A report published by Octopus Group at the beginning of August, reported that “almost a third (29%) of financial advisers polled said they expect to retire within the next five years, rising to 6 in 10 (58%) within the next ten.” This is “equivalent to more than 15,000 financial advisers leaving the profession out of a current total of over 26,600.”

One of the joys of the portfolio style of working that I am now able to follow is the variety of talented people that I meet.

Starting is hard. Starting from scratch with a blank canvas is surprisingly scary and suddenly every distraction known to man is much more exciting. How you start isn’t irrelevant, but that you do start is crucial.

Over the years I’ve reviewed countless pages of pensions related regulatory and technical consultation papers, discussion papers, green papers, white papers, policy statements etc. 

It was good to see the Guidance Consultation from the FCA on the fair treatment of vulnerable clients that has recently been published.

I’m not good at everything. Despite my prevalence for slightly too much bravado and confidence, I’m reminded often of my limitations.

As a firm, I’m delighted that my firm has this month signed up to the Women in Finance Charter, committing to supporting the progression of women into senior roles.

We’ve just published the key findings from our annual Financial Planning Survey in the latest edition of Financial Planning Today magazine.

The latest Investment Association figures, covering fund sales in the second quarter, reveal some interesting movements but also highlight the blunders mainstream investors make over and over again due to the herd instinct.

Over the past 10 years I’ve seen too many governments treat pension savers, particularly middle to high earner, as tax-dodging lepers.