IFA Talk

Podcast #171: Supporting client outcomes in uncertain markets, with Wesleyan’s James Tothill

In this week’s episode of IFA Talk, we explore how advisers can support client outcomes in an increasingly uncertain and volatile market environment.

With geopolitical tensions and global events continuing to drive market movements, advisers are once again helping clients navigate periods of instability. In this conversation, IFA Magazine’s Matt Williams and Jenny Hunter are joined by James Tothill, Investment Specialist at Wesleyan, to unpack what this means in practice for advisers and their clients today.

The discussion begins with how clients are reacting to ongoing volatility and the risks associated with short-term decision-making. As markets shift, the temptation to act quickly can be strong, but as the episode explores, these decisions can have lasting consequences for long-term financial plans.

Diversification remains a central theme, but the conversation moves beyond theory to focus on what effective diversification really looks like in today’s environment. The episode also highlights the challenges advisers face when supporting more sensitive clients, particularly those approaching or in retirement, where sequencing risk and emotional responses to market movements can be more pronounced.

The discussion is full of practical and implementable solutions as James shares insights into how smoothed funds can help manage volatility and support more consistent outcomes over time, as well as how advisers can assess suitability in the context of evolving client needs.

A timely and practical listen for advisers supporting clients through uncertain markets.

*** This episode was recorded on the 22^nd of April 2026

TEI Podcast #14: How UK timber and forestry fit into a tax‑efficient investment portfolio, with Gresham House’s Anthony Crosbie Dawson

In this month’s special Tax-Efficient Investment edition of IFA Talk, we welcome Gresham House’s Anthony Crosbie-Dawson to the studio.

Together, we discuss the UK ‘timber gap’, a long-term investment which creates an interesting opportunity for investors and one that’s highly tax-efficient.

Anthony reveals how recent Budget changes have impacted the appeal of forestry to investors, highlights the inheritance tax benefits as well as the broader tax-efficient environment for forestry , and outlines the key attractions of investing in UK timber, along with a discussion about the main risks that investors face when investing in long term, illiquid assets such as forestry.

We also break down the pricing in secondary forestry funds, with Anthony explaining what is driving this market, and who this form of investing is most suitable for. Lastly, Anthony looks ahead, sharing his long-term outlook for the UK timber industry.

Podcast #170: Bespoke portfolio services and tax-smart structuring, with Brooks Macdonald’s Adam Temple

Now live: The latest episode of IFA Talk is available to listeners. This week, we explore how bespoke portfolio services and tax-efficient structuring are helping advisers deliver better client outcomes in an increasingly complex environment.

To unpack this, Meg and Sue are joined by Adam Temple, Senior Investment Director - Head of London at Brooks Macdonald. As the firm celebrates 35 years of serving clients, Adam shares how its bespoke portfolio service is designed to help advisers deliver more tailored, tax-efficient solutions while adapting to ever-changing client needs and market conditions.

This week’s conversation covers:

• Bespoke portfolio services in practice: Where BPS fits within an adviser’s proposition
• What sets BPS apart: Key differentiators in a competitive market
• Tax-smart structuring: Supporting more efficient long-term planning
• Looking ahead: How portfolio solutions are evolving with changing client needs

You can explore Brooks Macdonald’s Bespoke Portfolio Service range mentioned within the podcast here:

https://www.brooksmacdonald.com/financial-advisers/services-funds/bespoke-portfolio-service

 

Podcast #169: Making the case for passive investing, with Evelyn Partners’ Dan Caps

This week on IFA Talk, in partnership with Evelyn Partners, we take a deep dive into passive investing, and how it has evolved over the years.

Joining Matt and Sue to unpack this is Dan Caps, who heads up Evelyn Partners’ Index MPS proposition. Dan guides us through the changes to passive investing over the years, looking at not just costs, but some of the other factors which are drawing investors towards those passive investment strategies.

He also alleviates some of the concerns around concentration and index construction, revealing how companies like Evelyn Partners can ensure that portfolios remain resilient despite the challenges they face.

NI&P Podcast #23: What does insured IHT investing look like in practice? With Blackfinch’s Gordon Pugh

Now live: the latest New Insurance & Protection special episode of IFA Talk turns its attention to inheritance tax planning and the growing role of protection-linked investment solutions.

In this episode, hosts Meg Bratley and Jenny Hunter are joined by Gordon Pugh, Investment Director at Blackfinch Investments. Gordon discusses how advisers are approaching inheritance tax (IHT) planning today and explores the concept of insured IHT investing in practice, including how it can support more confident client decision-making.

Highlights from this week’s episode

• What does insured IHT investing look like in practice?
• Why clients delay IHT planning, and how to change the conversation
• Where insured investing fits, and where it doesn’t
• Blackfinch Adapt IHT Insured Service explained

Key takeaways for advisers

Gordon closes the discussion with practical insights and top tips for advisers navigating inheritance tax planning conversations in today’s environment. This episode provides a timely and practical look at how advisers can help clients approach inheritance tax planning with greater confidence, clarity and structure, particularly where investment and protection solutions intersect.

Podcast #168: Finding the middle ground between in-house and outsourced investment solutions, with Minerva’s Chris Edmeades

In this week’s episode of IFA Talk, in partnership with Minerva Fund Management Solutions (Minerva), we explore how some firms are rethinking the structure of their investment proposition, using a unitised investment solution.

Today, advisers are faced with more choice than ever when it comes to investment propositions, including in-house advisory, MPS and bespoke DFMs. There is no shortage of ways to deliver investment outcomes for clients.

But with that choice, complexity can follow. For some firms, there is a sense that none of the existing options quite strike the right balance between control, consistency and scalability. But is there a middle way?

Joining us to break this down is Minerva’s Managing Director, Chris Edmeades. He outlines where growing advice firms typically start to feel pressure in their investment approach, the limitations of traditional advisory, model portfolio and outsourced solutions, and what a middle ground might look like in practice using a unitised fund approach.

Chris also reveals how firms can retain control while improving efficiency and governance, along with the types of firms this approach may suit best.

This episode offers a practical and thought-provoking perspective on how advisers can structure their investment approach for the future.

 

M&PI Podcast #26: Exploring long-term fixed-rate mortgages and market innovation with Perenna's Colin Bell

Now live: In the latest special Mortgage & Property Investment edition of IFA Talk, we explore the evolving mortgage landscape, with a particular focus on the growing role of long-term fixed-rate mortgages and how innovation could help shape the future of the UK housing market.

To discuss this further, hosts Meg and Jenny are joined by Colin Bell, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Perenna, the fintech mortgage bank focused on bringing long-term fixed-rate mortgages to the UK market. With growing interest in product innovation and increasing pressure to improve housing supply, this episode examines how the mortgage market is adapting, and what it means for advisers and brokers.

What’s covered in this episode:

• The growth of long-term fixed-rate mortgages in the UK and what’s driving increasing demand
• How Perenna has developed and its mission to bring greater stability to borrowers
• The potential role of funding innovation, including covered bonds, in supporting mortgage market expansion
• How product innovation could help support the delivery of Labour’s 1.5 million new homes target
• What these developments mean for advisers and brokers navigating a changing mortgage landscape
• Key takeaways for those working across the mortgage market today

This episode provides valuable insight for advisers and mortgage professionals navigating an ever-changing market, offering perspective on long-term fixed-rate products, innovation in lending, and further insight into how the sector can evolve to support future housing demand.

Podcast #167: How platforms can prove their worth in the face of uncertainty, with Novia Global’s Linda Johnstone

In this week’s episode of IFA Talk, we explore how investment platforms can demonstrate real value during periods of heightened uncertainty. And what advisers should expect from them when markets are unsettled.

Joining us to break this down is Linda Johnstone, Head of Investment Proposition at Novia Global.  At a time when geopolitical tensions and market volatility are front of mind, the conversation centres on a key message for advisers and investors alike: which is to stay calm, but don’t stand still.

Linda shares practical insights into how platforms can support advisers and clients when uncertainty rises, including why staying calm matters, but passivity isn’t the answer. She also outlines the role of platforms in uncertain markets, the challenge of legacy technology, what good platform design should deliver, and how to keep a long-term perspective.

TEI Podcast #13: The role of private capital in UK early-stage investing, with Anthemis’ Mei Lim

In this month’s special Tax Efficient Investment edition of IFA Talk, we’re exploring why tax-efficient investment schemes are becoming an increasingly important part of a well-diversified portfolio.

Mei Lim, Managing Partner at Anthemis, joins us to explain why that shift is happening, what it means for UK scale-ups facing a persistent funding gap, and the crucial role private capital can play in driving growth.

Mei also outlines why domestic investment matters, not just for returns, but for keeping intellectual property, talent, and high-value jobs here in the UK.

Podcast #166: Navigating AI and regulation in financial advice with True Potential's Jamie Sexton

In this week’s episode of IFA Talk, Meg Bratley and Sue Whitbread are joined by Jamie Sexton, Chief Client Officer at True Potential, to explore the fast-evolving role of AI in financial advice and what it means for the future of the profession.

As technology continues to reshape the advice landscape, the conversation focuses on where AI is having the greatest impact today, from supporting basic guidance to enhancing more complex, high-touch advice. Jamie shares his perspective on how advisers can think about AI not as a threat, but as a practical tool to help close the advice gap and improve outcomes for clients.

The episode also dives into what meaningful AI integration actually looks like in practice. Beyond simply saving time, the discussion explores how firms can measure success, embed technology effectively, and ensure it enhances both operational efficiency and the overall advice proposition.

We also look at the client experience and how technology can go beyond efficiency gains to play a deeper role in building trust, identifying client needs earlier, and strengthening long-term relationships.

We wrapped things up by asking Jamie for his key takeaways, offering practical insights for advisers looking to navigate the intersection of AI, regulation and client engagement.