IFA Talk

Podcast #122: Exploring the popularity of MPS and why partnerships make all the difference, with L&G’s James Giblin

In this week’s episode, Matt and Jenny dive into the world of MPS with expert James Giblin, a Multi-Asset Fund Manager at L&G. James discusses how advisers view MPS—whether it’s more of a product, a service, or something in between—and what really matters when it comes to picking the right solution.

James explores what makes an MPS relationship work—and why it’s about more than just performance charts and factsheets, whether we have reached peak MPS take-up and the questions advisers are asking as part of their MPS selection process.

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

Podcast #121: The friction and fixes for Letters of Authority, with Flag's Justine Pattullo and Criterion's Nick Green

Let’s face it—Letters of Authority (LoAs) are one of the biggest pain points in financial services. They should be straightforward, but more often than not, they’re anything but. In this week’s episode of IFA Talk, we’re digging into why that is, and more importantly, what’s being done to make the process better.

Joining us for a proper deep-dive into the world of LoAs are two people who know this stuff inside out: Justine Pattullo, chair of the Fix LoA Action Group (FLAG) and fractional CMO for a bunch of Fintechs, and Nick Green, Strategy & Proposition Director at Criterion.

Together, they give us the lowdown on why the LoA is so important for client servicing, where the worst friction points are, and who’s actually responsible for the mess. They also lift the lid on some much-needed solutions—including the new LoA Data Checklist Standard, which could be a game-changer.

If you’ve ever battled the dreaded wet signature or been stuck in LoA limbo waiting for a response, then you will want to listen in.

Podcast #120: Rethinking advice - The behavioural finance advantage with Oxford Risk’s Dr. Greg B. Davies

In this week’s episode of IFA Talk, we dive into one of the most exciting developments in personalised advice: behavioural finance. We explore why the days of one-size-fits-all advice are numbered — and how understanding how clients feel and behave around money can make all the difference.

Joining Matt and Sue to unpack all of this is Dr Greg B. Davies, Head of Behavioural Finance at Oxford Risk, a global leader in turning deep behavioural insights into practical tools for advisers. Oxford Risk have recently launched a new investor personas solution, so we’re thrilled to be speaking with Greg about how it works and what it means for your client conversations.

Greg reveals how Oxford Risk's Investor Personas are used in the day-to-day work of financial professionals and how they go beyond just categorising clients.

With the FCA pushing for more tailored support, many firms are still relying on demographics and portfolio size. Greg explains why that approach is falling short, and outlines how behavioural personas offer a more meaningful way to deliver properly targeted solutions. Greg also dives into retirement, summarising how understanding a client's behavioural persona help advisers tailor their support in those key moments.

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

Podcast #119: What the FCA’s new strategy really means for advisers and their firms, with Protiviti's Bernadine Reese

In this week’s episode of IFA Talk, Jenny Hunter and Sue Whitbread dig into one of the most important regulatory developments facing financial advisers and firms today – the FCA’s newly launched strategy for 2025 to 2030.

What does the strategy actually say? What does it mean for firms in the short and long term? And how can advisers prepare for what’s coming?

To help break it all down, we’re joined by Bernadine Reese, Managing Director in the Risk and Compliance team at Protiviti. With years of experience supporting regulated firms through change, Bernadine shares her insights on the regulator’s new direction – and what it means for competitiveness, innovation, and the global regulatory landscape.

We also explore how the FCA is using technology to transform its own approach, what firms need to do to stay compliant across borders, and the real opportunities for those that embrace change effectively.

It’s a conversation full of practical insight, thoughtful analysis, and forward-looking advice – ideal for anyone looking to understand the FCA’s evolving priorities and how to future-proof their firm.

Podcast #118: Trump, tariffs and what advisers need to know, featuring Morningstar Wealth’s Nicolò Bragazza

This week on IFA Talk, hosts Matt and Sue tackle one of the most significant developments shaking global markets—Trump’s reintroduction of tariffs.

With markets on edge and economic forecasts shifting rapidly, we’re joined by Nicolò Bragazza, Associate Portfolio Manager on Morningstar Wealth’s multi-asset team, to break down what financial advisers really need to know.

We explore key questions, including:

• What impact could these tariffs have on global growth and economic stability?
• Are we at risk of a full-blown trade war?
• Could markets fall further—and faster?
• How should advisers approach portfolio reassessment and rebalancing in such uncertain times?

Don't miss this insightful and very topical episode that cuts through the noise to give advisers some much needed clarity to try and help you guide clients more confidently in the weeks and months ahead.

Be sure to tune in to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.

I&P Podcast #12: How advisers can demonstrate true value in protection with Shelley Read of Royal London

In this month's special 'Insurance & Protection' episode of IFA Talk, Matt and Sue are diving into a topic that sits at the core of great financial planning; value in the protection space.

We hear the word 'value' all the time, but what does it actually mean? Is it just about price? Or is it about the true worth and benefits protection brings to clients? And with the growing advice gap, where fewer people are seeking financial advice or guidance, are they missing out on genuine value without even realising it?

Joining us this week to answer all of these questions is Shelley Read, Senior Technical Manager at Royal London. Shelley brings invaluable insights from Royal London’s latest 'Meaning of Value' report, which explores how both clients and advisers perceive value — and, crucially, how we can communicate it more effectively.

Shelley also discusses practical ways advisers can bring protection into the conversation and truly showcase its importance to clients.

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

Podcast #117: Where does ‘liberation’ leave the markets? With Ninety One’s Paul Vincent and Will Nott

In this week’s episode of IFA Talk, Jenny and Sue are diving into the world of US investing—at a time when markets feel more jittery than ever.

With recent volatility shaking investor confidence and big headlines dominating the financial news, it’s never been more important for advisers to help clients keep calm and stay focused. That’s why we have two brilliant guests from Ninety One’s Quality investment team: Paul Vincent and Will Nott in the hot seats. Together, they unpack what’s really going on beneath the headlines and how investors might navigate these turbulent times with a bit more clarity.

From macro market drivers to the role of the mega caps, and from the influence of AI to the potential in overlooked corners of the US market, Paul and Will offer valuable insight grounded in research and experience. It’s a wide-ranging chat that cuts through the noise—and gives advisers something meaningful to bring to their next client conversation.

So, whether you're after perspective on US equities, curious about concentration risk, or just wondering where the opportunities are hiding, this episode’s got it all.

M&P Podcast #15: Bridging the mortgage gap with Chris Blewitt, Darlington Building Society

In this special Mortgage and Property edition of IFA Talk, hosts Sue and Matt explore how financial advisers can better support clients with more complex borrowing needs.

They’re joined by Chris Blewitt, Head of Mortgage Distribution at Darlington Building Society, an organisation known for its flexible and personal approach to lending. Together, they delve into how building societies are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between mainstream banks and specialist lenders — offering tailored solutions for borrowers with non-standard financial situations.

Topics covered include:

• Lending solutions for skilled workers on visas
• The growing appeal of holiday let investments
• Mortgage options for expats
• And more insights into niche lending opportunities

Whether you’re working with first-time buyers, seasoned investors, or clients with more nuanced financial profiles, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to help you offer smarter, more inclusive advice.

Listen now and discover how to better serve clients who don’t fit the traditional mortgage mould.

Podcast #116: A Decade of Pension Freedoms - Success, Challenges, and the Future of Retirement Planning, with Ed Monk, Associate Director at Fidelity International

In this week’s episode of IFA Talk, we mark a major milestone in retirement planning: ten years since the introduction of Pension Freedoms. Jenny Hunter and Sue Whitbread are joined by Ed Monk, Associate Director at Fidelity International, to reflect on how this seismic shift has shaped the retirement landscape – and what advisers need to consider looking ahead.

Ed shares Fidelity’s latest analysis of how the first cohort of retirees has fared under the new rules, and the findings are eye-opening. Despite initial fears, even those drawing down at higher rates – 5%, 6%, or even 7% – still retained significant pension savings, thanks in large part to strong market performance. But Ed warns that future retirees may not be so fortunate.

The discussion delves into whether the 4% ‘safe withdrawal rule’ still holds water, how advisers can help clients navigate short-term volatility without derailing their plans, and why diversification – particularly the role of bonds – must be reconsidered in today’s uncertain economic climate.

Crucially, while Pension Freedoms have brought unprecedented flexibility, they also require a more hands-on approach to retirement planning. Ed highlights the need for tailored strategies that balance freedom with financial sustainability.

Tune in now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to hear how past lessons can inform smarter, more resilient retirement planning in the decade ahead.

You can find the full analysis from Fidelity, here!

Podcast #115: The big market questions - Corrections, inflation, interest rates & AI disruptions with Downing's Simon Evan-Cook

In this episode of IFA Talk, we’re tackling some of the biggest questions in today’s global stock markets.

US stockmarket indices have recently dipped to their lowest levels since last September, as concerns over tariffs, inflation, and even a potential US recession weigh on investors’ minds. Is this just a short-term correction, or the start of something more significant?

Meanwhile, the UK and US economies appear to be heading in different directions—so where do the best investment opportunities lie?

Joining Sue and Matt this week is Simon Evan-Cook, Fund Manager at Downing Fox, to break it all down. We’ll explore:

• The latest on tariffs, market moves, interest rates and inflation
• How AI is reshaping the investment landscape
• What all this means for financial advisers, wealth managers and their clients

Tune in now to hear Simon’s ultra-practical take on what’s going on out there today. We hope that it will help you steer your way through these complex market shifts so you can enjoy client conversations with a little bit more confidence.