IFA Talk

Podcast #152: Targeted Support and bridging the advice gap in a changing landscape, with Wealth Wizards' CEO Ben Hampton

On this week’s episode of IFA Talk, Sue and Matt focus on one of the most talked-about topics in the advice sector right now, the Advice Guidance Boundary Review, and more specifically, the arrival of Targeted Support.

Ben Hampton, CEO of Wealth Wizards joins us to share his expert insights. Wealth Wizards has been at the forefront of digital advice and guidance technology, making Ben the ideal guest for this discussion.

Together, they discuss the main drivers behind the push for Targeted Support, and how it reflects the changes needs of UK consumers. Ben also reveals how Targeted Support can help to bridge the advice gap, and how the consumer experience of financial advice and guidance could change, especially in relation to retirement preparation.

Lastly, Ben outlines which hurdles and opportunities he foresees for advice firms, in areas such as regulation, technology and customer trust.

This episode was recorded on 17^th November, therefore prior to the FCA’s announcement on Targeted Support.

TEI Podcast #9: Budget 2025 boosts EIS & VCT prospects, and what advisers need to know, with Shoosmith’s Tom Wilde

In this, our last special Tax-Efficient Investment edition of IFA Talk for 2025, we’re reflecting on the recent Budget and the ramifications for EIS and VCTs. Matt and Sue are joined by Tom Wilde, from the Tax Department of UK law firm Shoosmiths, where he heads up the firm’s EIS and VCT practice. 

 

With the reduction of VCT tax relief from 30% to 20% next year potentially driving more interest towards EIS investment, as well as other measures, Tom shares his expert insight on what the changes in the 2025 Budget mean for EIS and VCTs.

 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Budget 2025 EIS & VCT changes – How new funding and gross asset limits expand investment opportunities
• VCT relief reduction – Why the cut from 30% to 20% may shift focus toward EIS products and a boost to demand in the current tax year
• Client suitability guidance – Which clients and planning scenarios may now benefit from EIS over VCT
• Regional implications – The Budget’s failure to reform age limits and how this affects companies outside the South-East, in particular
• Practical advice for advisers – How to navigate structural limitations and identify client opportunities

Hearing from a tax expert like Tom really does highlight why 2026 is looking extremely positive for the tax-efficient investment sector.

 

We’ll be back with more TEI podcasts in 2026. But in the meantime, look out for our 2026 Tax-Efficient Investment Insights publication coming out in January. We’re sure you’re going to like it!

Podcast #151: Making sense of markets, mindsets and 2026, with James Giblin, Fund Manager at L&G

This week on IFA Talk, Deputy Editor Jenny Hunter and Editor Sue Whitbread are joined once again by James Giblin, Fund Manager at L&G, and someone who’s had a front-row seat to one of the most unpredictable market years we’ve seen in a while.

With 2025 almost behind us, the timing couldn’t be better. James shares his take on what’s really been driving markets this year, how investors can keep a cool head when the headlines get loud, and what advisers should be thinking about as we head into 2026. If you’re looking for a clear, calm voice amid the noise, this episode is definitely one to queue up.

James also gives us a peek behind the scenes at L&G, chatting about how the team navigates conflicting signals in markets, draws on the firm’s research expertise, and makes the kind of decisions that matter when things are changing fast. It’s an honest and accessible look at how multi-asset teams stay grounded when the world around them feels anything but.

And, of course, we look ahead. With a new year on the horizon, James talks through the themes on his radar, from shifting economic conditions to the areas where he sees risk, opportunity and potential surprises. Advisers will find plenty here to help shape client conversations and set expectations for the year to come.

NI&P Podcast #19: How protection is evolving in 2025, with CIExpert’s Paul Roberts

The latest New Insurance & Protection special edition of IFA Talk explores how insurers are reshaping protection in 2025, and what this means for advisers and their clients.

In this episode, hosts Meg Bratley and Sue Whitbread are joined by Paul Roberts, Propositions and Distribution Director at CIExpert. Paul shares his expert insights into how the industry is developing more comprehensive cover and how advisers can translate this into meaningful client conversations.

Highlights from the latest episode:

· A look at what insurers have done during 2025 to offer more comprehensive cover

· How understanding Additional Payments, Enhanced Payments, Accelerated Payments, and Severity Payments adds real value to modern protection conversations

· How Children’s Critical Illness cover should be positioned as part of holistic financial planning moving forward

This episode makes for a fascinating and practical discussion, giving advisers valuable guidance on how to embrace the latest developments in protection and deliver even better outcomes for their clients

Podcast #150: Budget special - Key Budget measures advisers need to know, with AJ Bell’s Rachel Vahey

This week’s IFA Talk Budget Special is packed with practical insight, clear explanations, and a few “wait, did the Chancellor really do that?” moments.

In this episode, host Sue Whitbread, Editor at IFA Magazine, is joined by Rachel Vahey, Head of Public Policy at AJ Bell, who helps advisers cut through the noise and get straight to what really matters for clients in terms of last week’s budget measures.

Recorded on Friday 28th November, this fast-paced 20-minute chat is your shortcut to understanding the key measures, the curveballs (plenty of those!), and the missed opportunities of the Budget.

What’s inside this budget breakdown?

Rachel takes us on a whistle-stop tour through the key budget announcements, the headline items and the smaller, easy-to-miss measures that really matter for advisers and clients.

Here’s a flavour of what’s covered:

- Stealth taxes and fiscal drag

Income tax thresholds remain frozen – again – meaning more clients pulled into higher-rate tax and more explaining for advisers.
Sue and Rachel dig into what the continued freeze really means and the impact on disposable income. There are some startling numbers in this section!

- Salary sacrifice reforms and pension implications

One of the biggest pension talking points of the Budget was salary sacrifice. What’s changing? From when? And what are the “watch-outs” for advisers and employers?
Rachel breaks down the practical implications.

- Cash ISAs

Rachel explains what the Chancellor has done and what she hasn’t done. She also adds clarity on the much-rumoured ISA reforms and we think this might raise some eyebrows as to the implications especially for investment ISA.

- The Budget ‘Smorgasbord’ – smaller measures that matter

Your clients will feel these – even if they didn’t make the headlines.
Rachel explains:

• Dividend tax adjustments
• The reality behind the “mansion tax” / High Value Council Tax Surcharge (HVCTS)
• Property tax expectations vs what actually happened
• VCTs, and the Chancellor’s stance on growth incentives

- The bond market backdrop

No Budget exists in a vacuum. Rachel and Sue take a moment to consider the bond market reaction, the Government’s tightrope walk after the Truss episode, and whether advisers should be bracing for bond-market rumblings.

To catch up with all the details tune in now!

 

M&PI Podcast #21: Innovating mortgage support for first-time buyers, with Nationwide’s Carlo Pileggi

Now live: The latest Mortgage & Property Investment special edition of IFA Talk lifts the lid on one of the most pressing issues facing today’s housing market, how to help more first-time buyers take that crucial first step onto the property ladder.

In this episode, hosts Sue Whitbread and Meg Bratley are joined by Carlo Pileggi, Head of Mortgage Products at Nationwide Building Society. Carlo shares his insights into the challenges facing first-time buyers today, and how initiatives like Nationwide’s Helping Hand Mortgage Boost are making a meaningful difference for aspiring homeowners across the UK.

Highlights from this week’s episode

• The changing profile of first-time buyers, and the trends Nationwide is seeing on the ground

• How Helping Hand is supporting affordability, deposits and access to lending

• The growing role of family support and how lenders are adapting to reflect this

• Real stories of first-time buyers whose journeys were transformed through flexible lending

• What the next 12–18 months might hold for affordability, lending innovation and first-time buyer support

This episode provides a timely and insightful look at the real barriers facing today’s first-time buyers, and the innovative solutions helping more people secure a home of their own.

Podcast #149: Smarter retirement strategies for your clients, with Andrew Lewis, Senior Investment Director at Brooks Macdonald

In this week’s episode of IFA Talk, Matt Williams and Jenny Hunter dive into one of the most important and complex areas of financial planning, helping clients manage risk and income throughout retirement.

Joining them is Andrew Lewis, Senior Investment Director at Brooks Macdonald, who shares his thoughts on how advisers can design smarter, more resilient retirement strategies that adapt to clients’ changing needs.

Andrew talks about the main risks retirees face today, from longevity and sequencing risk to the impact of inflation - the kind of inflation you really notice when the price of a tub of Lurpak at the supermarket gives you a shock (though other butters are, of course, available). He also unpacks the key findings from the FCA’s thematic review on retirement income and what they mean in practice for advisers supporting clients through decumulation.

The conversation rounds off with a look at how Brooks Macdonald’s Retirement Strategies can form part of a centralised retirement proposition, helping advisers deliver consistency, flexibility and stronger client outcomes.

If you’re advising clients approaching or already in retirement, this episode offers practical insights and plenty to think about as you help plan for your clients.

 

NI&P Podcast #18: helping clients make confident protection decisions, with MetLife UK’s Phil Jeynes

The latest New Insurance & Protection special edition of IFA Talk turns the spotlight onto a topic at the heart of financial wellbeing, protection.

In this episode, hosts Meg Bratley and Jenny Hunter are joined by Phil Jeynes, who leads the strategic direction of MetLife UK’s individual protection business. Phil shares his expert view on how advisers can better support clients when it comes to choosing the right type of protection and preparing for life’s unexpected events.

Highlights from this week’s episode

Helping clients make informed decisions
What advisers need to know about guiding clients through protection choices, and how to make these conversations more relevant, engaging and grounded in real-life needs.

Understanding who’s most at risk
Which groups are most vulnerable to everyday accidents or illnesses, and the financial implications that can quickly follow.

Practical support when the unexpected happens
What advisers can put in place to help ease financial pressure when clients face sudden health issues, accidents or changes in income.

This episode offers a timely and insightful discussion on why protection matters, and the crucial role advisers play in giving clients clarity, confidence and peace of mind when they need it most.

 

Podcast #148: The future of advice - Sparrows Capital’s Arnie Millington on value, trust and technology

How can advisers prove their value, close the advice gap, and embrace technology without losing the personal touch?

On this week’s episode of IFA Talk, Meg and Sue are taking a closer look at the client proposition, in particular at how advisers and planners can continue to deliver strong outcomes for clients while building a resilient business.

Joining us is Arnie Millington, Head of Business Development at Sparrows Capital. Arnie has worked across the advice space — from AJ Bell and Benchmark to 7IM — giving him a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities advisers face today.

In this conversation, Arnie shares practical insights on:

• Demonstrating value under Consumer Duty, How advisers can clearly show clients what they’re getting and justify their fees.
• The advice gap. What’s driving it and how advisers remain essential to helping clients achieve their goals.
• Technology and AI. How to embrace new tools without losing the personal, relationship-based service clients value.
• Industry consolidation. Whether the wave of mergers and acquisitions benefits clients, or risks diluting personal service.

Whether you’re running your own advice business or working in a larger firm, this episode offers real-world insights on staying relevant and effective as the profession develops.

Listen now to hear practical thinking on balancing value, technology, and personal connection in financial advice.

TEI Podcast #8: Navigating a shifting IHT landscape with confidence; Pensions, IHT and the upcoming budget, with Toyin Oyeneyin, Tax Product Specialist at Octopus Investments

In this month’s special TEI (Tax-Efficient Investment) special edition of IFA Talk, Matt and Sue take a look back at some of the key changes to IHT and pension in last year’s Autumn Budget.

With many of the new rules set to take effect from April 2026 and April 2027, advisers and clients are increasingly seeking support to navigate the changes ahead. Fortunately, joining us to unpack all of this is Toyin Oyeneyin, Tax Product Specialist at Octopus Investments. Together, we dive into the topic of IHT on pensions, before looking ahead to this year’s much-anticipated Budget.

In this episode, Toyin discusses whether the golden age of pensions is now over and outlines how the changes have affected the conversations advisers are having with their clients. She also answers whether there is still hesitancy regarding IHT planning ahead of the Budget and reveals how Octopus Investments are supporting advisers in an increasingly complex landscape.

Be sure to check out this episode and all other episodes of IFA Talk on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon!