Kimberley Dondo, Tom Browne and Dan Cooper discuss a busy start to 2026, focusing on the shortage of women in financial advice, where fewer than one in five advisers are female, the perception problem that deters candidates, and the need for better visibility, mentoring and events like the Women’s Symposium.

They cover recent major deals — NatWest’s purchase of Evelyn Partners and Schroders’ takeover — and explore what consolidation means for banks, advisers and targeted support as the wealth-management landscape shifts.

They also air frustrations with archaic practices like wet signatures, the disconnect between systems, and debate AI hype, ethics and regulation, while previewing upcoming coverage around International Women’s Day and sector events.