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The IAAT is designed to help personal investment firms understand how the FCA assesses the suitability of investment advice (excluding retirement income and DB transfers). It provides transparency on the FCA’s methodology during file reviews.

The debate between DIY investing and seeking financial advice is one that continues to spark conversation across the industry. For financial advisers, articulating the tangible value they bring can sometimes feel like an uphill battle—especially when prospective clients focus purely on fees rather than outcomes. This blog explores the differences between DIY investing and advice-led planning, the behavioural and practical nuances of each approach, and why understanding this debate is critical for both advisers and their clients.

It’s probably fair to say we all enjoy a holiday. For a short time, we escape reality, live in a bubble, and detach from everyday life. Recently, we traveled to Cape Verde, a growing tourist destination off the west coast of Africa. It’s a nation made up of 10 islands (nine of them inhabited), with tourism as a primary source of income. With its arid climate, limited rainfall, and economic dependency on imports, the contrast between the experience within resort hotels and the realities of local life is stark.

I was listening to a talk recently about disappointment, and one idea really stood out: disappointment often shows up when our expectations fail to meet reality. It’s in these moments—when things don’t go as planned—that we freeze. Fear takes over, and we’re left asking: What now? How do I respond?

I used to spend a lot of time travelling around England for financial services roadshows. We’d arrive early, set up our stand, and try to engage financial advisers about our latest offerings. But more often than not, it became clear that the real draw wasn’t the conversation — it was the free stuff on the table.

A few months ago, I launched the Money Wise UK podcast. The goal wasn't to set the world alight with radical ideas, but to continue the meaningful conversations I used to have in a previous role—conversations that often touched on values, purpose, and the difficult questions we tend to avoid.

As the average age of financial advisers in the UK continues to rise—and younger professionals are not entering the industry at the same rate—consolidation has become an increasingly appealing option, particularly for those looking to retire or exit the business.

Every time I mention that I’ve trademarked Centralised Retirement Proposition, the reaction is always the same:“Really?”Followed by, “But why?”

How we present ourselves—especially online—often reflects the message we want to convey. Being visible and active within my network is essential in a role like mine. But just as important is staying true to my principles. That second part can be tested frequently, particularly in the noisy world of social media, where many seek to present their way as the only way.

Tariffs have dominated recent headlines, with much of the focus on what they might mean for markets and trade relationships. But here’s a simple truth: if you don’t build strong foundations – personal, financial, and societal – then applying tariffs is like adding a roof to a house with no walls. It might hold for a while, but the risk of collapse is high.