changed and shaped me.
When we buy a car, we have something tangible—something we can touch, see, and feel. For many of us, our work isn’t about producing physical objects. Instead, it’s about delivering solutions to problems—an inherently intangible offering that can be difficult to articulate.
Confirmation bias is everywhere—especially on platforms like LinkedIn. Scrolling through posts might lead you to believe that passive investing is the only approach worth considering and that all index funds are the same. However, whether you prefer index funds, active funds, or a blend of both, one truth remains: you can’t ignore the importance of thorough investment research.
Over the last twelve months, I’ve noticed a growing divide within the financial services industry. Some businesses interpret the FCA’s reviews as an attack on costs, making cost-cutting their primary focus. Others, however, place greater emphasis on value over cost. In this final blog, I explore the dangers of the “race to the bottom” and why prioritising value is critical to sustainable success.
Over recent weeks, I’ve explored confirmation bias and cost vs. value in investing. In this blog, I’m diving into one of the most debated topics in investment management: passive vs. active strategies.
