In this week’s Weekend Essay, Dan Cooper dives into the growing trend of football clubs partnering with high-risk CFD trading firms. Are clubs prioritising profit over fans? Should there be better regulation to protect supporters from risky financial products? Tune in as we explore the dark side of the beautiful game and its sponsorship deals.

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In this In Conversation With... episode, Kimberley Dondo chats with Rory Albon, founder of Albon Financial Planning. Rory shares his journey to launch his firm and his approach to investment optimisation, retirement planning, and financial well-being. He offers insights into balancing saving and investing, managing tax efficiency, and safeguarding assets through tailored insurance solutions. Rory also discusses his vision for his firm's future and offers invaluable advice for fellow financial advisers looking to start their businesses. Tune in now:

In this Weekend Essay, Amanda Newman Smith shares a personal story highlighting the importance of excellent customer service, especially when dealing with vulnerable clients. She contrasts negative experiences with a paint company and a clock supplier against a positive resolution with NatWest bank when assisting her elderly mother. This episode underscores the significance of empathy, clear communication, and proactive problem-solving in building trust and loyalty.

Join Kimberley Dondo in conversation with Rachel Edwards, a Financial Planner who took the leap from a successful career to launch her own firm. Hear about Rachel's inspiring journey through The Verve Foundation's Adviser Incubator, the "aha" moments that solidified her entrepreneurial path, and the valuable lessons she learned along the way. Gain insights into the challenges and triumphs of building a business in the financial advice industry, and discover how Rachel's firm is uniquely positioned to address the pressing needs of today's clients. Listen now:

In this episode of In Conversation With… James Tucker, founder and CEO of Twenty7Tec, talks to host Lois Vallely about his journey in the mortgage and wealth tech space.

They discuss the challenges of scaling tech businesses and the evolving customer expectations, especially among younger generations, who demand seamless, technology-driven experiences.

Tucker believes that the industry’s disjointed tech landscape needs better integration to serve advisers and customers more effectively.

He also talks about the recent £16.5m investment from BGF, to help Twenty7tec expand its services and talent to drive future growth and acquisitions.

In this episode of the Money Marketing Awards podcast, Kimberley Dondo sits down with Sebastian Field, Associate Financial Planner at Attivo and winner of the Financial Adviser 2B category at the 2023 Money Marketing Awards.

Sebastian shares actionable tips for those starting out, from building essential skills to forging valuable industry connections. Whether you're a student, a career-changer, or simply curious about the field, this episode provides a wealth of insights to help you navigate your own path to success.

In this Weekend Essay, Lois Vallely explores her own financial red flags and how they might impact relationships. From keeping finances separate to the importance of financial transparency, Lois delves into how money habits can influence our personal lives. Discover the surprising results from Ford Money's survey and why discussing finances openly can be crucial for future stability. Tune in to hear more:

In this episode of In Conversation With… M&G Wealth Advice managing director Tom Hegarty and Money Marketing chief reporter Lois Vallely talk about the sharp decline in the number of UK financial advisers, from over 200,000 in the 1980s to just over 31,000 today.

To address these challenges, Hegarty highlights several initiatives aimed at attracting new talent to the profession. He discusses the role of academies and apprenticeships, as well as initiatives like Future Financial Adviser and the New Talent Alliance, in providing training and development opportunities for aspiring financial advisers.

He also stresses the importance of maintaining professionalism and integrity within the sector to enhance its reputation and appeal to new entrants.

Join us for a special episode of the Money Marketing Podcast as we delve into the world of adviser development with Gee Footit, Senior Manager - Partnerships at St. James's Place Financial Adviser Academy, the proud winners of the 'Best Adviser Academy' award at the 2023 Money Marketing Awards. Discover the secrets behind their success, gain insights into their innovative curriculum and mentorship programs, and explore the future of financial advice with this inspiring conversation. Tune in to learn how the St. James's Place Financial Adviser Academy is shaping the next generation of financial advisers and empowering them to make a positive difference in the lives of their clients.

Don't forget to book your table for the 2024 Money Marketing Awards! Join us in celebrating excellence in the financial advice profession and connect with the industry's leading lights.

In this Weekend Essay, Tom Browne takes a nostalgic yet cynical look at the Oasis reunion, questioning the motives behind it and whether the band can recapture their former glory. Join us as we delve into the complexities of Britpop nostalgia, the economics of reunions, and the unanswered questions surrounding this highly anticipated comeback. Can Oasis still deliver the magic, or is this just a cynical cash grab? Tune in to find out!