IFA Talk

M&PI Podcast #23: Navigating the 2026 mortgage market, with Jonathan Stinton of Coventry Building Society

Now live: The latest Mortgage & Property Investment special edition of IFA Talk explores what the 2026 mortgage market could look like for brokers, and where opportunities and challenges may lie as we head into the New Year.

In this episode, hosts Meg and Sue are joined by Jonathan Stinton, Head of Intermediary Relationship Management at Coventry Building Society. Jonathan discusses the outlook for the 2026 mortgage market, including broker confidence, remortgaging activity and affordability pressures. He also shares how lenders can best support brokers during a busy remortgage cycle, and explores the opportunities and challenges shaping the Buy-to-Let market in the year ahead.

Key discussion points also include:

• The outlook for mortgage brokers in 2026 and how confidence is shaping the market
• Remortgaging and product transfer volumes, and what brokers are saying they need most
• The impact of affordability pressures on client advice conversations
• How the Buy-to-Let market may evolve in 2026, including continued interest in specialist areas such as limited company BTL.

This episode provides valuable insight for mortgage brokers looking ahead to the near future, examining the key trends shaping the mortgage market and highlighting how advisers can continue to add value and support their clients in the long term.

Podcast #153: Growing your business and closing the advice gap, with Thrive’s Alex Sumner

In this episode of IFA Talk, Sue and Matt are joined by Alex Sumner from Thrive, Blackfinch Group’s dedicated workplace pensions and benefits platform.

Thrive is designed to simplify pension management for businesses while giving employees access to a financial wellbeing app that provides clear insights into pensions, benefits, and financial futures. It can be a key tool for advisers to use also.

The discussion dives into some of the most pressing topics for advisers today:

• Closing the advice gap: Alex shares his perspective on whether enough is being done to support those who can’t afford professional financial advice, and the role targeted FCA-backed initiatives like targeted support can play in improving financial wellbeing.
• Helping employers to support financial wellbeing and education: With employee financial health increasingly in the spotlight, the conversation explores how employers can better support their workforce, creating opportunities for advisers to add value too.
• Opportunities for IFAs: Thrive’s hybrid model isn’t just for businesses and employees, it also opens doors for advisers to strengthen client relationships, drive lead generation, and build new business opportunities.

Whether you’re looking to add to your advice business’ strategy for 2026 or exploring effective new ways to support your business clients, this episode offers practical insights and actionable ideas that can help you deliver. 

NI&P Podcast #20: Understanding economic abuse, with Royal London’s Shelley Read

This month's latest New Insurance & Protection special edition of IFA Talk explores an issue that affects clients across the UK but is still often misunderstood: economic abuse.

In this episode, hosts Meg Bratley and Jenny Hunter are joined by Shelley Read, Senior Technical Manager at Royal London. Shelley sheds light on what economic abuse really means, how it differs from financial abuse, and the impact it can have on financial wellbeing, protection, and even access to mortgages.

Highlights from this week’s episode

What economic abuse is, and who it affects
Shelley explains the different forms this type of control can take, and why certain groups are at heightened risk.

How it shows up in financial services
The discussion explores how economic abuse can influence mortgage eligibility, credit histories and wider financial decision-making.

The role of protection
Shelley highlights how protection conversations can uncover signs of economic control and why advisers play a crucial role in supporting vulnerable clients.

Spotting the signs
Practical guidance on what advisers, friends and family should look out for, and what to do if they’re concerned.

 

M&PI Podcast #22: Later life lending and the Autumn Budget, with Tony Wickenden of Technical Connection and Will Hale, CEO of Key and Air

Now live: The latest Mortgage & Property Investment special edition of IFA Talk, and the final episode of the year turns its attention to later life lending, a topic that has taken on increased importance following the October and November Budget announcements.

In this episode, Sue and Meg are joined by two brilliant guests. Tony Wickenden, Founder and Managing Director of Technical Connection, and Will Hale, CEO of Key and Air. Together, they discuss the evolving role of later life lending and what advisers need to consider as they support clients through an increasingly complex planning landscape.

Highlights from the episode

• Adviser interest in later life lending
• What the Autumn Budget means for planning
• The family home and estate planning
• Preparing for the opportunities ahead

This episode offers timely insight and practical perspective for advisers navigating post-Budget planning conversations and provides a fitting close to IFA Talk for the year. With the festive season upon us, we’d like to thank our listeners for their support throughout the year and wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

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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.