IFA Talk

NI&P Podcast #15: Heroes in the middle - How advisers are powering better protection advice, with L&G’s Mike Pritchard

In this week’s special New Insurance and Protection edition of the IFA Talk podcast, we’re shining a spotlight on the vital role financial advisers play in delivering better protection outcomes for clients, and how providers like Legal & General are working to support them every step of the way.

Hosted by Sue Whitbread and Meg Bratley, this episode features Mike Pritchard, Programme Manager (Distribution Quality Management), Retail Protection at Legal & General. Mike brings deep insight into how data, technology, and practical adviser support are transforming the protection landscape.

What’s in this episode?

• How can data and insights enable better decisions in protection advice?
  Mike shares how data is helping advisers give clients more personalised, more effective protection solutions.
• Why does L&G call advisers the ‘heroes in the middle’?
  Discover why advisers are being championed for their pivotal role in protecting financial futures and what that looks like in action.
• What role should providers play in supporting advisers and their clients?
  Mike discusses the responsibility providers have in helping advisers succeed, from tools and training to regulatory support.

This episode is a great listen for any adviser looking to enhance their protection conversations and feel more supported in doing so.

Check out the conversation on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Amazon!

Podcast #133: Tariffs, interest rates and gold - what's next for markets? With Capital.com’s Daniela Sabin Hathorn

In this week’s episode of IFA Talk, we’re tackling some of the big themes dominating market conversations in 2025, notably tariffs, interest rates, and the soaring price of gold.

With geopolitical tensions running high and Trump’s tariffs creating waves across global markets, we ask what it all means for advisers and their clients. To help make sense of the current investment landscape, Sue and Matt are joined by Daniela Sabin Hathorn, Senior Market Analyst at Capital.com, for a timely and insightful discussion.

Why listen? Key takeaways for financial advisers

Whether you’re thinking about client concerns, portfolio positioning, or asset allocation strategies, this episode offers valuable perspectives, including:

• How Trump’s tariff policies could impact global economic growth in the second half of 2025 and beyond
• The outlook for global interest rates – and whether advisers should expect further cuts or renewed inflationary pressure
• The future of US equities – will the dominant market narrative continue or is a slowdown looming?
• What’s next for gold? With prices near record highs, Daniela shares her take on whether demand will hold up

Listen now to hear Daniela’s market views and practical insights to help support your investment conversations with clients.

Given that markets can move so quickly right now, we should add that this podcast episode with Daniela was recorded on 23^rd July.

M&PI Podcast #18: How mortgage tech is transforming the lending journey, with Finova’s Rowan Clayton

July’s special Mortgage and Property Investment edition of the IFA Talk podcast is now live. And it's one not to miss if you're a financial adviser or mortgage broker.

This month, Sue and Matt are diving into the world of mortgage technology, exploring how innovation is reshaping the way brokers, lenders and clients interact throughout the borrowing journey. They’re joined by Rowan Clayton, Chief Product Officer at Finova, for a timely and insightful discussion.

Rowan shares his perspective on how and why mortgage tech is such an exciting space right now. He explains how digital tools, AI and machine learning are really starting to change the borrowing experience, not just in theory, but in practice. He also offers a clear explanation of composable architecture, a concept that’s set to have a major impact on the mortgage market in 2025 and beyond.

With rapid developments in tech and shifting client expectations, how can brokers and lenders stay ahead? And what are the biggest challenges facing the industry right now?

Tune in for this thought-provoking conversation on how things are set to change in today’s fast-evolving mortgage landscape.

 

Podcast #132: What's next for VCTs after the sunset clause extension, with Chris Lewis, Chair of the Venture Capital Trust Association

In this episode of IFA Talk, Matt and Jenny discuss all things VCTs, following the extension of the sunset clause.

Joining them to share his expert insights is Chris Lewis, Chair of the Venture Capital Trust Association. Chris reveals his thoughts on what’s likely to shape the VCT agenda, as well as providing some real-world examples of companies these trusts are backing across the UK.

They also explore the wider economic impact of the VCT market – now supporting over 1,000 companies and managing more than £6.5 billion, along with the key things advisers and investors should keep in mind when considering VCTs in today’s uncertain environment.

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

Podcast #131: Is ESG investment evolving - or just being rebranded? With Parmenion’s Mollie Thornton

In this episode of IFA Talk, Sue and Matt are joined by Mollie Thornton, Senior Investment Manager at Parmenion, to explore how ESG investing is changing and what that means for advisers.

We look beyond the usual headlines to ask: why are companies like Amazon now appearing in ESG and MPS portfolios? Mollie explains what’s behind this shift and whether it signals a more pragmatic, engagement-led approach to ESG.

She also breaks down the key differences between exclusion-based strategies and those focused on active engagement, offering practical tips on how advisers can spot the difference. Is a fund manager really driving change, or just finding a way to hold high-performing but controversial stocks?

Finally, with the FCA’s SDR in play, Mollie shares how fund labels can help advisers have more confident, transparent ESG conversations with clients.

Listen now: Beyond the ‘ESG’ Label – ESG investing, engagement, and the Amazon question with Mollie Thornton.

Podcast #130: Education Champions are building better money habits for the next generations, with Vilma Marques at the CII and PFS

In this week’s episode of IFA Talk, we’re diving into the vital topic of financial education for young people. Joining IFA Magazine’s Meg Bratley and Jenny Hunter is Vilma Marques, Outreach Programmes Manager at the Chartered Insurance Institute and Personal Finance Society.

Vilma shares insight into the Education Champions initiative – a programme designed to bring financial professionals into schools and other organisations to help students understand real-world money matters. From budgeting and saving to financial planning and careers in finance, the scheme is all about making financial education practical, relatable, and inspiring.

With financial literacy still largely absent from the national curriculum, Vilma discusses who should be taking responsibility for improving it – schools, parents or the industry – and what kind of impact Education Champions are already having in classrooms across the UK. Encouragingly, the scheme isn’t just about learning to manage money – it’s also helping spark interest in financial planning as a career.

If you’re a financial professional who wants to give back and help the next generation build stronger money habits, this episode is for you. Vilma also explains how advisers and their firms can get involved – even with limited time and resources.

To learn more about the Education Champion scheme you can follow this link: https://www.thepfs.org/about-us/initiatives/my-personal-finance-skills/education-champions

NI&P Podcast #14: A broker’s perspective on the underwriting challenges for high-value life cover with JLHO’s Ken Maxwell

In the latest episode of our New Insurance and Protection Podcast, we dive into one of the most complex areas in the protection space – arranging high-value life cover for clients with significant sums assured and in some cases intricate medical histories too.

Our hosts, Sue and Meg, are joined by Ken Maxwell, Chartered Wealth Manager and Director at specialist protection assurance adviser, John Lamb Hill Oldridge (JLHO). Ken shares his expert insight on the practical underwriting hurdles brokers face and what really happens behind the scenes with insurers and reinsurers.

What to expect in this episode

We explore what high-value life cover really means

Ken kicks off by defining what constitutes “high-value” cover and the types of client scenarios that often lead to underwriting complications.

We dig into the impact of clients’ medical histories

Even small historical medical issues can affect underwriting outcomes. Ken explains how advisers can help manage expectations and streamline the process.

We examine insurer and reinsurer delays

What happens when a case gets referred to a pricing team? Ken sheds light on the behind-the-scenes work that can slow down – or speed up – a decision.

We look at underwriting inconsistency across providers

Why can one insurer say yes, another apply a loading and another say no? Ken discusses the challenges advisers face when dealing with such varied underwriting stances across the market.

Top tips for brokers working on high-value protection cases

Before we wrap up, Ken shares three must-know tips for financial advisers to improve outcomes when dealing with complex protection needs.

 

Podcast #129: Dealing with investor anxiety with Novia Global’s Linda Johnstone

How can advisers help clients stay calm in stormy markets? In the latest episode of IFA Talk, Sue and Matt tackle a topic that’s becoming more and more relevant for advisers and their clients: investor anxiety.

With markets showing plenty of volatility right now, it’s no surprise that some clients are feeling uncertain – even panicked – about their investments. And while short-term market moves may come and go, the emotional response they provoke can leave lasting impacts if not addressed properly.

That’s why this week, Sue and Matt are joined by Linda Johnstone, Head of Investment Proposition at Novia Global, to share her expert insight on managing investor anxiety. Not only does Linda highlight how advisers can play a key role in guiding clients through challenging times but she also offers top tips to help clients manage such anxiety.

"Anxiety is emotion, not strategy – and it’s often rooted in short-term thinking. The challenge for advisers is to reframe the narrative, remind clients of the long-term view, and build trust through consistency and communication."
— Linda Johnstone, Novia Global

Whether you’re looking for practical behavioural finance tips or a fresh take on how best to support client wellbeing, this episode is packed with timely value for advisers.

Tune in to the full episode here: IFA Talk – Dealing with Investor Anxiety

Also, you can listen to the Brooks MacDonald podcast, referenced in this episode, by clicking here!

Linda Johnstone

Linda Johnstone is Head of Investment Proposition at Novia Global. She has over 25 years of experience in international financial services. She brings together her knowledge of funds, platforms and DFMs to enhance Novia Global’s investment proposition and provide advisers with the tools and choice needed to deliver effective investment solutions for clients.

 

 

 

TEI Podcast #5: The fundamentals of investing in small to mid-cap companies with Unicorn Asset Management’s Fraser Mackersie

In this latest TEI special episode of IFA Talk, Matt and Jenny dive into the UK’s small and mid-cap companies.

While this area of the market has faced some challenges in recent years, there are signs that things could be turning a corner as investors increasingly look for opportunities that offer both growth and income potential.

Joining us to unpack all of this is Fraser Mackersie, Fund Manager at Unicorn Asset Management. Fraser shares his thoughts on what makes UK small and mid-cap companies an attractive investment opportunity, how Unicorn’s approach focuses on the fundamentals, and why that can be especially powerful in this part of the market.

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

Podcast #128: The benefits that liquid alternatives can bring to multi-asset portfolios, with Schroder Investment Solutions’ Ryan Paterson

With market volatility and economic uncertainty top of mind for advisers, today’s clients are looking for resilient, diversified portfolios that can help them to weather the storm.

In this week’s IFA Talk podcast, we’re tackling a crucial question for modern portfolio construction, and that’s what role can liquid alternatives play in helping to make multi-asset portfolios more robust?

To help us answer that question, Sue and Matt are joined by Ryan Paterson, Portfolio Manager at Schroder Investment Solutions. Ryan brings over 20 years of industry experience to the conversation and co-manages the Schroders range of investment solutions.

Tune in to hear the conversation which covers:

• What are the key benefits of incorporating liquid alternatives into an investment portfolio - especially in today’s volatile markets?
• What are the common challenges investors face when trying to access liquid alternative investments, and how can they be overcome?
• How does the new Schroder Alternative Portfolio help break down barriers to investing in liquid alternatives and what makes it a practical solution for advisers and wealth managers looking for greater portfolio diversification?

Don’t miss out

Whether you’re exploring ways to future-proof client portfolios, or simply want a clearer understanding of liquid alternatives, this episode is packed with insights, solutions and fresh perspectives from one of the UK’s leading investment managers.