IFA Talk

Podcast #109: What advisers need to know about the changing face of retirement income planning in 2025 — with BNY Investments’ Richard Parkin

Retirement income planning is evolving fast — and staying ahead of the curve is crucial for advisers.

With the FCA’s retirement income advice review sparking big conversations last year, 2025 brings even more focus from the regulator on ensuring firms deliver the best outcomes for clients. The regulator is watching closely, so it’s essential to stay informed and ready for change.

In this week’s episode, we welcome back Richard Parkin, Head of Retirement at BNY Investments. Richard is a trusted expert in the field, known for his deep insights and practical knowledge on the subject of retirement income planning.

Join Richard, Sue, and Matt as they break down the findings of new research from BNY Investments and NextWealth: “Retirement Advice in the UK: Time for Change?” They explore the evolving role of advisers, the latest industry challenges, and what it all means for you and your practice in 2025. 

If you want to navigate the shifting landscape of retirement advice with confidence, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and get the insights you need to thrive in 2025.

I&P Podcast #10: What is driving increased demand and strong growth in Income Protection? With Shelley Read of Royal London

In this episode of IFA Talk, we explore the rising demand for income protection and what is driving its strong growth over the past 12 months. To help us unpack this topic, we are joined by Shelley Read, Senior Protection Technical Manager at Royal London.

Shelley shares her expert insights into the factors influencing this increase, how advisers can best support clients in navigating income protection solutions, and the role of income protection in holistic financial planning. Throughout the discussion, we explore practical tips for applying for income protection, how advisers can guide clients through the claims process, and the support available for those having these important conversations with clients.

Shelley has joined us on IFA Talk many times before, and we are delighted to welcome her back to share her extensive knowledge once again. She provides valuable takeaways for advisers looking to strengthen their income protection conversations and help clients understand the importance of securing their financial future.

This episode offers key insights into the changing landscape of income protection and the role it plays within financial advice. Tune in now to hear the full discussion.

 

GBI Podcast #3: 30 years of VCTs - The past, present and future

Welcome to a special episode of IFA Talk in partnership with GBI Magazine. In this discussion, we take a deep dive into Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) as they mark their 30th anniversary.

How have they evolved since their inception? Why do they remain relevant in today’s investment landscape? And what does the future hold?

To answer these questions, IFA Magazine’s Senior Financial Journalist, Jenny Hunter, and GBI’s Content Editor, Matt Williams, are joined by Will Fraser-Allen, Managing Partner at Albion Capital Group.

Together, they explore how the VCT landscape has changed over the past three decades and what this means for investors today. They discuss the latest fundraising trends, investor sentiment and the outlook for Albion’s current raise. Will also shares insights into the types of investors looking at VCTs and why advisers should consider them for their clients.

This episode provides valuable insights into how these investment vehicles continue to adapt and thrive.

Listen now to hear the full discussion and gain expert perspectives on the past, present and future of VCTs.

Podcast #108: Three ways IFAs can enhance their advisory portfolios – with Collidr’s Symon Stickney

Many financial advisers are turning to outsourced investment solutions—but for those who prefer to keep full control in-house, the challenges are different. Can technology help? If so, how? What are the key obstacles, and how can advisers overcome them?

In this episode, we dive into these pressing questions with Symon Stickney, Founder and CEO of Collidr, a true innovator in the investment space. 

Podcast #107: The evolving role of Paraplanners - Mentorship, motivation and success strategies with Sam Patterson

We’re excited to bring you another insightful conversation from the world of financial services. Hosted by Sue Whitbread, editor of IFA Magazine, and senior financial journalist, Jenny Hunter, this week’s episode shines a spotlight on key topics from within the paraplanner profession. 

Podcast #106: Investing in 2025 - What to look out for with Morningstar’s Dan Kemp

This week, Jenny and Brandon are diving into what lies ahead for investing in 2025. After the rollercoaster of 2024, the year ahead might look calmer, but it’s still packed with important questions and opportunities for advisers and their clients. 

We are joined this week by Dan Kemp, Chief Research and Investment Officer at Morningstar. Dan shares his invaluable insights into the key challenges and opportunities that 2025 is likely to bring. He explores whether US stocks will remain a stronghold after their stellar performance in 2024 or if better value can be found elsewhere. Is the US bubble about to burst? Dan gives us his opinions on that too! 

Podcast #105: Financial Services in an AI Era with Stuart Breyer from Mallowstreet

In our latest IFA Talk podcast, hosts Jenny and Brandon sit down with Stuart Breyer, CEO of Mallowstreet, to talk all things AI and its growing role in financial services. 

Stu shares how Mallowstreet is using AI, especially their SOFI tool, to make things run smoother and drive innovation. They chat about how AI can work alongside advisers to boost client service and streamline processes. If you've been wondering how to choose the right AI tools or what to consider when integrating them into your business, this episode has you covered. 

M&P Podcast #13: Supporting first-time buyers in a challenging market. With Buckinghamshire Building Soc’s Claire Askham

A thriving property market relies on a strong foundation of first-time buyers. But with rising concerns about prolonged higher interest rates and the changes to those temporary stamp duty reliefs coming in from 1st April, the landscape is changing—and not in their favour.

These shifts will impact everyone looking to move, but first-time buyers face the biggest hurdles. For mortgage advisers, we know their success is vital to keeping the market moving.

So, how worried should we be? And more importantly, what practical steps can we take to support first-time buyers during these challenging times? Sue’s guest on this week’s podcast is Claire Askham, Head of Mortgage Sales at Buckinghamshire Building Society. 

Podcast #104: Partnering for success – working with a strategic investment partner

On this week’s IFA Talk podcast, Sue and Brandon sit down with Andrew Rockey, Head of Investment Solutions, and Tom Ball, Investment Solutions Director at Brooks Macdonald. Together, they explore how advisers can navigate today’s challenges and uncover opportunities to deliver effective, client-focused investment solutions. 

Podcast #103: What might Trump 2.0 mean for investing in the US? With Federated Hermes’ Mark Sherlock

Sue and Brandon’s guest on this week’s IFA Talk Podcast is Mark Sherlock, Head of US equities at Federated Hermes. In this episode, Mark tells us why he’s generally feeling positive about US investment prospects – particularly in the small and mid-cap arena where valuations remain compelling.

They discuss some of the uncertainties as well as risks that lie ahead as well as some of the reasons to be optimistic that 2025 will provide plenty of opportunity for active managers to deliver alpha.