IFA Talk

In this month's special 'Insurance & Protection' episode of IFA Talk, Matt and Sue are diving into a topic that sits at the core of great financial planning; value in the protection space.

We hear the word 'value' all the time, but what does it actually mean? Is it just about price? Or is it about the true worth and benefits protection brings to clients? And with the growing advice gap, where fewer people are seeking financial advice or guidance, are they missing out on genuine value without even realising it?

Joining us this week to answer all of these questions is Shelley Read, Senior Technical Manager at Royal London. Shelley brings invaluable insights from Royal London’s latest 'Meaning of Value' report, which explores how both clients and advisers perceive value — and, crucially, how we can communicate it more effectively.

Shelley also discusses practical ways advisers can bring protection into the conversation and truly showcase its importance to clients.

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

In this week’s episode of IFA Talk, Jenny and Sue are diving into the world of US investing—at a time when markets feel more jittery than ever.

With recent volatility shaking investor confidence and big headlines dominating the financial news, it’s never been more important for advisers to help clients keep calm and stay focused. That’s why we have two brilliant guests from Ninety One’s Quality investment team: Paul Vincent and Will Nott in the hot seats. Together, they unpack what’s really going on beneath the headlines and how investors might navigate these turbulent times with a bit more clarity.

From macro market drivers to the role of the mega caps, and from the influence of AI to the potential in overlooked corners of the US market, Paul and Will offer valuable insight grounded in research and experience. It’s a wide-ranging chat that cuts through the noise—and gives advisers something meaningful to bring to their next client conversation.

So, whether you're after perspective on US equities, curious about concentration risk, or just wondering where the opportunities are hiding, this episode’s got it all.

In this special Mortgage and Property edition of IFA Talk, hosts Sue and Matt explore how financial advisers can better support clients with more complex borrowing needs.

They’re joined by Chris Blewitt, Head of Mortgage Distribution at Darlington Building Society, an organisation known for its flexible and personal approach to lending. Together, they delve into how building societies are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between mainstream banks and specialist lenders — offering tailored solutions for borrowers with non-standard financial situations.

Topics covered include:

Whether you’re working with first-time buyers, seasoned investors, or clients with more nuanced financial profiles, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to help you offer smarter, more inclusive advice.

Listen now and discover how to better serve clients who don’t fit the traditional mortgage mould.

In this week’s episode of IFA Talk, we mark a major milestone in retirement planning: ten years since the introduction of Pension Freedoms. Jenny Hunter and Sue Whitbread are joined by Ed Monk, Associate Director at Fidelity International, to reflect on how this seismic shift has shaped the retirement landscape – and what advisers need to consider looking ahead.

Ed shares Fidelity’s latest analysis of how the first cohort of retirees has fared under the new rules, and the findings are eye-opening. Despite initial fears, even those drawing down at higher rates – 5%, 6%, or even 7% – still retained significant pension savings, thanks in large part to strong market performance. But Ed warns that future retirees may not be so fortunate.

The discussion delves into whether the 4% ‘safe withdrawal rule’ still holds water, how advisers can help clients navigate short-term volatility without derailing their plans, and why diversification – particularly the role of bonds – must be reconsidered in today’s uncertain economic climate.

Crucially, while Pension Freedoms have brought unprecedented flexibility, they also require a more hands-on approach to retirement planning. Ed highlights the need for tailored strategies that balance freedom with financial sustainability.

Tune in now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to hear how past lessons can inform smarter, more resilient retirement planning in the decade ahead.

You can find the full analysis from Fidelity, here!

In this episode of IFA Talk, we’re tackling some of the biggest questions in today’s global stock markets.

US stockmarket indices have recently dipped to their lowest levels since last September, as concerns over tariffs, inflation, and even a potential US recession weigh on investors’ minds. Is this just a short-term correction, or the start of something more significant?

Meanwhile, the UK and US economies appear to be heading in different directions—so where do the best investment opportunities lie?

Joining Sue and Matt this week is Simon Evan-Cook, Fund Manager at Downing Fox, to break it all down. We’ll explore:

Tune in now to hear Simon’s ultra-practical take on what’s going on out there today. We hope that it will help you steer your way through these complex market shifts so you can enjoy client conversations with a little bit more confidence.

Welcome to another special episode of IFA Talk in partnership with TEI Magazine. This time, we look at the ever-evolving VCT landscape and the opportunities it brings.

IFA Magazine’s Senior Financial Journalist, Jenny Hunter, and TEI/IFA’s Content Editor, Matt Williams, are joined by James D’Mello, the Head of IFA Distribution at Fuel Ventures. With 15 years of experience in the industry, James brings a deep understanding of VCTs and how they are developing.

Together, they discuss why newer VCTs can present more attractive opportunities than larger, more established options. James then explores the shrinking VCT market, and the potential ramifications for advisers, and outlines some of the key sectors which are driving VCT growth today.

This episode provides valuable insights into the world of VCTs, giving you, our listeners, plenty of information on their opportunities, challenges and key growth areas.

Listen now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to hear the full discussion.

In this latest episode of IFA Talk, Sue and Jenny explore a challenge that financial advisers frequently face—helping clients move beyond the security of cash savings and towards long-term investment growth.

This discussion highlights why so many savers still default to Cash ISAs, despite decades of evidence showing that investment returns have significantly outperformed cash savings.

Joining the conversation is Laura Suter, Director of Personal Finance at AJ Bell, who shares her insights on the risks of over-relying on cash and how inflation erodes its value over time. She discusses why many savers remain hesitant to invest and explores strategies advisers can use to build their clients’ confidence in making the transition from saving to investing. The conversation also looks at the importance of maintaining an emergency cash reserve while ensuring that clients do not miss out on the long-term benefits of investing.

With the ISA system becoming increasingly complex, the discussion touches on potential reforms that could simplify the process and encourage more people to invest. As cash struggles to keep up with inflation, could sticking with it be costing clients more than they realise?

Tune in now on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to hear expert insights.

The Autumn Budget shook things up when the Chancellor announced plans to bring pensions into the inheritance tax (IHT) net from April 2027. This shift has sparked big questions for advisers, especially around balancing pension strategies with protection planning.

In this episode, we dive into:

Clare joins hosts Sue and Jenny to break down what advisers need to know and how they can best support their clients through these changes.

Tune in for expert analysis and actionable takeaways to help you navigate the evolving landscape of pensions and protection.

Listen now for plenty of practical insight on these key topics HERE

In this episode of IFA Talk, we’re tackling one of the biggest issues in financial services today: the gender gap. While progress has been made, women in finance still face significant barriers to leadership, a persistent gender pay gap, and a workplace culture that often overlooks their contributions. But this isn’t just a matter of fairness—it’s a business imperative.

Joining Jenny and Sue for this discussion is Jenny Segal, a business leader, actuary, and workplace culture expert with over 25 years of experience in investment markets. With four books to her name and a deep passion for motivating teams and improving workplace culture, Jenny brings valuable insights into how firms can move beyond box-ticking and drive real change.

Following last week's International Women’s Day, this episode explores the most pressing challenges facing women in finance today, from the impact of workplace policies and leadership barriers to the need for financial products designed with women in mind. We’ll also discuss why companies that embrace gender diversity outperform their peers—and what needs to happen to turn awareness into meaningful action.

Tune in now for an insightful and thought-provoking conversation on the future of gender equity in finance.

You can find more IWD coverage using the following link: https://ifamagazine.com/category/international-womens-day/

In honour of last Saturday’s International Women's Day, IFA Magazine is excited to share this special edition of our weekly podcast, IFA Talk, focusing on strategies to bridge the gender investing gap.

Recent data from Barclays Smart Investor indicates that women are disproportionately at risk of falling through the "advice gap" when it comes to investing.

In this episode, hosts Sue and Meg are joined by Clare Francis, Director of Savings and Investments at Barclays. Clare shares her unique journey from journalism to finance and delves into the findings of Barclays' latest research on female investment trends.

Tune in to gain valuable insights on empowering women in the financial landscape and practical steps to promote gender parity in investing.

Check out our conversation with Clare on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.