IFA Talk

IFA Magazine
IFA Talk

IFA Magazine‘s ground-breaking weekly editorial perspective on the news that is shaping the global investment and economic landscape. Featuring exclusive conversations with the financial service’s most influential voices.

  1. 1D AGO

    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

    15 min
  2. 3D AGO

    NI&P Podcast #14: A broker’s perspective on the underwriting challenges for high-value life cover with JLHO’s Ken Maxwell

    In the latest episode of our New Insurance and Protection Podcast, we dive into one of the most complex areas in the protection space – arranging high-value life cover for clients with significant sums assured and in some cases intricate medical histories too. Our hosts, Sue and Meg, are joined by Ken Maxwell, Chartered Wealth Manager and Director at specialist protection assurance adviser, John Lamb Hill Oldridge (JLHO). Ken shares his expert insight on the practical underwriting hurdles brokers face and what really happens behind the scenes with insurers and reinsurers. What to expect in this episode We explore what high-value life cover really means Ken kicks off by defining what constitutes “high-value” cover and the types of client scenarios that often lead to underwriting complications. We dig into the impact of clients’ medical histories Even small historical medical issues can affect underwriting outcomes. Ken explains how advisers can help manage expectations and streamline the process. We examine insurer and reinsurer delays What happens when a case gets referred to a pricing team? Ken sheds light on the behind-the-scenes work that can slow down – or speed up – a decision. We look at underwriting inconsistency across providers Why can one insurer say yes, another apply a loading and another say no? Ken discusses the challenges advisers face when dealing with such varied underwriting stances across the market. Top tips for brokers working on high-value protection cases Before we wrap up, Ken shares three must-know tips for financial advisers to improve outcomes when dealing with complex protection needs.

    21 min
  3. JUL 2

    Podcast #129: Dealing with investor anxiety with Novia Global’s Linda Johnstone

    How can advisers help clients stay calm in stormy markets? In the latest episode of IFA Talk, Sue and Matt tackle a topic that’s becoming more and more relevant for advisers and their clients: investor anxiety. With markets showing plenty of volatility right now, it’s no surprise that some clients are feeling uncertain – even panicked – about their investments. And while short-term market moves may come and go, the emotional response they provoke can leave lasting impacts if not addressed properly. That’s why this week, Sue and Matt are joined by Linda Johnstone, Head of Investment Proposition at Novia Global, to share her expert insight on managing investor anxiety. Not only does Linda highlight how advisers can play a key role in guiding clients through challenging times but she also offers top tips to help clients manage such anxiety. "Anxiety is emotion, not strategy – and it’s often rooted in short-term thinking. The challenge for advisers is to reframe the narrative, remind clients of the long-term view, and build trust through consistency and communication." — Linda Johnstone, Novia Global Whether you’re looking for practical behavioural finance tips or a fresh take on how best to support client wellbeing, this episode is packed with timely value for advisers. Tune in to the full episode here: IFA Talk – Dealing with Investor Anxiety Also, you can listen to the Brooks MacDonald podcast, referenced in this episode, by clicking here! Linda Johnstone Linda Johnstone is Head of Investment Proposition at Novia Global. She has over 25 years of experience in international financial services. She brings together her knowledge of funds, platforms and DFMs to enhance Novia Global’s investment proposition and provide advisers with the tools and choice needed to deliver effective investment solutions for clients.

    20 min
  4. JUN 25

    Podcast #128: The benefits that liquid alternatives can bring to multi-asset portfolios, with Schroder Investment Solutions’ Ryan Paterson

    With market volatility and economic uncertainty top of mind for advisers, today’s clients are looking for resilient, diversified portfolios that can help them to weather the storm. In this week’s IFA Talk podcast, we’re tackling a crucial question for modern portfolio construction, and that’s what role can liquid alternatives play in helping to make multi-asset portfolios more robust? To help us answer that question, Sue and Matt are joined by Ryan Paterson, Portfolio Manager at Schroder Investment Solutions. Ryan brings over 20 years of industry experience to the conversation and co-manages the Schroders range of investment solutions. Tune in to hear the conversation which covers: What are the key benefits of incorporating liquid alternatives into an investment portfolio - especially in today’s volatile markets? What are the common challenges investors face when trying to access liquid alternative investments, and how can they be overcome? How does the new Schroder Alternative Portfolio help break down barriers to investing in liquid alternatives and what makes it a practical solution for advisers and wealth managers looking for greater portfolio diversification? Don’t miss out Whether you’re exploring ways to future-proof client portfolios, or simply want a clearer understanding of liquid alternatives, this episode is packed with insights, solutions and fresh perspectives from one of the UK’s leading investment managers.

    11 min
  5. JUN 11

    Podcast #126: From accumulation to decumulation – the growing importance of retirement income strategies with Brooks Macdonald’s Neil Cowell

    In this week’s episode of IFA Talk, we’re shining a spotlight on one of the most important – and complex – areas of financial planning today: retirement income strategies. With the FCA’s thematic review highlighting both the opportunities and challenges in retirement advice, it’s more crucial than ever for advisers to get this right. Clients need retirement income strategies that are resilient, flexible, and tailored to their evolving circumstances – and it’s up to advisers to deliver them. That’s why we’re joined by Neil Cowell, UK Distribution Director at Brooks Macdonald, to explore this increasingly high-priority topic. What’s in this episode? Hosted by Matt and Sue, the conversation covers: Why retirement income is firmly in the industry spotlight right now How Brooks Macdonald has led the way in decumulation since launching their bespoke solution in 2018 Recent developments in the retirement income landscape advisers should be aware of And most importantly – what today’s IFAs can do to ensure their proposition is robust, compliant and future-proofed Neil brings deep insight into how advisers can evolve their retirement planning frameworks and ensure they’re delivering the right outcomes for clients entering – and living through – retirement. Whether you’re already refining your decumulation offering or just starting to rethink your approach, this episode is packed with timely insights and practical takeaways. Tune in here to listen in…

    13 min

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IFA Magazine‘s ground-breaking weekly editorial perspective on the news that is shaping the global investment and economic landscape. Featuring exclusive conversations with the financial service’s most influential voices.

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