Adviser 3.0: The Podcast (Abraham Okusanya)

Are you an ambitious financial planning firm owner/manager with an aspiration to exceed £5m in revenue over the next 5 years? Then, you'll want to hear from our panel of heavyweights - Gaynor Rigby, Tim Horrocks & Alan Smith.

This episode was recorded live at 'Adviser 3.0: Change Agents' in May 2023. The audio quality is poorer compared to previous episodes due to the recording circumstances.

Every financial adviser will face the inevitable decision to exit their business, but how do you ensure it’s on your terms? In this episode of Adviser 3.0, host Abraham Okusanya sits down with Jon Slater, an experienced financial planner who successfully navigated the sale of his firm, Manse Capital. Together, they explore the challenges, decisions, and strategies involved in preparing a business for sale, choosing the right buyer, and managing the transition while staying true to your values. Whether you're contemplating your own exit or simply curious about the process, this episode offers a firsthand account filled with insights and lessons learned. Tune in to discover what it takes to exit with confidence and purpose.

• The set up of the firm that enables Kevin to focus on being a ‘high-value adviser’ to his clients
• The joys and pains (but mostly joys) of setting up a firm from the scratch 
• Hard lessons on how NOT to do financial planning 
• The productivity battle - boutique vs. larger firms
• Shaping your tech stack
• What's next for Oak Four

Join us as Guy Skinner, Managing Director of Citygate Financial Planning, reveals his journey into financial planning and the impact of his early experiences with money. He shares his insights on the importance of teaching children about financial literacy, the challenges in connecting with clients, and the evolution of his business philosophy. Guy discusses how building credibility and leveraging referrals have fueled his success, and he emphasises the need for more ambition and disruption in the industry. Tune in to hear about the future of financial planning, the role of education and technology, and Guy’s vision for making a meaningful impact.

Join Katherine Waller and Ollie Saiman, founders of Six Degrees, as they delve into their journey in financial services and the creation of their wealth management firm. Discover how their independent approach offers superior quality advice and addresses the high net worth advice gap with purpose-driven wealth planning. From navigating regulatory challenges to developing a unique investment philosophy, Katherine and Ollie share valuable insights on building a successful brand, differentiating from competitors, and shaping the future of wealth management. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on balancing strategy and emotion in financial planning.

Abraham and David delve into the details about:

• David’s career and what led him to joining Dimensional
• David’s PhD program and the book he’s been working on, covering the value of advice and his key findings
• Whether there is a barrier for broader acceptance of the value of advice, and how to overcome this
• What drives happiness in retirement and the psychology behind it
• How mind mapping and speed reading interweave with financial planning
• And finally, David’s approach to saving for retirement

Abraham and Catherine have an insightful discussion about:

• How Catherine got into the industry and what led her to joining Dimensional
• The background on the DFA’s Global Adviser Survey
• Key trends in tech adoption from the 2021 adviser study
• What the top firms look like in terms of revenue, profitability and AUM
• The contrast between the UK vs US in terms of AUM and Revenue per advisers, and the rationale for the differences
• The trends and key characteristics being seen in the faster growing adviser firms
• Catherine’s approach to saving for retirement

Abraham and Rebecca have an interesting discussion about:

- Rebecca’s career at Balance: Wealth Planning, and insight into her personal journey that led to her starting the firm

- Where she is in terms of people clients, and financial metrics

- Since Balance started it’s grown incredibly fast, Rebecca explains the key drivers behind this

- The significance of fees, and why they shouldn’t be adjusted to the client’s budget

- What the investment process looks like today, including whether to outsource or build things internally, and what the pros and cons are to each approach

- Rebecca’s single biggest bug bear about the profession

- Rebecca’s personal approach to retirement

In this episode Abraham and Tim delve into the details around:

- How Tim got into financial planning

- Tim’s role at RockWealth and his vision for the business

- Tim’s work with Betafolio and how it helps with portfolio      management

- Tim’s exit strategy

- Tim’s input on EBAL and the importance of driving this

- How Tim invests his retirement money

In this episode, Abraham and Alan discuss the latest details on:

• Capital Asset Management and Alan’s role as Chief Client Officer
  
• How Capital Asset Management is distinguishing itself against other firms in London, being the wealth management capital of the world
  
• Alan’s vision for the future of Capital Asset Management and what the next 5 years will involve
  
• What Alan’s dream technology stack would look like
  
• How Alan invests his retirement money
  
• Advice to those starting out in their career in finance
  

Simon Rogerson, Founder and CEO of the Octopus Group, shares the story of how he founded Octopus and the challenges they faced in the early days. He emphasises the importance of trust and simplicity in the financial services industry and how Octopus aims to build businesses that prioritise customer happiness. Rogerson also discusses the success of Octopus Energy and their disruptive force in the energy market. He explains the thinking behind Circle, Octopus' platform market venture, and their long-term commitment to building special businesses. Rogerson concludes by discussing Octopus' decision to remain a private company and their focus on creating value over the long term. Simon Rogerson discusses the possibility of Octopus Energy becoming a public company and his personal motivations for running the business.

This week we are joined by Jonathan Gunby, Chief Executive of Transact, for a fantastic episode on all things tech.

Here’s what is covered in the episode:

• How Jonathan came to join Transact - from CTO to CEO

• Where does Integrafin fit in

• Does Transact really have no competitors?

• Ian Taylor & the legacy he left behind

• Is there a benefit to not being outsourced?

• How will the market evolve in the coming years

Abraham and Ola have an insightful discussion, going into the details about:

• How Ola got into the industry and what led to the creation of Fundment
• Where Ola is in terms of people, clients, and AUA
• Unpacking the £10m fundraising process, including £3.375 ETFS Capital
• Discussing the role of technology in the sector, in particular the old chestnut about outsourcing vs propriety tech
• Ola’s thoughts on the wall of PE money moving into platform and the most reliable form of platform ownership
• The big news about Timeline’s partnership with Fundment, and what we’ve been working on
• And of course, Ola’s plans for retirement…

Abraham and Matthew delve into the details about:

• How he got into the industry and the journey that led to the creation of Altor Wealth Management, including an overview of the firm today
• Consolidation in the adviser market and why a number of firms are breaking away from consolidators
• Matt’s flat-fee approach, how to reconcile this with the typical % AUM approach for the third-party platforms and investments side, and if it really is the only fair option
• What is the best investment proposition for both clients and advisers
• His current tech stack, as well as his experience and frustrations with the market, and what he would like to see in the future
• Matt’s approach to saving for retirement and what his portfolio looks like

Join Abraham Okusanya for an insightful episode with Lloyd Davies, owner of RockWealth Aberdeen.

Here’s what is covered in the episode:

• 19 years in Financial Services and what that looks like

• Two questions to consider when taking the next step in business

• The entrepreneurial journey and ‘getting permission’

• The power of the press and social media

• What’s next for RockWealth Aberdeen

Abraham chats to Julian Gilbert, Founder & Director of Wealth Matters, covering:

• Where he started out, going to Australia & being inspired to be a Financial Adviser

• How Wealth Matters started in 2001

• The figures & staff behind the successful business

• What does Julian put success down to?

• The significance of a Graduate Programme

• The role of women in Financial Services

• What the future holds for Wealth Matters

Abraham invites Larry Swedroe on Retirementals to discuss everything investing, covering:

• The background on evidence-based investing
• The split between passive and index investing
• SRI, ESG and Impact Investing - what are they and what is the difference between them?
• The impact of ESG scores and how they can retain or attract talent
• The effect of ESG on consumer behaviour and how it is continuing to evolve
• The industries which have the highest expected returns
• How to make the most of risk and return whilst ensuring your values are maintained
• How sustainable investing affects asset allocation

Abraham and David Ferguson get into the nitty gritty around:

- David’s career journey, and how it led to the creation and rise of Nucleus

- Nucleus’ new MPS solution (Nucleus IMX), and why Nucleus is taking on this segment of the market

- The sale of Nucleus to James Hay, and the drivers behind this

- The significant impact of having massive floods of PE money into the platform sector

- Why the public markets have a lesser view of Nucleus in comparison to the likes of AJ Bell or Transact

- David’s plans for the future and what his retirement plan and portfolio look like

Dan Haylett joins Abraham as our next guest, having an insightful conversation on:

• His move from investment management to financial planning, and why it is so difficult to make that jump
• Insight into how he joined TFP and what enabled his transition
• Where the business is today and the transformation over the past few years
• Where the real value lies in financial planning
• Dan’s thoughts on client charges and fixed fees
• Where the business is headed, and the direction it may take in the years to come

Abraham is joined by Sarah Lord and Alasdair Walker to discuss what’s going on between the PFS and CII. You’ll gain clear insight into the issue at hand, covering:

• What is going on with the PFS and CII, and the relationship over the past few years?
• The announcement on 21st December 2022 and what that meant
• What led to the CII making this decision
• What is the primary focus of the PFS?
• Does the CII actually have to consider feedback?
• What is the way forward and the key actions which need to be taken?

Abraham chats to Matthew, Director at Vertus Capital, on his journey to date covering:

• How did Vertus Capital get to where it is today?

• Moving his family from South Africa to the UK with no possessions

• The funding journey

• Case Study Scenario: The process of selling a business

• The two steps to every deal

• As a firm owner looking to sell, what should you be alert to right now?

• What the future holds for Vertus Capital

Join Abraham and George Kinder as they discuss the future of financial planning with a focus on mindfulness, personal freedom, and living in the moment. George shares insights from his new book, The Three Domains of Freedom, exploring how freedom unfolds in each moment, throughout life, and within society.

They dive into the three key questions that help clients discover true freedom, the role of financial planners as life guides, and George's vision for a fiduciary society that values humanity and the planet above profit.

In Episode 101, Abraham Okusanya interviews Chirine Harb, COO of Capital Asset Management, a financial planning firm managing over £500 million. This episode is a deep dive into operational excellence, leadership, and client-focused success. Chirine shares her journey from architecture and Harvard to building a thriving business, including the importance of trust (especially in CEO/COO relationships), efficiency hacks for growth, and her inspiring definition of true wealth. She also offers advice to her younger self and her vision for the future.

Find out more about the podcast and browse additional episodes here.

As awareness and concerns for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues continue to grow, there has been a significant surge in demand for ESG investing. Financial advisers and investors are increasingly interested in incorporating ESG considerations into their investment strategies. However, the actual impact of ESG investing on the real world is still a subject of debate.

Hosted by Nicki Hinton-Jones CFA, Chief Investment Officer at Timeline, this discussion explores the following key questions:

• Does ESG investing move the needle in the real world and how can we judge its results?

• What data is required to measure the outcomes, and how can it be obtained and analysed effectively? 

• What is really needed from the investment community to drive change?

• What are the opportunities for innovation to improve both investor and real-world outcomes?

Recorded live at Adviser 3.0: Change Agents. We apologise in advance for the poor audio quality but the content is a must-hear for every financial planner.

Roderic joins Abraham, as a fountain of wisdom on all things M&A and succession planning. Here’s what they covered:

• Roderic’s career in financial services for over 40 years
• The three options for exiting a business
• Selling a business & the subcategories that come with it
• How to breakdown & establish a realistic succession plan
• Debt vs. equity
• Valuations - what is the market looking like?

Abraham and Kevin have a lively discussion around:

- How Kevin started in Asset Management and his role at A J Bell Investments

- Growing £1bn of assets organically and the investment approach behind it

- Explaining the difference between discretionary MPS providers operating on AAC and reliance on others.

- The significance of VAT and why it shouldn’t be charged to clients

- Kevin’s biggest financial mistake

- How Kevin plans to invest his retirement money

Abraham and Bill have a detailed discussion around:

- How Bill got into financial planning and his role as former owner of Bengen Financial Services

- The history of his research on the 4% rule

- Bill’s latest thinking on the framework of retirement withdrawal strategies

- Bill’s thoughts on the role of inflation and market valuation on SWR today

- How Bill invests his retirement money

Abraham chats to the vibrant multi award-winning Warren Shute, covering:

• Where he started out, studying accountancy & early career

• The beginning of Lexington Wealth Management

• How to deliver a congruent service to clients

• The importance of proactive communication

• Why Warren is not looking to sell his business

• The launch of Warren’s new financial planning coaching programme

• ChatGPT, AI & what it can do

• What the future holds for Lexington Wealth

Loic Fonteneau, Investment Director at Blackfin, discusses the influx of capital into the financial advice and wealth management space, particularly in the form of venture capital backing technology firms. He shares his background in VC and how he came to join Blackfin. Loic explains the differences between private equity and venture capital, highlighting the focus on majority ownership and control in private equity, while venture capital takes minority stakes and partners with founders. He also discusses the investment strategy of BlackfinTech, the venture capital arm of Blackfin, and why they invested in Timeline. Loic shares his insights on the current state of the venture market and the future of venture investing.

Dan Martin, Managing Director of MDM Wealth, joins Abraham for a chat on the dynamics of joining and taking over ownership of a family financial planning business. He also sheds light on how the exit was funded, what the business looks like today and the strength of being a young adviser in today's industry.

Join Abraham in a captivating conversation with Andrew and Sarah Elson, owners of Berry & Oak. From their humble beginnings in a bank to running their successful business, they share their journey, discuss the power couple dynamics, team growth, operations, marketing strategies, financial planning, and exciting plans for the future. Tune in for inspiration and valuable insights into the thriving world of Berry & Oak.

Abraham has an interesting chat with Steven Rowe, discussing:

• Steve’s career - how his career started and his role at Lucent Financial Planning
• What the business currently looks like in terms of the team and AUM
• Lucent’s ethos and what attracts new clients
• What the fee structure is at Lucent?
• What is the difference between flat vs percentage-based fees?
• Why financial planning tech isn’t meeting the needs of advisers
• Steve’s investment proposition and why he chose Betafolio (and also its flaws 👀)
• What does the future look like for Steve and Lucent

Tune in for an episode with Abraham Okusanya and his guest, Paul McCoubrey (Director & Financial Planner of Navigate IFA).

Paul sheds light on what Navigate IFA looks like today and where it all started, the importance of clients understanding the service you deliver and the significance of rationalising success. Don't miss out on this insightful episode!

Abraham joins Peter Ellis from JUST for a special on guaranteed income, here’s what they discuss:

The humble annuities…

• How do they fit into the retirement plan?
• Can you think of them as an asset class?
• Do annuities and investment portfolios mix?
• Product innovation and constructing a product
• Creating more sustainable portfolios
• The alternative asset debate
• Modelling guaranteed income alongside investment assets

In this episode, Abraham sits down with David Hole to explore the world of non-regulated financial planning and his journey from being a financial advisor to becoming a money coach. David shares his motivations behind this career shift and offers insights into the value of non-regulated financial planning and the growing role of money coaching. We discuss the impact of timeline software, the importance of regulated advisors, and how alternative financial models are shaping the future of the industry. David also highlights how lower charges can enhance client outcomes and stresses the need for a client-centric approach in today’s evolving financial landscape.

Abraham has a fantastic conversation with ‘The Father of Life Planning’ George Kinder, covering:

• How George started out in the industry
• The Kinder Institute, how it started and the structure of it
• The difference between life planning vs. traditional financial advice
• The emotional side of life planning and the importance of establishing an emotional link with clients
  What is it that gets clients talking?
  What does freedom mean to them?
• George’s famous three questions…
• The practice of mindfullness and how it’s so valuable to financial practice

Financial planning often focuses on one side of the client’s balance sheet—assets, savings, investments, and retirement planning. But true holistic planning means looking at the full picture—including lending.

In this episode, we dive into Lombard lending with David Newman, founder and CEO of Firenze. David shares his journey from wealth management to building a platform that makes Lombard lending more accessible for advisers and their clients. We explore the fundamentals of Lombard lending, its strategic role in liquidity and risk management, and how technology is reshaping wealth management.

Join us to discover how integrating Lombard lending into your practice can unlock new opportunities and enhance your clients’ financial strategies.

Abraham and Sean delve into the details on:

- Sean’s role as Managing Director, Europe at Vanguard and his career to date

- An overview of Vanguard’s business in Europe today

- The driver behind Vanguard’s foray into financial advice

- Why Vanguard’s investment approach is proving so popular

- The 10th anniversary of LifeStrategy Funds – and the secret behind their success...

- What’s in the pipeline for Vanguard

- Sean’s investment strategy and plans for retirement

In our next episode, Abraham is joined by James de Lisle Wells to discuss 'The Joys & Pains of Going Solo'. 🗣️

You'll get insight into frustrated successors, managing the legacy of a business and knowing when it's 'right' to start your own business, as well as hearing what's next for de Lisle Financial Planning.

Abraham has an insightful discussion with Brett Davidson, covering:

• Brett’s background and how he got into the industry
• His latest paper, ‘What next for financial planning in the UK?’: Discussing The Innovator's Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail by Clayton M Christensen, the significance and differences between disruptive and sustaining innovation, what could become disruptive forces in the marketplace, why doesn’t financial planning scale very well, and much more…
• If he was given £100k today to start a new financial planning business, what would it look like?
• Brett’s approach to working with firms and his plans for retirement

🎙️ In this episode, we sit down with Roland Whyte, CEO of Nokkel, to dive deep into the critical role property plays in financial planning, especially as clients near retirement. 🏠💼 Roland shares his expert insights on how property, often the largest asset individuals own, is frequently overlooked in retirement strategies and explains why integrating it can significantly enhance wealth management. We explore: 📊 The role of technology in modern wealth management 💰 The challenges around liquidity and equity release 🤝 How financial advisors' roles are evolving to manage holistic wealth strategies Roland emphasizes the importance of viewing property as both a financial and emotive asset. Don't miss this valuable conversation on optimizing retirement outcomes by including property in your financial plan! #WealthManagement #RetirementPlanning #PropertyInvestment #FinancialAdvisors #RealEstate #EquityRelease #HolisticWealth #TechInFinance #RetirementStrategy #FinancialPlanning

Abraham is joined by the reputable Ruth Handcock, having an insightful chat on:

• How she got into financial services
• The setup of Octopus as an organisation and where it all started
• How Octopus are investing to change the world
• The idea behind Seccl
• Advice on advisers looking to exit their business
• The experience for women in financial service and what needs to change
• Parenting in the workplace
• How Ruth thinks about planning and investing for her retirement

Join Charles Hall and host Abraham Okusanya as they dive into the current challenges facing the UK equity market and explore innovative solutions to reinvigorate investment. With pension funds favoring global assets and a decline in listed UK companies, the conversation highlights key strategies like increasing local equity investments, introducing a UK ISA, and reforming stamp duty. Discover how these changes could boost share prices, attract IPOs, and stimulate economic growth. Whether you're an investor or industry professional, this episode offers valuable insights into revitalizing the UK's financial landscape. Don't miss it!

In this episode, Emmelia Powell opens up about her journey into financial planning, offering a candid look at the highs and lows of building a career while raising a family. She delves into the unique financial pressures faced by professional athletes, shining a light on the concept of "social debt"—the often invisible burden of success, especially for those who rise quickly in their careers.Emmelia also shares her insights on client engagement, the importance of resilience, and the realities women face in the financial advisory industry. From breaking into a competitive field to redefining her own path, she reflects on the lessons she's learned and the power of staying curious in the face of uncertainty.

Join us for our latest episode on 'Fixing Adviser Tech Integration & Data Aggregation Headaches', where Abraham is joined by Nicky Sevel (Founder of Woven Advice).

Platforms 1.0 and 2.0 were not fit for purpose, but platform 3.0 is a true revolution. It prioritises the adviser-client relationship and allows for a fully digital proposition. The data fragmentation and lack of API integration in platform 2.0 led to a dysfunctional ecosystem. Platform 3.0 aims to align with advisers and their clients, moving control of the market closer to the customer. The commercial alignment of cost and the availability of real-time data are crucial for a successful platform. API-first companies like Stripe have set a new standard for seamless integration and instant data availability. In this conversation, Abraham and David discuss the differences between API-first and API-facade approaches in platform development. They explore the challenges of migrating from legacy systems to new technology and the impact it has on businesses. They also discuss the importance of creating a seamless integration of critical advice tools for financial advisers and the role of platforms in the distribution of financial services. They highlight the need for long-term commitment and resources to build and sustain a platform. Overall, they express excitement about the partnership between Timeline and Seccl and the potential for transformation in the financial advice industry.

Abraham and Sarah have a full and fascinating discussion on:

-Sarah’s role as a behavioural economist and author

-Sarah discusses the findings from her book Loaded: Money, Psychology, and How to Get Ahead without Leaving Your Values Behind.

-The role of investor behaviour and psychology, and how this effects the outcomes in retirement.

-Sarah’s key lessons she’s learnt from financial advisers and clients

-How Sarah invests her retirement money

Abraham is joined by the formidable Ruth Sturkey discussing all things Financial Services, including:

• Her journey into the industry and financial planning
• The setup and vision behind one of the leading financial firms, The Red House
• The structure of the exit deal for The Red House
• What lead to the merger with Paradigm Norton and the opportunities that emerged from it
• Ruth’s new role at the Institute for Financial Wellbeing and how to get involved
• Why she invested in Timeline and her stance on early-stage investments

Abraham chats to Jo Little (CEO) and Alfie Mullan at Emery Little, providing insight into leadership, the dynamics of a family business and why retirement is a young person’s game! Make sure to catch this episode.

Abraham and Rowena get straight to the point in this episode, covering:

- Rowena’s background and work at the Institute for Fiscal Studies

- What made her decide to take on her research and what the biggest revelation has been

- Her recent involvement with the paper on, ‘When should individuals save for retirement? Predictions from an economic model of household saving behaviour’.

       - Delving into the details of the lifecycle model and what this really means

       - The power of habit

       - A parent’s approach to retirement and impact of kids leaving home

- The interplay between student loans, employer and employee pension contributions, and the uncertainty of earning pattern over once working career.

- Whether you can pinpoint one saving strategy for all…

- Her single biggest concern relating to retirement and the patterns associated with it today

Nik Marsh, the managing director of Ashlea Financial Planning, shares his journey of transitioning from a career in high finance to financial planning and navigating the process of internal succession planning. He discusses his background, the challenges he faced, and the importance of finding a different way to provide financial advice. The conversation explores the role of Diane Weitz, the founder of Ashlea Financial Planning, and her desire to ensure the continuity of the business and the well-being of her clients. The chapter concludes with the restructuring of the management buyout and the future succession plans for the firm. In this conversation, Nik Marsh discusses the challenges of business transition and the need for a suitable model for financial planners. He shares insights on transitioning to the next generation and the difficulties of seller financing in management buyouts (MBOs). The conversation also covers the use of preferred shares and the importance of setting up the next generation of owners. Nik Marsh talks about the structure and team of Ashlea, as well as the technology stack and CRM challenges faced by the firm. The conversation concludes with a discussion on future plans and success.

Abraham chats to the esteemed Catherine Morgan about her journey in financial services, covering:

• How she got into the world of financial planning & coaching
• What does money mean to different people?
• The psychology behind people’s relationships with money
• What is ‘wealth’?
• How life and trauma shape behaviour
• The 5 money types
• Building a brand & finding your ‘why’

Join Abraham Okusanya as he chats with Pete Matthew, CEO of Jacksons Wealth Management & Financial Planner.

Discover the fascinating history of Jacksons as it celebrates its centenary milestone, and learn how Pete emphasises building a business centred around people. Uncover insights into the power of business as a tool for making a difference and pushing boundaries.

Abraham and Bella dive into the nitty gritty of:

• Bella’s career and the journey that led to the creation of Fundscape
• Future aims for Fundscape’s joint venture with Altus, known as Finscape
• The flood of PE money going into platforms, and what’s driving this change
• Bella’s views on Vanguard flexing their muscles
• Whether vertical integration is still a dirty word
• The most positive developments over the past 20 years, both in terms of people development, fund managers and tech
• Bella’s approach to saving for retirement and what her portfolio looks like

In episode 49, Abraham chats to Steve Martin about his journey in financial services, covering:

• Where he started out in the industry
• The moments that defined his career
• Starting Smart Financial, the Training Academy and Smart International
• Bouncing off problems in business
• Learning to understand yourself before understanding others
• His choice to move to Spain and start again
• What Steve would say to his younger self

Tune in for an insightful conversation with Neil Cowell, former head of UK distribution at Vanguard, as he shares his experiences of transforming Vanguard UK from a small start-up into a major force in the asset management industry. Neil delves into the evolving role of financial advisers, the critical importance of strong leadership, and why prioritising client needs is more vital than ever. Discover the tools and strategies Neil used to achieve success, and why he values the guidance of trusted advisers. Whether you’re in asset management or simply curious about the industry, this episode offers valuable insights you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, Jamie Gordon and Emma Barclay, the dynamic duo behind Lynas Vokes Wealth Management, share their journey in financial planning and the growth of their Lincolnshire-based firm. They discuss the critical role of nurturing the next generation of advisers and the importance of continuous improvement. Tune in to learn why investing in education, maintaining independence, and a client-first approach are key to long-term success in financial planning.

Why Listen? Discover how Lynas Vokes is shaping the future of financial planning and get inspired by their vision for growth and innovation—without sacrificing their client-centric values.

Abraham talks capacity for loss with the renowned Rory Percival:

- Rory takes us back to when he joined the financial services, providing insight into his vast experience.

- They talk about Rory’s responsibility for introducing 'Capacity for Loss' into financial adviser lexicon and why this is has become a mandatory requirement for advisers.

- They explore the assumptions and issues associated with ‘Capacity for Loss’.

- Rory shares his explanation on the Income Pyramid and how the DBAAT framework approaches this.

- And they look at Rory’s investment strategy for his own retirement money and his plans for the future

This podcast episode is led by two wildly successful financial planners, Paul Cleworth and Warren Shute, who themselves are walking the walk by creating bigger, better futures for their teams and clients. From client acquisition to marketing and team building, they will let you in on their playbook for creating a million pound solo practice. 

The session is moderated by Timeline’s very own Kate Phillips and provides meaningful discussion and an interactive Q&A to fuel your growth with ideas and practical tips. 

Recorded at Adviser 3.0: Change Agents.

Abraham has an insightful chat with Simonne Gnessen, taking a glimpse into:

• Her career and how she found herself moving into the coaching business
• How she moved from being a financial adviser to being self-employed and starting her own business
• What drives her passion and role as a financial coach
• The difference between financial coaching and financial advice
• The training you need for financial coaching
• Whether financial coaching is standalone or a stepping stone towards seeking financial advice
• The bias towards financial coaching and making it a known profession
• How big the opportunity is for financial coaching
• The pricing of financial coaching and whether it’s individual or group-led

In episode 77, Abraham Okusanya is joined by Samantha Secomb, a chartered financial planner and founder of Women's Wealth.

Don't miss this incredibly insightful episode where Samantha shares her journey and insights into women seeking financial advice. She discusses her innovative business strategy likening financial advice to a gym membership, the importance of certainty, and why women are often more inclined to be highly qualified in their pursuits compared to their counterparts. Tune in for valuable perspectives on navigating financial planning and empowerment.

In this episode, James Dent, founder of The Family Elephant, delves into the complexities of cascading wealth across generations and the crucial role of effective communication in family planning. He discusses the consequences of poor planning, such as family disputes and inadequate wealth protection, and introduces The Family Elephant proposition, which merges financial planning and legal expertise to tackle these challenges. Dent explains the plug-and-play approach for financial planners to refer clients seamlessly, emphasising transparent pricing and a client-focused experience. Key topics include strategic estate planning, the use of trusts, the concept of parallel wealth for tax-efficient transfers, and the essential role of financial planners in providing ongoing support.

This episode is packed with insights on protecting and passing on wealth effectively, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in safeguarding their family's financial future. Find out more about the episode on our website.

SPECIAL EPISODE: Justin King interviews Abraham on the BIG NEWS for Timeline and Betafolio. Here’s what is on the agenda for this episode: 

- How many pieces of tech advisers need, and the lack of seamless integration on the market

- How Timeline is rebuilding the adviser tech stack to save advisers time, risk and cost AND deliver better client outcomes.

- Reducing the cost of investing for the client through Evidence Based Investing and why it is the most effective way to capture returns.

- BIG NEWS: The powerful combination of Timeline’s planning tools and Betafolio’s investment prowess as a single, combined proposition that delights advisers and their clients.

In this episode, Abraham Okusanya is joined by the guys behind the new business, Finova Money - Scott Millar, Rob Bell & Rob Schwarz. They shed light on their bad introductions to the profession, what made them take the step towards creating their own business and what the first few months since launch have been like.

On this episode of Adviser 3.0, Abraham Okusanya sits down with Phil Bray, founder of The Yardstick Agency — the go-to marketing expert for financial planners. Together, they dive into what really works when it comes to marketing your advice firm in 2025 and beyond.

Abraham has a lively discussion with Heather Hopkins, one of the ‘big brains’ of the industry, on:

• How she joined the industry…TWICE
• Her entrepreneurial itch and what lead to the creation of NextWealth
• Should a platform be aimed at the provider or the financial adviser
• How to drive change in the adviser market
• Heather’s report on MPS - how she sized up the market accurately, where the MPS market is going and other key takeaways
• Heather’s approach to retirement

In this episode Abraham and Paul delve into the details around:

• How Paul got into financial journalism
  
• Paul’s proudest accomplishments in the profession
  
• Paul’s views on adviser fees being a ‘wealth tax’
  
• Paul’s Active Cash Strategy and his 2016 research into cash versus tracker funds - and Abraham’s niggles with the research…!
  
• How Paul invests his retirement money and his biggest financial mistakes
  

Guest profile

Paul Lewis is an award-winning financial journalist and broadcaster, best known as the presenter of the BBC Radio 4 Money Box.

He also regularly appears on other BBC Television and radio programmes such as  BBC Breakfast, BBC News Channel and radio You and Yours,  and Woman's Hour.

He's the author of several books including Beat the Banks and Live Long and Prosper.  Paul has won numerous awards for his financial and broadcast journalism. He was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Essex in July 2013.

Abraham chats to Dom and Jonathan from Expert Wealth Management about their journey, covering:

• How Jonathan and Dom started out and met
• The start of Expert Wealth Management
• When 3 became 2 & the team behind the success
• The significance of bringing the next generation through
• The challenges of running a business & recruitment
• What happens next…& the question of succession
• The client advisory board - what is it?
• Goals for the future

Join us on this captivating episode of Retirementals as we have the privilege of hosting Gretchen Betts, a trailblazer in the financial advisory industry. In this inspiring conversation, Gretchen shares her firsthand account of planning, financing, and flawlessly executing a highly successful internal succession at Magenta Financial Planning. Prepare to be captivated by Gretchen's insights, as she takes us through the strategic decisions, financial considerations, and key lessons learned throughout this remarkable journey. Whether you're an aspiring adviser or simply fascinated by stories of triumph, this episode is bound to leave you inspired and equipped with valuable knowledge.

Abraham has a fascinating conversation with Carl Richards, discussing:

• What he’s been up to since 2020, from his last and first event post-pandemic
• Carl’s famous sketching, how it came about and how it became crucial to people understanding
• Are financial planners ‘sellers of certainty’?
• How complex environments shape who we are
• The significance of goals, how to set them and how to develop a statement of financial purpose
• Why financial planners should be a ‘guide with a changing landscape’

· How to define retirement success

· Dividend investing or natural yield investing in retirement

· Key advice for managing the volatility or growth assets in retirement

· Wade’s approach to saving for retirement and what his portfolio looks like

Wade’s new book titled Retirement Planning Guidebook, covering the details of…

· Retirement Income Styles

· The explanation behind the 6 specific retirement income factors

· Measuring the effectiveness of these different approaches

· How to identify each individual retirement income style and how this is different from Risk Profiling

· Wade’s latest thinking about what sustainable withdrawal looks like and whether Covid has impacted this

In this episode, Abraham Okusanya is joined by Mike LeGassick (Behavioural Investment Coach and Author) for a fascinating episode on financially educating clients.

Mike sheds light on the crucial significance of framing questions adeptly, particularly when broaching complex subjects like the risk ladder and the stock market with clients. Their discussion underscores how the choice of language can significantly impact a client's comprehension, particularly for those with limited prior knowledge. Don't miss out on this enlightening episode that promises valuable insights - tune in now!

Here's the first episode of our podcast under our new name, 'Adviser 3.0: The Podcast'.

Today Abraham is joined by Alex Whitson, Managing Director at VouchedFor, for a brilliant episode. Alex provides insights into his early career and where he started out, to where he is today.

Paul Cleworth joins Abraham for an insightful chat on being a business owner and adviser. Here’s what they covered:

• The creation of Tandem Financial and where it is today
• Why relationship building is so important to understand clients
• Can you do it on your own as an adviser?
• Tandem’s approach to marketing and what attracts clients
• What approach should you take to equity investing
• What the future holds for Paul and Tandem Financial

Abraham gains insight into Paulo Costa’s latest research on Human vs. Robo-advice at Vanguard, covering:

• The value of advice and whether it can be quantified
• The investor’s role in understanding the advice market
• The effect the media has on shaping investors’ views
• Robo-advice and whether it will be more advantageous than human advice
• Can Robo-advice fulfil the demands of everyday life?
• The overall outcome of Paulo’s research…and whether it would be different in today’s market

In early September 2023, the Timeline leadership team embarked on an inspiring journey to California, attending two significant conferences in the heart of technological innovation: Saastr and FUTUREPROOF.

This experience notonly offered us valuable insights into financial advisory technology trends but also provided a unique opportunity for team bonding. Here's a glimpse of the key takeaways and observations from this transformative trip.

Ed Moisson, author of The Economics of Fund Management chats to Abraham about his book, covering:

• Where he started out in the industry and his switch to journalism
• What led him to write his book & insight into the topics he covered
• How do mutual funds compare between the US and the UK?
• Do certain ownership models lead to better fund performance?
• What is the real purpose of the investment management industry?

Abraham and Philippa delve into the details about:

• Philippa’s career to date and the responsibilities of her role in litigation at Clarke Willmott
• The British steel situation and what can be taken from it
• Pension transfers: The most common reasons advisers trip up
• The Financial Ombudsman and the most common industry failings
• PI cover: Is what’s offered to advisers woefully inadequate?
• DFMs: How they often prove to be popular amongst advisers
• Philippa’s approach to retirement and what her portfolio looks like

In this episode of the Adviser 3.0 Podcast, Kate Phillips sits down with Emma Napier, a leading industry expert at Next Wealth, to discuss her extensive journey in the financial services sector. Emma takes us through her early days in insurance, the challenges of navigating regulatory changes like RDR, and her time working with platforms such as True Potential and Bravura. With a wealth of experience across various roles, Emma shares valuable insights on the evolving landscape of financial advice, from firm consolidation to the impact of technology. Join us for an engaging and insightful conversation that sheds light on the real-world challenges advisers face today, and why staying adaptable is key to success in the industry.

Abraham and Owen have an energetic discussion, diving into:

• Owen’s career and how he got into financial journalism
• Owen’s standout moment in his journalism career
• Owen’s book Built on a Lie: The Rise and Fall of Neil Woodford and the Fate of Middle England’s Money:

- He unpacks the details of Neil Woodford’s early life and his downfall

- The FCA loophole which existed which enabled Woodford

- The wider lessons for investors

- The role of journalists – were they a part in hyping up Woodford to be ‘the man who couldn’t stop making money’?

- 2 years on and the questions that remain unanswered– was it really built on a lie?

- Woodford’s comeback…

• And finally, how Owen is saving for his own retirement

In this episode, hosted by Abraham Okusanya, Mary Waring shares her inspiring journey from mortgage adviser to running a solo financial advice practice. Discover why she chose to charge fixed fees, the challenges she faced with regulatory issues, and the importance of specialising in a niche market. Mary also offers valuable insights into the art of financial planning, including the crucial role of understanding client psychology and finding joy in your work. Whether you’re an aspiring financial adviser or a seasoned professional, Mary’s story provides plenty of food for thought on running a successful and fulfilling business. Tune in to learn more!

Chanelle Pattinson joins Abraham for an energetic and engaging chat on:

• What led her to sit her first financial planning exam and become a Financial Planner
• The ‘Finfluencer’ - what is it and are they qualified?
• How social media and Instagram are connecting younger generations with financial advice
• The stereotypical image of an adviser…and if there’s space to bridge the generational gap in older advice firms
• The idea for Money Means, what it will offer and when it will launch
• Chanelle’s podcast Her Future Bright and what kickstarted her to build a community for female advisers
• Obstacles women face to progress for in the industry
• Is it right to have female-only awards?

Abraham has a fantastic discussion with Jason Mountjoy, covering:

• Jason’s journey becoming a financial planner and founding Clarity Wealth Management
• What is the driving force behind Clarity and how to create the correct culture
• How do advisers fit into the structure of the business
• The revenue split and how that compares to other businesses
• Growing the team from 10 to 50 advisers - what lessons have been learnt
• How to develop “new blood” in the industry
• The importance of technology to help work smarter and not harder
• How to select the right investment proposition
• Why scaling a financial planning business is so difficult
• How to manage risk/compliance and capping the growth
• What is the end game for Clarity Wealth Management

In this episode, Abraham Okusanya talks with Matthew Hutton, author of Your Last Gift, about the importance of planning for death. Matthew shares his personal journey and discusses the practical steps—like creating wills and letters of wishes—that can help ease the burden on loved ones. They also explore the role financial advisers play in guiding these sensitive conversations.

Key Takeaways:

• Planning for death is a gift to loved ones.
• Your Last Gift simplifies end-of-life planning.
• Wills, checklists, and trusts ensure assets are managed and protected.
• Financial advisers are crucial in these discussions.

Find out more about the podcast here.

Abraham is joined by the enigma that is Nick Lincoln. They have an energetic conversation, covering:

• How Nick started out and set up his business in 2008
• How he fashioned his business to suit the lifestyle he wanted
• What you can learn from other people
• Bonds…is there any point to them?
• The importance of good consumer outcomes
• Is the adviser tech stack as good as it gets?
• Why you should use an MPS
• Plus Nick has a few questions for Abraham…

Helena Wardle joins Abraham for an insightful discussion on:

• Her decision to move to the UK at the age of 20
• How she fell into financial planning and her career to date
• Setting up Smith and Wardle, and what the team looks like today
• The importance of delivery to clients and ensuring they are understood
• The significance of having a mentor and the correct support
• The idea for Money Means, what it will offer and when it will launch

Brian Hill has a highly interesting conversation with Abraham on:

• How he started out in financial planning
• What led him to sell Jones Hill in September 2020 and how he knew he was ready
• When to start considering an exit strategy
• How an acquisition is structured and what people are looking for
• City&Capital is changing its name in the near future…?
• Brian’s approach to retirement

In this episode, Abraham interviews Amyr Rocha Lima, the managing director of Strategic Wealth Partners.

They discuss the journey of young financial planners and the challenges they face in the industry. They also explore the trend of frustrated succession plans and the reasons behind their failure. Amyr shares his own experience of starting his own financial planning firm and the vision behind Strategic Wealth Partners. The conversation highlights the importance of creating a firm where both clients and employees can be proud to be a part of. Find out more about the episode here.

Abraham and Michael have an insightful discussion, going into the details about:

• His role at Buckingham Wealth Partners and co-founding XY Planning.
• The latest survey on financial planning and what the key findings were
• The latest trends on adviser technology in America
• What’s going on with direct indexing
• The media attention Altruist has gained - a custodian, a TAMP or All-in-One technology for advisers, what actually is it?
• TAMPs providing a suite of technology. Is this all bundled into one price for the adviser and how Michael see’s this shaking out
• What books he has read recently
• Michael’s approach to saving for retirement and what his portfolio looks like

Join Abraham Okusanya for a new episode of Adviser 3.0: The Podcast.

In this episode he is joined by guests, Jacqueline Lockie CFP™ & Philippa Hann, discussing how technology is used to enhance professional connections between Financial Planners and accountants/lawyers. 

Tune in as Abraham Okusanya engages in a compelling conversation with Sean McDermott, Director & Chartered Planner at Lightside Financial Planning. Sean's unique journey from DJ to successful Financial Planner unfolds, from his early days at Lloyds TSB to entrepreneurship. Don't miss the insights and inspiration in this episode!

Find out more information on each episode via our website.

In this episode, Abraham Okusanya is joined by Karen Ritchie, owner of Karen Ritchie Financial Planning.

In this engaging discussion, Karen shares her inspiring journey from accountant to financial adviser, detailing her training under Rory Percival. She also shares valuable insights on branding, tailored client communication, solo entrepreneurship, and the importance of building a supportive network. Tune in for a condensed masterclass in finance, entrepreneurship, and personal growth that promises to inspire.

In this episode Abraham and Sarah chat through Sarah’s career and get into the particulars around:

• Succession and Sarah’s role as Chief Client Officer
  
• How Succession is differentiating its business from copy-cat competitors
  
• How Sarah sees technology impacting advisers, and the cost of advice
  
• Sarah’s priorities as President of the PFS over the next 12 months
  
• How we bring on more female leaders and executives
  
• How Sarah invests her retirement money…
  
• Advice to those starting their career in financial planning today
  

Abraham has an insightful discussion with Chris Hayes, covering:

• Chris’ career - his role at Think tank and Common Wealth
• The market of index investing and what’s going on in this space
• Why he and Adrienne Buller wrote a report on ‘The Passive Revolution’ and what they are trying to accomplish
• Discussing further questions on the report, covering:
  How index investing compares to active investing
  How quickly is indec investing catching up with active investing
  Do passive investors follow what active investors do
  Is there an issue with a lack of transparency
  What is the solution to investing
• And much more…

Abraham Okusanya and Robin Powell discuss details about:

• How Robin got into the industry and his career to date
• His newly published book, Invest Your Way To Financial Freedom
• The reason behind targeting his book towards investors in their 20’s and 30’s
• Robin's top tips for understanding and dealing with the bull and bear markets
• The broad array of financial journalism Robin has been a part of, and what his biggest concerns are about in the industry
• The standout moment of his career
• How Robin is planning to save for Retirement

Tina has an eye-opening discussion with Abraham, filling him in on:

• How she got into the industry and what sparked her passion for life planning
• Where Serenity Financial Planning is today - team, clients, AUM etc.
• How she managed the business while going through chemotherapy
• Unpacking the details on helping to maximise outcomes and performance when it comes to advising clients
• Tina’s approach to saving for retirement

Abraham and David dive into the nitty gritty of:

• David’s career and the journey that led him to launch Seccl
• Insight into Seccl – what it does and the third parties (APIs) it is connected with
• David’s thoughts on the state of adviser tech today and how ‘Adviser Platforms’ often don’t provide the technology advisers need
• David sold Seccl to Octopus for £10m, he explains the impact of this and his attitude to money
• The cost-structure at Seccl: How the costs stack up, whether advisers are adding margins to their costs and whether the model allows for flat fee pricing
• David’s thoughts on the state of the adviser platform industry today
• David’s personal approach to retirement and his plans for the future

What does it mean to be truly wealthy? In this episode, Dr. Daniel Crosby explores the deep connection between money, meaning, and happiness—revealing why real wealth goes far beyond financial accumulation. He discusses how human behavior shapes financial decisions, the evolving role of financial advisors, and the impact of societal comparisons on personal fulfillment. Drawing insights from his book, The Soul of Wealth, Dr. Crosby shares why aligning financial goals with personal values and relationships is essential for a richer, more meaningful life. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on redefining wealth and finding true financial well-being.

Find out more about the podcast and browse additional episodes ⁠here.

Dennis Hall and Sarah Steele share their career journeys and the evolution of Yellowtail Financial Planning. Dennis started in direct sales and eventually transitioned to fee-based financial planning. Sarah joined Yellowtail after struggling to find part-time work in the industry. Together, they have transformed the business and focused on client-centric financial planning. They discuss the challenges of transitioning to a fee-based model and the importance of community and collaboration in the industry. They also highlight the impact of COVID-19 on remote client meetings and the need for adaptability in the changing landscape of financial advice. In this conversation, Dennis Hall and Sarah Steele discuss the future of Yellowtail Financial Planning and the challenges they face as they transition to the next generation of practitioners and managers. They emphasise the importance of organic growth, maintaining a mall and defined number of clients, and providing exceptional service. They also discuss the need for an economic model that allows the next generation to take over the business while preserving the legacy and value that has been built. They express their commitment to never selling the business to a consolidator and their desire to continue making a positive impact in the industry.

What does financial planning look like when your entire career might be over by 30? In this episode of Adviser 3.0, Abraham Okusanya sits down with Patrick Foley—founder of Sonar Financial Services and specialist adviser to elite footballers—for a rare behind-the-scenes look into the world of money, mindset, and management in professional sport.From million-pound mortgages and early retirements to family dynamics and locker room whispers, Patrick reveals why working with athletes requires more than spreadsheets—it demands trust, empathy, and a deep understanding of life in the spotlight.Whether you're a planner, a football fan, or just fascinated by how high performers manage their wealth, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.#adviser3point0 #podcast #football #eliteathletes #financialadvice