Money Wise UK®

George, Money Wise UK, chats with Pietro Nicholls, co-manager of the VT RM Alternative Income Fund, about what “alternatives” really are, liquidity myths, the rate/inflation cycle, and why governance matters in investment trusts. They cover diversification, where real assets fit vs the 60/40, activism vs engagement (incl. Gore Street), and how VT RM balances income with capital preservation.

Follow, share, comment, rate and subscribe to Money Wise UK for thoughtful, independent conversations on the future of investing.

Please note: This podcast does not provide financial advice. If you have any questions, we recommend speaking to a financial adviser. Past performance does not guide future returns; investments can fall and rise. Any mention of a company is not a recommendation.

Chapter markers

• 00:03 Intro & guest background

• 01:13 Early influences & learning habits

• 09:12 What are “alternatives”?

• 12:19 Liquidity myths & real-world tests

• 15:49 Diversification through cycles

• 19:35 Rates, inflation & positioning

• 23:28 Investment trusts: safety, governance & discounts

• 27:36 Fees & the OCF confusion

• 31:20 Performance, cycles & today’s opportunity

• 33:17 Are alts too complex?

• 36:08 Engagement vs “activism” (Gore Street)

• 42:28 VTRM’s mission & portfolio mix

• 49:06 ESG & transparency

• 54:45 Best advice & final takeaway

China is often seen as either an unstoppable superpower or a risky bet – but what’s the real story? In this episode of the Money Wise UK Podcast, George sits down with Megan Ie, Senior Equity Analyst at GIB Asset Management, to unpack the nuances of investing in China. From common prosperity to geopolitical tensions, policy shifts, and overlooked growth opportunities, Megan brings fresh insights into one of the most complex and misunderstood markets in the world. A must-listen for curious investors.

Book: Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie

Follow, share, comment, rate and subscribe to Money Wise UK for thoughtful, independent conversations on the future of investing.

Learn more: GIB Asset Management

Please note: This podcast does not provide financial advice. If you have any questions, we recommend speaking to a financial adviser. Past performance does not guide future returns; investments can fall and rise. Any mention of a company is not a recommendation.

In this insightful episode of the Money Wise UK Podcast, George Ladds is joined by Kunal Desai, co-fund manager of the Emerging Markets Active Engagement Strategy at GIB Asset Management. They cut through the noise to discuss why emerging markets deserve more attention in today’s globalportfolios. From political risk to valuation opportunities, from sustainable investing to bespoke engagement strategies — this episode is packed with practical insights, real examples, and powerful ideas.

Key themes include:

• Why emerging markets remain underrepresented in global portfolios despite driving global GDP growth
• How GIB’s “PACE” framework identifies hidden value through active engagement
• The case for blending passive and active strategies in emerging markets
• A candid discussion on corruption, fragility, and the misunderstood risk of concentrated investing

Follow, share, comment, rate and subscribe to Money Wise UK for thoughtful, independent conversations on the future of investing.

Books:

Michael J Mauboussin – Expectations Investing

Ayn Rand – Atlas Shrugged

Learn more: GIB Asset Management

Please note: This podcast does not provide financial advice. If you have any questions, we recommend speaking to afinancial adviser. Past performance does not guide future returns; investments can fall and rise. Any mention of a company is not a recommendation.

In this episode of the Money Wise UK Podcast, George is joined by Ben Palmer, Senior Portfolio Manager at LGT and former Head of Responsible Investment at Brooks Macdonald, for a wide-ranging and honest conversation about sustainable investing.

From the evolution of ethical investing to today's ESG, impact, and transition strategies, Ben explains the terminology, challenges, and real-world investment opportunities with clarity and balance.

We go beyond the headlines—exploring whether “woke is broke” is true, why investment trusts might still play a role in ESG portfolios, and whether governments, investors, or individuals are the real agents of change. We also dig into controversial topics like COP30’s rainforest conundrum, Trump’s “drill baby drill” energy stance, and whether EVs and renewables can truly make a difference.

Ben offers insight into how sustainability and economics increasingly go hand in hand—and why acknowledging imperfections matters more than chasing perfection.

💬 Topics Include:

• What ESG, impact, and sustainable investing really mean

• The FCA’s new fund labelling system

• Investment trusts and sustainability

• Climate science vs. political noise

• Can investment really drive global change?

🔗 Plus, learn more about LGT’s approach to responsible investing and why long-term thinking is core to their DNA.

Follow, share, comment, rate and subscribe to Money Wise UKfor thoughtful, independent conversations on the future of investing.

Learn more: https://www.lgtwm.com/uk-en

Please note: This podcast does not provide financial advice.If you have any questions, we recommend speaking to a financial adviser. Past performance does not guide future returns; investments can fall and rise. Anymention of a company is not a recommendation.

Can fixed income be both sustainable and high performing? Or is it just another corner of the market vulnerable to greenwashing?

In this eye-opening episode of the Money Wise UK podcast, host George is joined by Samantha Lamb, Head of Fixed Income at GIB Asset Management, to break down what sustainability really means in the world of bonds — and why it’s time to challenge some long-held assumptions.

Drawing on decades of experience in ESG and credit markets, Samantha reveals:

• Why GIB doesn’t rely on bond labels like “green” or“sustainable” — and why these can mislead investors
• The difference between ESG risk management and truly sustainable investing
• How fixed income can deliver strong risk-adjusted returns without compromising values
• The power of a multi-thematic framework in building resilient portfolios for real-world problems
• Why certain sectors, like fossil fuels and tobacco, are ruled out — regardless of their ESG scores
• How to balance performance with purpose in a volatile and fast-evolving landscape

Whether you're a fund selector, financial planner, or simply curious about the future of sustainable investing, this episode offers clarity, insight, and real-world thinking that cuts through the jargon.

"There’s no performance penalty for investing responsibly — not if you do it right." — Samantha Lamb

Follow, share, comment, rate and subscribe to Money Wise UK for thoughtful, independent conversations on the future of investing.

Learn more at www.gibam.com

Please note: This podcast does not provide financial advice. If you have any questions, we recommend speaking to a financial adviser. Past performance does not guide future returns; investments can fall and rise. Any mention of a company is not a recommendation.

#SustainableInvesting #FixedIncome #GreenBonds #ESG #ImpactInvesting#InvestmentPodcast #MoneyWiseUK

In this insightful episode from Money Wise UK, host George is joined by Lawrence Cook, CEO of Mabel Insights, to unpack how retirement planning is evolving — and why it’s more important (and complex) than ever before.

What to Expect:

• Why the traditional view of retirement is outdated

• The emotional and financial challenges of today’s retirement landscape

• The importance of cashflow modelling (and why many advisers still aren’t using it)

• How to manage conflicts around drawdown vs. annuities

• The value of a Withdrawal Policy Statement in giving clients clarity and control

• FCA's Thematic Review and why it’s an opportunity, not a threat

• Lawrence’s take on the natural income debate — and why "bonkers" might sum it up! That's natural income, not his take!

• How better technology and planning tools (like Mabel) are reshaping adviser-client conversations

🎧 Whether you're a financial planner or someone thinking about retirement, this episode is packed with real-world stories, practical insights, and future-focused thinking.

Listen now to discover how to turn uncertainty into confidence — and why having a plan is the real power move.

🔗 Learn more: mabelinsights.com

Money Wise UK Centralised Retirement Proposition templates for financial planning firms.

Resources: Abraham Okusanya, Beyond The 4% Rule: The science of retirement portfolios that last a lifetime

Behavior Gap

Retirement Researcher Basecamp

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Please note that this podcast does not provide financial advice. If you have any questions, we recommend consulting a financial advisor. Past performance does not guarantee future returns; investments can fluctuate in value. Any mention of a company is not a recommendation.

In this episode of the MoneyWise UK & QuantQual Podcast, George sits down with Keith Balmer from Columbia Threadneedle to explore why the debate between active and passive investing might be missing the point.

Keith shares his career journey — from hedge funds at Man Group to launching a low-cost multi-asset franchise at Columbia Threadneedle — and explains why it’s not about choosing sides but blending investment styles for better client outcomes.

They cover:

• Why passive isn’t always the winner — and how 94% of top managers beat the MSCI World Index over rolling five years

• The three sources of added value in Columbia Threadneedle’s Universal Range: strategic asset allocation, stock selection, and tactical moves

• How the franchise keeps fees at 0.29% while delivering institutional-grade returns

• The real-world case for sustainable investing and why a long-term view matters

• Why consumer duty supports blending investment styles — not chasing the "best fund"

If you’re looking to rethink how you deliver returns, manage risk, and build long-term value, this one’s for you.

Enjoyed this episode?

Follow the podcast to stay updated on new episodes
Rate & review to help others discover insightful content.
Leave a comment—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
Share with friends, colleagues, and fellow investors who care about sustainable finance.

Listen now on Spotify and be part of the conversation on thoughtful investing!

Please note: This podcast does not provide financial advice. If you have any questions, we recommend speaking to a financial adviser. Past performance does not guide future returns; investments can fall and rise. Any mention of a company is not a recommendation.

In this episode of the Money Wise UK podcast, host George Ladds speaks with Ben Yearsley, a financial expert with a rich history in the industry. They discuss Ben's journey from his early aspirations of becoming a stockbroker to his extensive career at Hargreaves Lansdown and his current role in consultancy and investment. The conversation delves into the importance of asking questions, the balance between work and life, and the definition of success and happiness in one's career. Ben shares insights on investing in startups and the lessons from successes and failures. The episode concludes with Ben's advice on the significance of absorbing knowledge and the value of personal connections in the financial world.

Key takeaways

• Ben Yearsley has a long history in financial services, starting at Hargreaves Lansdown.
• He was always interested in finance, inspired by his father's banking career.
• Ben's career at Hargreaves was marked by innovation and personal growth.
• He left Hargreaves in 2012, feeling he was coasting and needed a change.
• Investing in startups has been a significant part of Ben's career post-Hargreaves.
• He emphasises the importance of asking questions to absorb knowledge.
• Ben believes in maintaining a work-life balance, especially with family commitments.
• For Ben, success is defined as doing what you enjoy and having the freedom to choose.
• He advocates for a lifestyle business approach rather than aggressive growth.
• Ben reflects on the cultural tendency to knock down success in the UK.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ben Yearsley and His Career Journey

03:09 The Evolution of Hargreaves Lansdown

06:14 Transitioning from Hargreaves to Fairview Investing

09:15 Investing in Startups and Private Companies

12:05 The Nature of Entrepreneurship vs. Business Ownership

15:15 Lessons Learned from Investing and Business Experiences

26:35 Building a Sustainable Business

32:02 Defining Success and Happiness

34:08 Balancing Work and Family Life

39:14 The Importance of Learning and Asking Questions

Fairview Investing

Book: In for a Penny by Peter Hargreaves

In this episode of the Money Wise UK podcast, host George Ladds speaks with Henry Rossiter of Belmont Estate about the estate's commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and the challenges of balancing business with environmental values. Henry shares his journey from a family background in agriculture to leading Belmont's transformation into a venue that connects people with nature. The conversation explores the importance of community involvement, the need for a reconnection with nature, and the pressing environmental challenges we face today. Henry emphasises the role of biodiversity and sustainable practices in ensuring a better future for both the estate and the planet.

Takeaways

• Belmont Estate focuses on sustainability, community, and education.
• Henry Rossiter's journey began with a childhood interest in agriculture.
• The estate has evolved from a simple venue to a community hub.
• Financial sustainability is crucial for running Belmont Estate.
• Community engagement is key to nature connection and education.
• Nature connection programs have seen significant volunteer involvement.
• Reconnecting with nature can improve mental and physical well-being.
• Environmental challenges require innovative solutions and community action.
• Biodiversity net gain is essential for future developments.
• The future of Belmont Estate aims for growth through partnerships.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Belmont Estate and Its Vision

03:08 Henry Rossiter's Journey to Belmont Estate

05:52 Transforming Belmont: Challenges and Opportunities

09:15 Balancing Business and Environmental Values

12:10 Community Engagement and Volunteering Initiatives

15:15 Reconnecting with Nature: The Importance of Community

20:58 The Impact of Nature on Wellbeing

27:11 Environmental Challenges and Solutions

36:00 Future Aspirations for Belmont Estate

Links:

Belmont Estate

Money Wise UK

The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative - Florence Williams

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📢Disclaimer: This podcast does not provide financial advice. Please consult a financial adviser for personalised guidance. Investments can rise and fall, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. Any company mentions are for discussion purposes only and do not constitute recommendations.

In this candid episode, George speaks with entrepreneur Hugo Morrissey about his bold leap from a career in finance at Neptune Investment Management to launching Nuisance Drinks in 2020. Hugo opens up about the highs and lows of starting a business during the pandemic, from foraging nettles to hand-labeling 5,500 bottles.

The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Hugo shares his struggles with mental health while running the business solo—and how therapy and antidepressants helped him find his footing again.

He also reflects on his decision to exit the brand in 2024, touching on sunk cost fallacy and the tough realities of scaling an FMCG startup. Finally, Hugo introduces his new venture, Blackbook Design Collective, a creative agency bridging South African talent with UK clients.

This episode is a powerful story of resilience, reinvention, and redefining what success really means.

Blackbook Design Collective: https://www.blackbookdc.com/

Money Wise UK: https://www.money-wise.uk/

🎧Don’t forget to subscribe for future episodes, leave a review, and share your thoughts.

📢 Disclaimer: This podcast does not provide financial advice. Please consult a financial adviser for personalized guidance. Investments can rise and fall, and past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. Any company mentions are for discussion purposes only and do not constitute recommendations.