The Transact Platform Podcast

Transact

Welcome to the Transact Platform podcast, where we explore trends and insights shaping the financial advice landscape. Join us as we dive deeper into the key topics that matter to you. Tune in for insights, practical strategies and engaging discussions that will help you stay ahead in the evolving world of financial planning.

  1. 2d ago

    Autumn Budget 2026: What’s changing and what comes next?

    Following the Budget on 28 October, what has changed and what should advisers be considering now? In this post-Budget episode of the Transact Platform Podcast, Zac Angel, Business Development Manager at Transact, is joined by Mark Fenlon, Head of Technical Services at Transact, to unpack the key announcements affecting advisers and their clients. Together, they explore: revoking of the proposed changes to the cash ISA allowance for under 65s and the treatment of cash held within Stocks and Shares ISAshow higher tax rates on savings and property income could affect planning decisionsthe latest changes to pension death benefits and the wider implications for retirement and estate planningwhy the April 2027 inheritance tax changes remain a key consideration for advisershow tax changes reinforce the importance of diversification across tax wrappers.The episode also looks beyond the individual announcements to consider the bigger planning picture, including the growing importance of inheritance tax and estate planning as April 2027 approaches. Mark explains why advisers should focus on building flexible, long-term plans that can adapt as tax rules and allowances change. Whether you’re reviewing the Budget announcements with clients or preparing for the April 2027 inheritance tax changes, this episode provides practical technical insights into the areas advisers may want to consider next. To stay up to date with the latest industry developments, don’t forget to subscribe to the Transact Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and follow us on LinkedIn and X. For more information visit our website at: https://www.transact-online.co.uk This podcast is provided for advisory professionals only. This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal, regulatory, tax or any other advice. All information is based on our understanding and interpretation of applicable law and regulation, which is subject to change. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. The views of third parties are their own and do not represent the views of Transact. Any references to third parties do not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or preference by Transact. Please remember that the value of investments can fall as well as rise, and tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and is subject to change.

    Autumn Budget 2026: What’s changing and what comes next?
  2. Oct 23

    What powers a great platform?

    Technology plays a crucial role in the adviser experience, but what sits behind a platform can have a significant impact on service, innovation and long-term stability. In this episode of the Transact Platform Podcast, Transact CEO Tom Dunbar is joined by Martin Jennings, CEO of Parmenion, and Ola Abdul, CEO of Fundment, to explore the role technology plays in delivering platform services and adviser outcomes. Together, they explore: the differences between proprietary and outsourced technology, and how each model affects control, accountability and development priorities.how platforms manage technical debt, recruit and organise development teams, and use adviser feedback to shape their roadmaps.where outsourcing specialist capabilities can make sense while core technology remains under the platform’s control.how AI could improve productivity, shorten delivery times and help platforms make better use of their data.why financial strength should be assessed across both the platform and any third-party technology providers it relies on.Drawing on decades of experience building and scaling platform businesses, Tom, Martin and Ola share their perspectives on platform resilience, service quality and the future of platform technology. Whether you're reviewing platform providers, interested in the role of AI or simply want a better understanding of what sits behind the adviser experience, this episode offers valuable insights into what really powers a great platform. To stay up to date with the latest industry developments, don’t forget to subscribe to the Transact Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and follow us on LinkedIn and X. For more information visit our website at: https://www.transact-online.co.uk This podcast is provided for advisory professionals only. This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal, regulatory, tax or any other advice. All information is based on our understanding and interpretation of applicable law and regulation, which is subject to change. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. The views of third parties are their own and do not represent the views of Transact. Any references to third parties do not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or preference by Transact. Please remember that the value of investments can fall as well as rise, and tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and is subject to change.

    What powers a great platform?
  3. Oct 21

    Preparing for the Autumn Budget 2026

    With the Autumn Budget fast approaching, advisers and clients alike are navigating a familiar challenge. How do you separate meaningful planning opportunities from market noise and speculation. In this episode of the Transact Platform Podcast, Zac Angel, Business Development Manager at Transact, is joined by Mark Fenlon, Head of Technical Services at Transact to discuss the key issues advisers should have on their radar ahead of Budget Day. Together they explore: The pension, inheritance tax and capital gains tax changes attracting the most attention.Why speculation should be treated with caution and how advisers can avoid reactive planning mistakes. Practical considerations for clients affected by the April 2027 pension inheritance tax changes.The growing role of trusts, gifting strategies and alternative tax wrappers in financial planning.What advisers should do before, during and immediately after the Budget announcement. Mark also shares his thoughts on the increasing use of trusts, gifting strategies, investment bonds and tax-efficient wrappers in long-term financial planning, while highlighting the importance of keeping clients focused on their objectives rather than reacting to rumours or headlines. Whether you're preparing clients for the Autumn Budget or reviewing plans in light of the upcoming pension changes, this episode provides practical insights and technical considerations to help advisers navigate the lead up to Budget Day with confidence. To stay up to date with the latest industry developments, don’t forget to subscribe to the Transact Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and follow us on LinkedIn and X. For more information visit our website at: https://www.transact-online.co.uk This podcast is provided for advisory professionals only. This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal, regulatory, tax or any other advice. All information is based on our understanding and interpretation of applicable law and regulation, which is subject to change. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. The views of third parties are their own and do not represent the views of Transact. Any references to third parties do not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or preference by Transact. Please remember that the value of investments can fall as well as rise, and tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and is subject to change.

    Preparing for the Autumn Budget 2026
  4. Oct 14

    The changing advice landscape with PFS President Carla Brown

    What does the future hold for financial advice? As technology evolves, client expectations change and the profession seeks to serve more people, the role of the adviser is entering a period of significant transformation. In this episode of the Transact Platform Podcast, Andrew Cullen-Jones, Chief Development Officer at Transact, is joined by Carla Brown, President of the Personal Finance Society, Chartered Financial Planner and business owner, for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of the financial planning profession. Together, they explore: how AI is changing adviser workflows and why human judgement, empathy and behavioural coaching remain essentialthe growing advice gap and the challenge of helping more people access quality financial advicesupporting intergenerational wealth transfer, pension reforms and changing client expectations on the advice landscapeattracting and developing the next generation of financial planners while continuing to raise professional standards.From trust and professionalism to technology and innovation, Carla shares her perspective on the opportunities and challenges shaping the profession today, and why she remains optimistic about its future. Whether you're an adviser, paraplanner, business owner or simply interested in the future of financial advice, this episode offers valuable insights from one of the profession's leading voices. To stay up to date with the latest industry developments, don’t forget to subscribe to the Transact Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and follow us on LinkedIn and X. For more information visit our website at: https://www.transact-online.co.uk This podcast is provided for advisory professionals only. This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal, regulatory, tax or any other advice. All information is based on our understanding and interpretation of applicable law and regulation, which is subject to change. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. The views of third parties are their own and do not represent the views of Transact. Any references to third parties do not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or preference by Transact. Please remember that the value of investments can fall as well as rise, and tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and is subject to change.

    The changing advice landscape with PFS President Carla Brown
  5. Oct 8

    How much is your advice business really worth?

    How much is your advice business really worth, and what can you do today to increase its value? In this episode of the Transact Platform Podcast, Daniel Smith, Succession Planning Manager at Transact, is joined by Louise Jeffreys, Managing Director of Gunner & Co, to explore the key factors that influence business valuations and what advisers should consider when planning for a future sale. Together they discuss: why advice firms are valued differently and how buyers assess recurring income, profitability and future growth potentialthe key drivers of value, including client demographics, fee structures, intergenerational planning and organic growthhow deal structures, earn-outs and deferred consideration can impact the proceeds ultimately receivedthe differences between selling a client bank and selling shares in a business, and why that distinction mattershow market trends, consolidation and emerging technologies such as AI could influence future valuations.Drawing on experience from hundreds of transactions in the financial planning profession, Louise shares practical guidance for advisers looking to understand, protect and maximise the value of their business. Whether a sale is years away or already on the horizon, this episode offers valuable insights to help advisers make better informed succession planning decisions. To stay up to date with the latest industry developments, don’t forget to subscribe to the Transact Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and follow us on LinkedIn and X. For more information visit our website at: https://www.transact-online.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is provided for advisory professionals only. This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal, regulatory, tax or any other advice. All information is based on our understanding and interpretation of applicable law and regulation, which is subject to change. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. The views of third parties are their own and do not represent the views of Transact. Any references to third parties do not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or preference by Transact. Please remember that the value of investments can fall as well as rise, and tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and is subject to change.

    How much is your advice business really worth?
  6. Oct 1

    The future of advice and MPS solutions

    Financial advice is entering yet another period of significant change. New technologies are emerging, regulation continues to evolve, and adviser firms are growing larger through consolidation, all while client expectations continue to shift. In this episode of the Transact Platform Podcast, Tom Dunbar, Transact's CEO, sits down with Abraham Okusanya, CEO of Timeline, to discuss the trends reshaping the profession and what advisers should be paying attention to as the industry evolves. Together they explore: whether AI will transform the adviser value proposition or create a new source of competitionhow consolidation is changing the advice landscape and its impact on clientswhy pension tax reforms may create some of the biggest planning opportunities in recent yearswhat's driving the continued rise of MPS and where the market could be heading nextthe evolution of platforms and the treatment of cash interest.From technology and regulation to investment solutions and client outcomes, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of financial advice. To stay up to date with the latest industry developments, don’t forget to subscribe to the Transact Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and follow us on LinkedIn and X. For more information visit our website at: https://www.transact-online.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is provided for advisory professionals only. This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal, regulatory, tax or any other advice. All information is based on our understanding and interpretation of applicable law and regulation, which is subject to change. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. The views of third parties are their own. Any references to third parties do not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or preference by Transact.

    The future of advice and MPS solutions
  7. Sep 22

    How agentic AI is transforming financial advice

    In this episode of the Transact Platform Podcast, Tom Dunbar, Transact’s CEO, is joined by Sam McBride from Ani Tech and Richard Brian from Curo to discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) agents are reshaping the future of financial advice and what this could mean for advice firms in the years ahead. Together they explore: the difference between bespoke AI agents and AI capabilities embedded within CRM systemshow AI agents can support advisers throughout the client review processopportunities to automate meeting notes, client reviews and suitability report preparationthe importance of human oversight, governance and permission controlsand the opportunities and challenges firms should consider as AI becomes increasingly mainstream.Throughout the episode, Sam and Richard share practical examples of how AI agents are already being used within advice firms, from automating administrative processes and preparing review meetings to supporting compliance activities and improving the consistency of client data. If you're exploring AI for the first time or considering more advanced agent-based solutions, this episode provides valuable insights into how advisers can use AI to improve efficiency and focus more time on delivering highly valued advice. To stay up to date with the latest industry developments, don’t forget to subscribe to the Transact Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and follow us on LinkedIn and X. For more information visit our website at: https://www.transact-online.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is provided for advisory professionals only. This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal, regulatory, tax or any other advice. All information is based on our understanding and interpretation of applicable law and regulation, which is subject to change. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. The views of third parties are their own. Any references to third parties do not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or preference by Transact.

    How agentic AI is transforming financial advice
  8. Sep 15

    Building a Lasting Legacy: Trusts, Succession and Wealth Transfer

    In this episode of the Transact Platform Podcast, Tom Dunbar, Transact CEO, is joined by Keith and Josh Butten of Boosst to discuss how trusts can be used for future succession planning of advice firms and help clients plan for long-term wealth transfer. Together they explore: the succession options available to adviser firms, including consolidation, management buyouts, family succession and Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) why Boosst chose to transition to an EOT and the lessons learned from the processthe importance of planning early and building a strong leadership teamhow trusts can help support long-term client outcomes and family wealth transferthe growing impact of inheritance tax planning following upcoming changes to unused defined contribution pension taxationthe role of loan trusts, Discounted Gift Trusts and Flexible Reversionary Trusts within financial planningkey considerations when selecting and working with professional trusteesAnd the operational challenges and opportunities as trust planning becomes more mainstream.Throughout the episode, Keith and Josh share their first-hand experiences of business succession, EOT planning, offering practical insights into how advisers can think about legacy, continuity and long-term planning for both their businesses and their clients. Whether you're considering succession options for your own advice firm or helping clients navigate inheritance tax and estate planning challenges, this episode provides valuable perspectives on the growing role trusts can play in shaping the future. To stay up to date with the latest industry developments, don’t forget to subscribe to the Transact Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and follow us on LinkedIn and X. For more information visit our website at: https://www.transact-online.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is provided for advisory professionals only. This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal, regulatory, tax or any other advice. All information is based on our understanding and interpretation of applicable law and regulation, which is subject to change. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. The views of third parties are their own. Any references to third parties do not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or preference by Transact.

    Building a Lasting Legacy: Trusts, Succession and Wealth Transfer

About

Welcome to the Transact Platform podcast, where we explore trends and insights shaping the financial advice landscape. Join us as we dive deeper into the key topics that matter to you. Tune in for insights, practical strategies and engaging discussions that will help you stay ahead in the evolving world of financial planning.

You Might Also Like