Investors in the now-collapsed payment processing company Wirecard may have been willing to ‘explain away’ discrepancies in the company’s balance sheet due to close professional relationships with Wirecard CEO Markus Braun, according to investigative reporter Dan McCrum. In this episode of The Advice Show, McCrum reveals how Wirecard concealed a £1.7bn fraud - and why regulators and investors failed to notice.

In this episode, interviewees explain how political ‘flip-flopping’ on plans for a net-zero economy is discouraging asset managers from taking a stance on ESG. Morningstar’s ESG research lead for North America, ESG whistleblower Desiree Fixler, and other interviewees explain the impact this is having on the US sustainable investment industry – and what financial services firms worldwide can take away from the US ‘culture wars’ on ESG.

This week we talk greenwashing, SDR and ESG ratings in an exclusive interview with head of ESG Alicia Kedzierski from the FCA. Advisers share their thoughts – and criticisms – on the proposed regulation. As the FCA prepares to publish its biggest set of rules on ESG yet, The Advice Show has produced a podcast series reflecting on the history and tumult of the ESG investment industry. This three-part series explores ESG's humble beginnings in the advice world, the challenges now faced by the $2.8tn industry, and where it will go next.

How can the industry accommodate different ways of thinking for advisers and clients? NMA chats to Katja Oakley-Bell, central investment proposition lead at Quilter, to see where can be improved and highlight best practice. Louise Allison, consultant at compliance firm Konexo and Holly Short, principal associate at Eversheds-Sutherland also join the podcast.

As the FCA prepares to publish its biggest set of rules on ESG yet, The Advice Show has produced a podcast series reflecting on the history and tumult of the ESG investment industry. This three-part series explores ESG's humble beginnings in the advice world, the challenges now faced by the $2.8tn industry, and where it will go next. In episode 1, IFA directors and other industry pioneers, including ESG whistleblower Desiree Fixler and SRI Services’ Julia Dreblow, share what it was like getting in to ESG 20-30 years ago, how the industry has changed - and how this has led clients to be more curious than ever about ESG.

An investigation by Citywire New Model Adviser found that former pension scheme members were threatened with legal action earlier this month. Pension scheme administrators including Capita and Mercer demanded the return of tens of thousands of pounds, after errors were discovered in transfer value calculations. Carla Langley, founder of The Langley Consultancy, dives into the issue with David Brooks, head of policy at pensions administrator Broadstone Corporate Benefits.The investigation can be found here: https://citywire.com/new-model-adviser/news/revealed-capita-demands-1m-db-transfer-money-back-from-members/a2423312

In another big month for New Model Adviser, consumer duty’s time finally came, the once-might Gars was merged away. The NMA reporters also discussed claims management firms targeting SJP clients, as well as industry gossip.

New FCA data shows that the lack of trust in financial advice is as bad as ever. With failed firms still phoenixing, questions over independent advice, and the promotion of unregulated advice, the challenges for the industry are clear. How can we turn this around? We’re joined by co-founder of Celtic Financial Planning Rob Lewis to discuss.

In an uncertain macroeconomic climate, the passive versus active debate rages on. Evidence Based Investing CEO Craig Burgess told NMA reporters why his firm favours passive investing in this climate, and just how low EBI’s prices will go. NMA Reporter Zach Sharif is joined by NMA’s Senior Investment Reporter Nicola Blackburn.

Parmenion’s Mike Morrow discusses Intelliflo’s partnership with SS&C, the FCA’s cash margin concerns, and the impact of consumer duty. He is joined by NMA reporters Zachariah Sharif and Alicja Hagopian.