IFA Talk

In this episode of IFA Talk, Matt and Jenny discuss all things VCTs, following the extension of the sunset clause.

Joining them to share his expert insights is Chris Lewis, Chair of the Venture Capital Trust Association. Chris reveals his thoughts on what’s likely to shape the VCT agenda, as well as providing some real-world examples of companies these trusts are backing across the UK.

They also explore the wider economic impact of the VCT market – now supporting over 1,000 companies and managing more than £6.5 billion, along with the key things advisers and investors should keep in mind when considering VCTs in today’s uncertain environment.

You can listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon!

In this episode of IFA Talk, Sue and Matt are joined by Mollie Thornton, Senior Investment Manager at Parmenion, to explore how ESG investing is changing and what that means for advisers.

We look beyond the usual headlines to ask: why are companies like Amazon now appearing in ESG and MPS portfolios? Mollie explains what’s behind this shift and whether it signals a more pragmatic, engagement-led approach to ESG.

She also breaks down the key differences between exclusion-based strategies and those focused on active engagement, offering practical tips on how advisers can spot the difference. Is a fund manager really driving change, or just finding a way to hold high-performing but controversial stocks?

Finally, with the FCA’s SDR in play, Mollie shares how fund labels can help advisers have more confident, transparent ESG conversations with clients.

Listen now: Beyond the ‘ESG’ Label – ESG investing, engagement, and the Amazon question with Mollie Thornton.

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

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.

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."

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.

In this latest TEI special episode of IFA Talk, Matt and Jenny dive into the UK’s small and mid-cap companies.

While this area of the market has faced some challenges in recent years, there are signs that things could be turning a corner as investors increasingly look for opportunities that offer both growth and income potential.

Joining us to unpack all of this is Fraser Mackersie, Fund Manager at Unicorn Asset Management. Fraser shares his thoughts on what makes UK small and mid-cap companies an attractive investment opportunity, how Unicorn’s approach focuses on the fundamentals, and why that can be especially powerful in this part of the market.

You can listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Amazon!

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:

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.

In this special 'Mortgage & Property Investment Magazine' edition of IFA Talk, Matt and Jenny delve into the ever-evolving property market. As the middle of the year rapidly approaches, the property market is shifting, and investors are increasingly turning their attention to commercial property.  

Joining us is Roz Cawood, Managing Director of Property Finance at Streambank. Roz reveals how brokers can bridge the gap and stay ahead in 2025, along with outlining how they can effectively support their clients.  

Together, we delve into the key drivers behind the growing interest in commercial property, with Roz sharing her wealth of insights into which client types are leading the charge. The conversation also tackles one of the most discussed frustrations in the industry: the 12-month minimum term for bridging finance. We shed light on why this rule is challenging for certain clients and whether regulatory changes or creative solutions within the existing framework might be the way forward. 

From taking a closer look at how brokers are experiencing these changes on the ground, to sharing advice on how brokers can continue to navigate the market’s challenges and remain a valuable resource for clients in 2025, this episode covers some of the most pivotal questions being asked in the mortgage sector right now.  

In this week’s episode of IFA Talk, we dig into some of the recent insights from FE fundinfo’s latest financial adviser survey, which looks into the real-world challenges and key trends that advisers are currently experiencing.

From increased regulation and market volatility to shifting client expectations, the landscape isn’t exactly getting any simpler. Helping us unravel this is David Scholes, Director of Wealth Sales at FE fundinfo.

David talks about how artificial intelligence is starting to reshape the way the advice industry works and diving into one of the biggest opportunities – and challenges – facing advisers today: the great generational wealth transfer.

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:

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…