The Transact Platform Podcast

What does the future hold for financial advice? As technology evolves, client expectations change and the profession seeks to serve more people, the role of the adviser is entering a period of significant transformation.

In this episode of the Transact Platform Podcast, Andrew Cullen-Jones, Chief Development Officer at Transact, is joined by Carla Brown, President of the Personal Finance Society, Chartered Financial Planner and business owner, for a thought-provoking discussion on the future of the financial planning profession.

Together, they explore:

• how AI is changing adviser workflows and why human judgement, empathy and behavioural coaching remain essential
• the growing advice gap and the challenge of helping more people access quality financial advice
• supporting intergenerational wealth transfer, pension reforms and changing client expectations on the advice landscape
• attracting and developing the next generation of financial planners while continuing to raise professional standards.

From trust and professionalism to technology and innovation, Carla shares her perspective on the opportunities and challenges shaping the profession today, and why she remains optimistic about its future.

Whether you're an adviser, paraplanner, business owner or simply interested in the future of financial advice, this episode offers valuable insights from one of the profession's leading voices.

To stay up to date with the latest industry developments, don’t forget to subscribe to the Transact Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and follow us on LinkedIn and X.

For more information visit our website at: https://www.transact-online.co.uk

This podcast is provided for advisory professionals only. This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal, regulatory, tax or any other advice. All information is based on our understanding and interpretation of applicable law and regulation, which is subject to change. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. The views of third parties are their own and do not represent the views of Transact. Any references to third parties do not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or preference by Transact. Please remember that the value of investments can fall as well as rise, and tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and is subject to change.

How much is your advice business really worth, and what can you do today to increase its value?

In this episode of the Transact Platform Podcast, Daniel Smith, Succession Planning Manager at Transact, is joined by Louise Jeffreys, Managing Director of Gunner & Co, to explore the key factors that influence business valuations and what advisers should consider when planning for a future sale.

Together they discuss:

• why advice firms are valued differently and how buyers assess recurring income, profitability and future growth potential
• the key drivers of value, including client demographics, fee structures, intergenerational planning and organic growth
• how deal structures, earn-outs and deferred consideration can impact the proceeds ultimately received
• the differences between selling a client bank and selling shares in a business, and why that distinction matters
• how market trends, consolidation and emerging technologies such as AI could influence future valuations.

Drawing on experience from hundreds of transactions in the financial planning profession, Louise shares practical guidance for advisers looking to understand, protect and maximise the value of their business.

Whether a sale is years away or already on the horizon, this episode offers valuable insights to help advisers make better informed succession planning decisions.

To stay up to date with the latest industry developments, don’t forget to subscribe to the Transact Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and follow us on LinkedIn and X.

For more information visit our website at: https://www.transact-online.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This podcast is provided for advisory professionals only. This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal, regulatory, tax or any other advice. All information is based on our understanding and interpretation of applicable law and regulation, which is subject to change. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. The views of third parties are their own and do not represent the views of Transact. Any references to third parties do not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or preference by Transact. Please remember that the value of investments can fall as well as rise, and tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and is subject to change.

Financial advice is entering yet another period of significant change. New technologies are emerging, regulation continues to evolve, and adviser firms are growing larger through consolidation, all while client expectations continue to shift.

In this episode of the Transact Platform Podcast, Tom Dunbar, Transact's CEO, sits down with Abraham Okusanya, CEO of Timeline, to discuss the trends reshaping the profession and what advisers should be paying attention to as the industry evolves.

Together they explore:

• whether AI will transform the adviser value proposition or create a new source of competition
• how consolidation is changing the advice landscape and its impact on clients
• why pension tax reforms may create some of the biggest planning opportunities in recent years
• what's driving the continued rise of MPS and where the market could be heading next
• the evolution of platforms and the treatment of cash interest.

From technology and regulation to investment solutions and client outcomes, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of financial advice.

To stay up to date with the latest industry developments, don’t forget to subscribe to the Transact Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and follow us on LinkedIn and X.

For more information visit our website at: https://www.transact-online.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This podcast is provided for advisory professionals only. This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal, regulatory, tax or any other advice. All information is based on our understanding and interpretation of applicable law and regulation, which is subject to change. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. The views of third parties are their own. Any references to third parties do not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or preference by Transact.

In this episode of the Transact Platform Podcast, Tom Dunbar, Transact’s CEO, is joined by Sam McBride from Ani Tech and Richard Brian from Curo to discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) agents are reshaping the future of financial advice and what this could mean for advice firms in the years ahead.

Together they explore:

• the difference between bespoke AI agents and AI capabilities embedded within CRM systems
• how AI agents can support advisers throughout the client review process
• opportunities to automate meeting notes, client reviews and suitability report preparation
• the importance of human oversight, governance and permission controls
• and the opportunities and challenges firms should consider as AI becomes increasingly mainstream.

Throughout the episode, Sam and Richard share practical examples of how AI agents are already being used within advice firms, from automating administrative processes and preparing review meetings to supporting compliance activities and improving the consistency of client data.

If you're exploring AI for the first time or considering more advanced agent-based solutions, this episode provides valuable insights into how advisers can use AI to improve efficiency and focus more time on delivering highly valued advice.

To stay up to date with the latest industry developments, don’t forget to subscribe to the Transact Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and follow us on LinkedIn and X.

For more information visit our website at: https://www.transact-online.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This podcast is provided for advisory professionals only. This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal, regulatory, tax or any other advice. All information is based on our understanding and interpretation of applicable law and regulation, which is subject to change. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. The views of third parties are their own. Any references to third parties do not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or preference by Transact.

In this episode of the Transact Platform Podcast, Tom Dunbar, Transact CEO, is joined by Keith and Josh Butten of Boosst to discuss how trusts can be used for future succession planning of advice firms and help clients plan for long-term wealth transfer.

Together they explore:

• the succession options available to adviser firms, including consolidation, management buyouts, family succession and Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs)
• why Boosst chose to transition to an EOT and the lessons learned from the process
• the importance of planning early and building a strong leadership team
• how trusts can help support long-term client outcomes and family wealth transfer
• the growing impact of inheritance tax planning following upcoming changes to unused defined contribution pension taxation
• the role of loan trusts, Discounted Gift Trusts and Flexible Reversionary Trusts within financial planning
• key considerations when selecting and working with professional trustees
• And the operational challenges and opportunities as trust planning becomes more mainstream.

Throughout the episode, Keith and Josh share their first-hand experiences of business succession, EOT planning, offering practical insights into how advisers can think about legacy, continuity and long-term planning for both their businesses and their clients.

Whether you're considering succession options for your own advice firm or helping clients navigate inheritance tax and estate planning challenges, this episode provides valuable perspectives on the growing role trusts can play in shaping the future.

To stay up to date with the latest industry developments, don’t forget to subscribe to the Transact Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and follow us on LinkedIn and X.

For more information visit our website at: https://www.transact-online.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This podcast is provided for advisory professionals only. This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal, regulatory, tax or any other advice. All information is based on our understanding and interpretation of applicable law and regulation, which is subject to change. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. The views of third parties are their own. Any references to third parties do not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or preference by Transact.

In this episode of the Transact Podcast, Tom Phillips, Integrations and UX Manager at Transact, speaks with adviser Francois van der Merwe about how small and medium sized firms can make better use of AI, data and APIs without needing a dedicated IT team.

Together they explore:

• why smaller advice firms may be uniquely positioned to benefit from AI
• how AI powered workflows can help reduce administrative tasks
• the role of APIs and open data in creating more connected advice businesses
• practical uses of AI, from automated reporting to workflow management
• how technology can strengthen compliance processes and operational efficiency
• the importance of balancing AI capabilities with human judgement and
• the common pitfalls firms should avoid when implementing new technology.

Throughout the episode, Francois shares real world examples from his own business, including how he has used AI to automate reporting, build personalised workflows and create systems that free up more time for client relationships.

Whether you’re already embracing AI or simply curious about where to begin, this episode offers actionable ideas for harnessing the power of AI to improve the way you and your business operate.

To stay up to date with the latest industry developments, don’t forget to subscribe to the Transact Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and follow us on LinkedIn and X.

For more information visit our website at: https://www.transact-online.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This podcast is provided for advisory professionals only. This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal, regulatory, tax or any other advice. All information is based on our understanding and interpretation of applicable law and regulation, which is subject to change. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. The views of third parties are their own.

In this episode of the Transact Podcast, Stuart Fleat, Head of Distribution, is joined by Mark Fenlon, Head of Technical, to unpack the proposed ISA reforms and what they could mean for advisers, platforms, and investors ahead of their expected introductions in April 2027.

Together they explore:

• the proposed reduction in Cash ISA subscription limit of £12k for individuals under 65
• the new 22% charge on interest earned from cash held within Stocks & Shares ISAs
• restrictions on Stocks & Shares ISA to Cash ISA transfers and their implications for client planning
• changes affecting money market funds
• practical opportunities to review client cash holdings and wrapper strategies
• proposed changes to Lifetime ISAs and the introduction of a new First Time Buyer ISA,
• and key actions advisers can take now to prepare clients for the changing regulatory landscape.

Throughout this episode, Stuart and Mark discuss the potential challenges and opportunities created by the reforms, highlighting how advisers can help clients navigate increased complexity and make informed decisions ahead of the proposed changes.

Whether you’re reviewing client cash positions, assessing tax wrapper strategies or planning for the future of ISA investing, this episode provides practical insights and technical expertise to help you stay ahead.

To stay up to date with the latest industry developments, don’t forget to subscribe to the Transact Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and follow us on LinkedIn and X.

For more information visit our website at: https://www.transact-online.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This podcast is provided for advisory professionals only. This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal, regulatory, tax or any other advice. All information is based on our understanding and interpretation of applicable law and regulation, which is subject to change. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. The views of third parties are their own.

The FCA, Client Cash and the Future of Platform Charging

In this special edition of the Transact Podcast, Chief Development Officer Andrew Cullen-Jones is joined by Transact CEO Tom Dunbar, James Daley of Fairer Finance and Jack Gilbert of Citywire New Model Adviser to explore one of the most closely watched issues in the UK platform market cash interest retention.

Together, they discuss:

• how client cash is held and managed on investment platforms
• why cash interest retention has become a growing focus for regulators, policymakers and consumer groups
• the role of Consumer Duty, fair value assessment and transparency requirements
• the FCA’s latest consultation and what it could mean for platforms, advisers and investors
• how advisers assess platform charging structures and value for clients
• the different perspectives shaping the debate across the industry
• what future regulatory, political and market developments could mean for platform charging.

Bringing together platform, consumer and media perspectives, this episode examines the key issues behind the headlines and explores the challenges, opportunities and trade-offs at the heart of the client cash debate.

To stay up to date with the latest industry developments, don’t forget to subscribe to the Transact Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and follow us on LinkedIn and X.

For more information visit our website at: https://www.transact-online.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This podcast is provided for advisory professionals only. This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal, regulatory, tax or any other advice. All information is based on our understanding and interpretation of applicable law and regulation, which is subject to change. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. The views of third parties are their own.

In the latest episode of the Transact Platform Podcast, we explore a range of recent enhancements to Transact Online, designed to make financial planning easier and improve the experience for both advisers and their clients.

Joining the discussion are David Styles, Transact's Head of System and Service Development, and Stuart Fleat, Transact's Head of Distribution, who provide an overview of the latest platform developments and the thinking behind them.

Topics covered include:

• the new Bond Gain Calculator to help calculate the impact of proportional versus segmental withdrawals.
• the launch of the Flexible Reversionary Trust
• enhancements to transfer functionality within the Guided Application
• new online direct debit and bank account setup capabilities
• upcoming regular cash transfer functionality, and
• future enhancements aimed at reducing administrative friction.

The episode delves into our latest digitalisation developments that help advisers work more efficiently and deliver better outcomes for clients.

To stay up to date with the latest industry developments, don’t forget to subscribe to the Transact Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and follow us on LinkedIn and X.

For more information visit our website at: https://www.transact-online.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This podcast is provided for advisory professionals only. This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal, regulatory, tax or any other advice. All information is based on our understanding and interpretation of applicable law and regulation, which is subject to change. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. The views of third parties are their own.

In this episode of the Transact Podcast, Andrew Cullen-Jones, Chief Development Officer at Transact, is joined by Tim Horrocks, Founder of rockwealth, to explore the lessons, decisions and philosophies that have shaped rockwealth's journey from a small advisory firm in Cheltenham into a UK-wide financial planning business.

Tim shares the story behind becoming directly authorised, the challenge of launching a business, and why creating the firm he couldn’t find elsewhere become the foundation for rockwealth’s growth.

Topics covered include:

• building an advice business from the ground up
• the realities of becoming directly authorised
• scaling from a local firm to a national network
• evidence based investing and factor investing
• fixed fees, fair pricing and client outcomes
• why behavioural coaching is often the biggest source of adviser value
• using technology, data, and AI to support ownership and long-term growth
• how pension inheritance tax changes could influence future planning strategies

Throughout the episode, Tim shares candid insights on entrepreneurship, leadership and what it means to build a business around a clear philosophy, while keeping clients at the centre of every decision.

Whether you're an established adviser, considering setting up your own firm, or interested in the future of financial planning, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and thought-provoking ideas.

To stay up to date with the latest industry developments, don’t forget to subscribe to the Transact Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and follow us on LinkedIn and X.

For more information visit our website at: https://www.transact-online.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This podcast is provided for advisory professionals only. This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal, regulatory, tax or any other advice. All information is based on our understanding and interpretation of applicable law and regulation, which is subject to change. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. The views of third parties are their own.