IFA Talk

GBI Podcast #5: The fundamentals of investing in small to mid-cap companies with Unicorn Asset Management’s Fraser Mackersie

In this latest GBI special episode of IFA Talk, Matt and Jenny dive into the UK’s small and mid-cap companies.

While this area of the market has faced some challenges in recent years, there are signs that things could be turning a corner as investors increasingly look for opportunities that offer both growth and income potential.

Joining us to unpack all of this is Fraser Mackersie, Fund Manager at Unicorn Asset Management. Fraser shares his thoughts on what makes UK small and mid-cap companies an attractive investment opportunity, how Unicorn’s approach focuses on the fundamentals, and why that can be especially powerful in this part of the market.

You can listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Amazon!

Podcast #128: The benefits that liquid alternatives can bring to multi-asset portfolios, with Schroder Investment Solutions’ Ryan Paterson

With market volatility and economic uncertainty top of mind for advisers, today’s clients are looking for resilient, diversified portfolios that can help them to weather the storm.

In this week’s IFA Talk podcast, we’re tackling a crucial question for modern portfolio construction, and that’s what role can liquid alternatives play in helping to make multi-asset portfolios more robust?

To help us answer that question, Sue and Matt are joined by Ryan Paterson, Portfolio Manager at Schroder Investment Solutions. Ryan brings over 20 years of industry experience to the conversation and co-manages the Schroders range of investment solutions.

Tune in to hear the conversation which covers:

• What are the key benefits of incorporating liquid alternatives into an investment portfolio - especially in today’s volatile markets?
• What are the common challenges investors face when trying to access liquid alternative investments, and how can they be overcome?
• How does the new Schroder Alternative Portfolio help break down barriers to investing in liquid alternatives and what makes it a practical solution for advisers and wealth managers looking for greater portfolio diversification?

Don’t miss out

Whether you’re exploring ways to future-proof client portfolios, or simply want a clearer understanding of liquid alternatives, this episode is packed with insights, solutions and fresh perspectives from one of the UK’s leading investment managers.

 

M&PI Podcast #17: How brokers can bridge the gap and stay ahead in 2025, with Roz Cawood, Managing Director of Property Finance at Streambank

In this special 'Mortgage & Property Investment Magazine' edition of IFA Talk, Matt and Jenny delve into the ever-evolving property market. As the middle of the year rapidly approaches, the property market is shifting, and investors are increasingly turning their attention to commercial property.  

Joining us is Roz Cawood, Managing Director of Property Finance at Streambank. Roz reveals how brokers can bridge the gap and stay ahead in 2025, along with outlining how they can effectively support their clients.  

Together, we delve into the key drivers behind the growing interest in commercial property, with Roz sharing her wealth of insights into which client types are leading the charge. The conversation also tackles one of the most discussed frustrations in the industry: the 12-month minimum term for bridging finance. We shed light on why this rule is challenging for certain clients and whether regulatory changes or creative solutions within the existing framework might be the way forward. 

From taking a closer look at how brokers are experiencing these changes on the ground, to sharing advice on how brokers can continue to navigate the market’s challenges and remain a valuable resource for clients in 2025, this episode covers some of the most pivotal questions being asked in the mortgage sector right now.  

 

Podcast #127: Insight and actions from FE fundinfo’s latest financial adviser survey, with David Scholes, Director of Wealth Sales

In this week’s episode of IFA Talk, we dig into some of the recent insights from FE fundinfo’s latest financial adviser survey, which looks into the real-world challenges and key trends that advisers are currently experiencing.

From increased regulation and market volatility to shifting client expectations, the landscape isn’t exactly getting any simpler. Helping us unravel this is David Scholes, Director of Wealth Sales at FE fundinfo.

David talks about how artificial intelligence is starting to reshape the way the advice industry works and diving into one of the biggest opportunities – and challenges – facing advisers today: the great generational wealth transfer.

Podcast #126: From accumulation to decumulation – the growing importance of retirement income strategies with Brooks Macdonald’s Neil Cowell

In this week’s episode of IFA Talk, we’re shining a spotlight on one of the most important – and complex – areas of financial planning today: retirement income strategies.

With the FCA’s thematic review highlighting both the opportunities and challenges in retirement advice, it’s more crucial than ever for advisers to get this right. Clients need retirement income strategies that are resilient, flexible, and tailored to their evolving circumstances – and it’s up to advisers to deliver them.

That’s why we’re joined by Neil Cowell, UK Distribution Director at Brooks Macdonald, to explore this increasingly high-priority topic.

What’s in this episode?

Hosted by Matt and Sue, the conversation covers:

• Why retirement income is firmly in the industry spotlight right now
• How Brooks Macdonald has led the way in decumulation since launching their bespoke solution in 2018
• Recent developments in the retirement income landscape advisers should be aware of
• And most importantly – what today’s IFAs can do to ensure their proposition is robust, compliant and future-proofed

Neil brings deep insight into how advisers can evolve their retirement planning frameworks and ensure they’re delivering the right outcomes for clients entering – and living through – retirement.

Whether you’re already refining your decumulation offering or just starting to rethink your approach, this episode is packed with timely insights and practical takeaways.

Tune in here to listen in…

Podcast #125: The "Three Is of Investable Capital" – HSBC Life’s Mark Lambert on how and why onshore bonds could unlock better client outcomes

In this week’s episode of IFA Talk, Sue and Matt explore fresh insights from HSBC Life’s report, The Three Is of Investable Capital 2025, produced in partnership with Technical Connection.

With capital gains tax and dividend allowances changing, the role of onshore bonds is coming right back into focus for advisers. This report delves into why and how advisers can better utilise onshore bonds in clients’ financial planning strategies.

Our guest is Mark Lambert, Head of Onshore Bond Distribution at HSBC Life, who joins us on the podcast once again. Mark tells us not only why HSBC Life created the report, but he also shares the key insights across its nine chapters and highlights the specific benefits of onshore bonds within a client’s investable capital strategy.

Whether you’ve been recommending onshore bonds for years or are just starting to wonder if it’s time to revisit them, this conversation offers valuable perspectives for your advice practice.

Listen to the podcast here.

I&P Podcast #13: Electronic wills and digital legacy planning with Adeus Life’s Nick Adams

In this month's special Insurance & Protection edition of IFA Talk, Sue and Meg are diving into the topic of electronic wills and the future of legacy planning. Joining them to share his expert knowledge on the area is Adeus Life's Nick Adams.

Together, they explore what’s changing in the legal landscape around wills, and how digital innovation could soon be shaking things up.

Nick reveals what happens if you don’t have a valid will in place, the issues with the current will legislation, and the plans and potential issues with electronic wills.

 

Podcast #124: Paraplanners in the spotlight! Results from The Lang Cat’s 'State of The Advice Nation' report with Steve Nelson

In the latest episode of IFA Talk, we’re diving into the findings of The Lang Cat’s State of The Advice Nation report with Steve Nelson, Insights Director at The Lang Cat. Co-hosting with our Editor, Sue Whitbread is our very own Senior Financial Journalist, Jenny Hunter, who brings a unique perspective as a part-time Chartered Paraplanner herself.

The report reveals that more paraplanners than ever are choosing to remain in their roles rather than transitioning into advisory positions. But it’s not all smooth sailing – ongoing frustrations around remuneration and the lack of a dedicated Chartered pathway are still hot topics.

Steve shares his insights on what’s driving these trends, the evolving perception of paraplanners in the industry, and what the future might hold – especially as AI continues to shake up the financial advice sector. Steve gets Jenny involved in the conversation as well and puts her on the spot, throwing a few questions her way, making her a part guest, part host for this episode.

So, whether you’re a paraplanner looking for career inspiration or an adviser curious about the shifting dynamics within your team, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

You can find the full State of The Advice Nation report, which is well worth a read, by following this link.

M&P Podcast #16: Opportunities and Insights for Advisers, with Will Hale (Air) and Adrian Brewer (Access FS)

In this month’s special Mortgage & Property edition of IFA Talk, Jenny and Meg explore the fast-evolving world of later life lending — a sector which is gaining momentum and rapidly beginning to capture growing interest among advisers and clients alike.

As demand grows for more flexible borrowing options in later life, we’ll be unpacking how advisers can effectively meet the needs of this expanding client base. From practical advice on supporting borrowing into retirement to a forward-looking discussion on what’s next for the market, both Will and Adrian talk us through the key opportunities and potential driving the sector’s growth, as well as the emerging challenges that advisers need to navigate moving forward into the future.

Joining us to discuss this is Will Hale, CEO of Air Later Life Lending. Will brings a wealth of expertise in supporting advisers as they navigate the complexities of later life lending — from understanding what’s driving the sector’s growing momentum to helping shape its ongoing evolution.

Adrian Brewer, Head of Later Life at Access Financial Services, leads the firm’s strategy for delivering tailored, holistic financial advice to clients aged 55 and over. With more than 28 years of experience in consumer finance, he also oversees internal referrals across the business, ensuring clients benefit from the full breadth of expertise that Access Financial Services provides.

Podcast #123: AI, advice and the ‘golden age’ – what’s next for financial planning? With Saturn's Amal Jolly and Rohit Vaish

For this week’s episode, we’re diving into the world of AI in financial advice. With tech adoption on the rise, there’s plenty to unpack – from the potential of AI to streamline processes to the risk of losing that all-important human touch.

Joining IFA Magazine’s Senior Financial Journalist Jenny Hunter and Editor Sue Whitbread are two industry experts who are right at the forefront of these changes – Amal Jolly, Chief Executive and Co-Founder of Saturn, and Rohit Vaish, Saturn’s Co-Founder and President. They’ll be sharing their insights on why AI is gaining traction among advice firms, whether we’re really on the brink of a ‘golden age’ for financial planning, and how advisers can bring their teams along for the ride.

So, whether you’re already embracing AI or just starting to dip your toes in, this episode is packed with practical insights and expert advice you won’t want to miss.

Saturn are always looking to be interactive and regularly host in person events to demo their suite of tools.