IFA Talk

Podcast #147: Rethinking the MPS or bespoke solutions puzzle with Marlborough’s Eddie Kennedy

As the lines between model portfolio services (MPS) and bespoke investment solutions continue to blur, advisers are increasingly asking if these two approaches are really in competition, or can they actually complement each other?

In this week’s episode of IFA Talk, hosts Sue Whitbread and Matt Williams are joined by Eddie Kennedy, Head of Marlborough’s Personal Portfolio Service, to explore this very question.

Eddie has plenty of experience in this field. In this conversation he not only shares his insights on how both MPS and bespoke solutions are evolving but also why framing them as opposing forces might just be missing the point.

On the agenda for this week’s conversation are:

• How the MPS landscape is changing under the lens of Consumer Duty
• Why the trend toward commoditisation could be limiting service quality
• What really defines a true bespoke service – and what advisers should look for
• How MPS and bespoke solutions can work together as part of a lifelong client journey
• Why long-term thinking, or as Eddie’s family motto puts it, “Avise la fin” (“Consider the end”), matters more than ever for advisers and clients.

As Eddie explains, Marlborough’s approach uses the same multi-asset framework to underpin both MPS and bespoke portfolios, illustrating how advisers can blend these strategies to meet evolving client needs.

Whether you’re refining your investment proposition or simply keeping an eye on industry trends, this episode offers valuable perspective on how to align service, personalisation and long-term outcomes.

Podcast #146: Should Paraplanners be more formally recognised by the FCA? Research by Derek Bradley, founder and CEO of Panacea Adviser

In this week’s episode of IFA Talk, hosts Matt Williams and Jenny Hunter delve into one of the most hotly debated topics, the evolving role of the paraplanner and whether it’s time for formal FCA recognition.

They’re joined by Derek Bradley, founder and CEO of Panacea Adviser, to discuss the findings of Panacea’s latest industry survey: “Should Paraplanners be more formally recognised by the FCA?” The research sparked widespread discussion across the financial planning community, raising key questions about professional identity, accountability and the future shape of the advice process.

Would formal recognition help to elevate standards and professionalism, or would it simply add cost and complexity to an already heavily regulated sector? Derek shares his perspective on these issues, exploring the fine line between advisers’ and paraplanners’ responsibilities, and why outsourced and in-house paraplanners often have such contrasting views on the question of regulation.

The conversation also looks ahead to what the next decade could hold for paraplanners, from evolving qualifications to shifting expectations around accountability and client outcomes.

Listen now to hear Derek’s insights on Panacea’s latest research and what greater formal recognition could mean for paraplanners, and the advice profession as a whole.

M&PI Podcast #20: Evolving opportunities in specialist lending, with Inspired Lending’s Gavin Diamond

The latest Mortgage & Property Investment special edition of IFA Talk explores how specialist lending is helping advisers support clients with increasingly complex financial needs.

In this episode, Meg and Sue are joined by Gavin Diamond, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Inspired Lending. With over 15 years’ experience in senior leadership roles across the short-term and specialist lending industry, Gavin shares his expert insights into how bridging and specialist finance can empower advisers to deliver tailored solutions for clients with diverse and evolving financial profiles.

 

Highlights from this week’s episode

Specialist lending for complex clients: Gavin discusses how bridging and short-term finance are becoming essential tools for advisers supporting clients with complex asset structures, liquidity challenges, and time-sensitive funding needs.

Timing and market confidence: Drawing on recent market insights, Gavin explains why “stability is not a slowdown” and how today’s environment is laying the foundations for renewed long-term confidence in specialist finance.

Supporting complex refurb and conversion projects: From office-to-residential conversions to portfolio repositioning, Gavin outlines how Inspired Lending structures loans that blend investment and development strategies to support clients’ ambitions.

Understanding borrower behaviour and adviser value: Bridging lenders often gain a unique perspective on borrower decision-making under pressure. Gavin shares lessons on liquidity management, opportunity recognition, and how advisers can deepen client relationships through these insights.

Building stronger partnerships with wealth managers: As client needs grow more complex, the lines between brokers, advisers, and wealth managers continue to blur. Gavin explores how collaboration and shared understanding can unlock better outcomes for clients across the wealth spectrum.

This episode offers a fascinating look at how specialist lending continues to evolve, highlighting the opportunities it presents for advisers to deliver truly bespoke solutions in a changing market.

Podcast #145: Delivering value through multi-asset investing; a look inside the Scottish Widows Managed Growth Funds with Mithesh Varsani, Head of Investment Solutions

Multi-asset investing continues to sit at the heart of effective portfolio construction, helping advisers deliver diversification, risk alignment and consistent outcomes for their clients. But how can advisers be confident that the multi-asset solutions they choose really deliver long-term value?

In this latest episode of IFA Talk, Matt Williams and Sue Whitbread are joined by Mithesh Varsani, Head of Investment Solutions at Scottish Widows, to discuss the evolving multi-asset landscape and the role of the Scottish Widows Managed Growth Funds in supporting advisers and their clients.

Listen in as they discuss:

• Why multi-asset investing remains so critical in today’s uncertain markets
• How Scottish Widows’ Managed Growth Funds deliver diversification, governance and value, all with an OCF of just 0.10%
• The importance of trust and confidence for advisers when selecting investment partners
• How Scottish Widows’ long history and investment expertise can help advisers meet clients’ evolving needs

As advisers continue to manage changing client priorities, from sustainability considerations to income needs in retirement, having an investment partner which can evolve with you is essential. Mithesh shares his insights on how Scottish Widows is doing just that: combining innovation, robust risk management and clear alignment to client outcomes.

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

 

TEI Podcast #7: How advisers should be preparing for IHT and pension reforms with Praetura Investments’ Jon Prescott

In this month’s special TEI (Tax-Efficient Investment) special edition of IFA Talk, Matt and Jenny dive into a topic which is front of mind for many advisers right now, and that is changes to Inheritance Tax, pension and business relief, and what they might mean for long-term planning.

To do this, Jon Prescott, Partner at Praetura Investments, joins us. He reveals how these reforms could reshape strategies around tax-efficient investing, and what advisers need to know to stay ahead.

We also discuss how business relief can still play a role in a well-diversified estate plan, the necessary changes to ensure it be used effectively going forward, and why it is essential for advisers and their clients to take action sooner rather than later.

Podcast #144: Emotional Intelligence and adviser success: Practical tips from a former adviser, with James Woodfall

In this week’s episode of IFA Talk, Matt and Sue are exploring a skill that every great financial adviser needs, but that doesn’t often get talked about enough: emotional intelligence. 

Often labelled a ‘soft skill’, emotional intelligence (EI) is anything but soft when it comes to its impact on adviser success. It can be the difference between being a good adviser and a great one. 

Joining us for this cracker of a conversation is James Woodfall, a former financial planner and founder of Raise Your EI. James has been doing some fascinating work on how emotional intelligence influences adviser performance, client relationships, and business outcomes. 

Together, they explore: 

• How emotional intelligence gives advisers a competitive edge in today’s market 

• Ways to apply EI to support clients through uncertainty and change 

• Why developing EI is crucial for handling difficult conversations and reading client cues effectively 

As Matt puts it: “It’s one of those skills that underpins everything advisers do. Building trust and rapport, establishing long term relationships, EI is at the heart of great advice.” 

Whether you’re leading client conversations, mentoring junior colleagues, or steering your business through volatile markets, this episode offers practical insight into the human side of financial advice. 

Listen now to hear how you can raise your own EI and strengthen the relationships that drive long-term success. 

Podcast #143: How advisers can help clients avoid a retirement income shortfall with Gill Millen, Managing Director at Bowmore Financial Planning

This week on IFA Talk, Matt Williams and Jenny Hunter are joined by Gill Millen, Managing Director at Bowmore Financial Planning, to dig into one of the most pressing issues facing advisers and their clients today: people simply aren’t saving enough for retirement. 

Bowmore’s latest analysis reveals that many clients, even those in their 40s and 50s and beyond, are contributing far below recommended levels, putting them at risk of a serious retirement income shortfall. In this episode, Gill shares practical ideas for how advisers can use this data to encourage clients to boost contributions and engage with their pensions earlier. 

The conversation covers why under-saving is such a growing concern, how advisers can engage younger clients without adding to their financial stress, the best ways to nudge clients to increase contributions gradually, and where advisers can add the most value through smart pension planning. 

If you’re looking for actionable tips to help clients secure a more sustainable retirement income, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 

 

NI&P Podcast #17: Are advisers missing the trick when it comes to Insurance & Protection? With The Exeter’s Jamie Page

The latest New Insurance & Protection special edition of IFA Talk shines a light on an issue that impacts millions of households across the UK – protection.  

In this episode, hosts Sue Whitbread and Meg Bratley are joined by The Exeter’s Head of Protection Distribution, Jamie Page. Jamie explains why certain groups continue to be left behind when it comes to protection, and what the industry can do as a whole to ensure we see real change moving forward.  

Highlights from this week’s episode  

• Unpacking underserved markets and their importance  

• Who are the underserved groups in protection? and the unique challenges that they face 

• Advisers’ role in reaching underserved markets 

• Advice on how to ensure underserved groups aren’t left behind 

This episode makes for a fascinating and timely discussion, highlighting the responsibility – and the opportunity – advisers have to make protection advice more relevant and accessible to all at a pivotal time.

 

Podcast #142: Are pension transfer woes really over? A conversation with Anthony Rafferty, CEO of Origo

This week on IFA Talk, we’re getting into one of the biggest talking points in pensions – transfers. For years, they’ve been a bit of a nightmare. Slow processes, endless paperwork, frustrated clients… we’ve all heard the stories. But are those days finally behind us, or is there still work to be done? 

Sue Whitbread, Editor here at IFA Magazine, and Senior Financial Journalist Jenny Hunter are joined by Anthony Rafferty, CEO of Origo, to find out. Anthony shares his take on what’s changed, why some providers are getting it right while others are still dragging their heels, and what it’s going to take to bring everyone up to speed. 

Of course, the pensions world never stands still, so the chat also covers how wider uncertainty could affect things over the months ahead. And then there’s the pensions dashboard, after all the delays, is it finally back on track? What will it mean for advisers, providers and consumers once it’s up and running? 

It’s a lively, insightful conversation with plenty of straight talk about where we are now and what’s coming next. 

Podcast #141: What do advisers and paraplanners want and need from retirement planning? With Morningstar Wealth's Steve Coleman and Steve Owen

Retirement income planning has always been front and centre for advisers and paraplanners – and it’s evolving fast. 

In this week’s episode of IFA Talk, Matt and Sue are joined by not one but two expert guests from Morningstar Wealth:  Steve Coleman, Head of Product, and Steve Owen, Head of Proposition. Together, they explore what advisers and paraplanners really want and need from providers when it comes to helping clients achieve secure, sustainable retirement income. 

 In this conversation, we cover: 

• What advisers and paraplanners are telling providers about their biggest retirement income priorities 

• How retirement planning might change over the next decade 

• The role of regulation, technology, and consumer behaviour in shaping better client outcomes 
• Ways to engage younger people with financial planning – both as investors and as a profession 

Whether you’re focused on immediate client conversations or planning for the long-term evolution of your advice business, this episode is full of insights to support your thinking in today’s ever-changing retirement landscape.