IFA Talk

Podcast #137: The Real AI Opportunity? Better workplace culture! With Jenny Segal and Annabel Gillard

This week on IFA Talk, we’re flipping the script on one of the biggest topics in financial services – AI. But rather than talking about how it can help you churn through work faster, we’re asking something a bit deeper: what if the real power of AI is actually about creating better workplaces?

Joining us for this thought-provoking episode are two brilliant guests, Jenny Segal, a Workplace Culture Expert, Author and Investment Industry Leader, and Annabel Gillard, an expert in AI and Corporate Culture. Together, they explore how AI could unlock motivation, purpose and true human empowerment at work…if we’re bold enough to let it.

From rethinking traditional leadership models to seeing organisations as living, breathing systems, this isn’t your usual AI chat. Jenny and Annabel dive into what companies are getting wrong, why so many firms still treat AI as just a cost-saving tool, and what we miss out on when we take that narrow view.

To hear even more from Jenny and Annabel on this topic, you can find an article covering everything you may want to know on our website: AI adoption and workplace culture: why empowerment, not just efficiency, is the real opportunity.

Podcast #136: Succession planning for business owners under the new IHT rules, with Bishop Fleming's Peter Ball

In this week's episode of IFA Talk, we dive into the world of taxes, following changes to IHT rules. Recent changes and potential further tightening of the IHT rules mean that some families could face a shockingly high combined tax burden on a business owner’s estate. When you factor in Corporation Tax, Dividend Tax and IHT, in some cases the overall tax exposure could reach as much as 88%.

Joining us to discuss this is Peter Ball, Tax Partner at Bishop Fleming. Peter helps us get our heads around where this tax trap is coming from, and how it can be mitigated with the right planning. Peter shares his insights on how you can help your business clients and their families plan for liquidity in a business, the practicalities surrounding valuations, and whether trusts might once again play a larger role in succession strategies.

Peter explains how the 88% figure is calculated and under what circumstances it could apply, how business owners can ensure there’s enough liquidity in the company to meet potential IHT liabilities, the practical issues that advisers and their clients need to consider when it comes to valuing the business, and whether he sees trusts playing a bigger role in succession planning for family businesses going forward.

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

Podcast #135: Making the most of your first client meeting with Melissa Kidd, Director, Speaker and Soft Skills Specialist

In this week’s episode of IFA Talk, we’re shining a spotlight on one of the most important and often overlooked parts of the advice process: the first client meeting.

Joining Jenny and Sue for the chat is the fantastic Melissa Kidd, Director, Speaker and Soft Skills expert, who’s on a mission to help advisers make the most of that all-important first hour with a potential client.

Earlier this year, Melissa spoke to over 100 financial advisers to find out what’s really going on in those initial meetings. Why do some advisers convert with ease, while others struggle to get the outcomes they’re hoping for? What are the common communication pitfalls? And how can a few small mindset shifts lead to big improvements in results?

Melissa shares the outcomes of her research, as well as practical ideas and insight from the mentoring work she’s been doing to help advisers up their game, including starting a Finesse Your First Meeting Mentoring Programme.

This episode is packed with thoughtful takeaways on how to build trust, communicate value, and boost client engagement right from the start.

Tune in now to hear Melissa’s top tips on turning a first meeting into the start of a strong and lasting client relationship.

Podcast #134: The paraplanner’s path to leadership, with Stuart Coombe, Partner and Rural Specialist at Old Mill

In this week’s episode of IFA Talk, we’re taking a look at the journey from paraplanning to partnership – and who better to talk us through it than Stuart Coombe, Partner and Rural Specialist at Old Mill.

Stuart joined the firm back in 2008 as a paraplanner, fresh from a dairy farming upbringing in East Devon. Since then, he’s not only become a Chartered Financial Planner but also made the leap into advice – and more recently into leadership as a Partner. It’s been quite the progression, and in this episode, Stuart shares the key moments, learnings and motivations behind each step of his career.

We chat about what first drew him to financial services, how he tackled the shift from paraplanning to advising, and why professional development has been a cornerstone of his success. Stuart also reflects on his new role mentoring up-and-coming advisers, offering valuable advice for paraplanners looking to take the next step.

It’s a conversation packed with insight, honesty, and practical takeaways for anyone thinking about how to build a meaningful and rewarding career in financial planning.

A big thanks to Stuart for sharing his story – and to you, our listeners, for tuning in. Don’t forget to subscribe to IFA Talk for more stories and conversations from the world of financial advice

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