The Transact Platform Podcast

In this episode of The Transact Platform Podcast, Transact’s CEO, Tom Dunbar, speaks with Bella Caridade-Ferreira, Founder of Fundscape, one of the leading authorities on platform market data and analysis.

With over 20 years of experience studying the platform market, Bella shares how the industry has evolved from a handful of providers into a complex ecosystem shaped by regulation, technology and changing client behaviour.

They cover:

• the evolution of the platform market and the rise of D2C investing
• platform business models, revenues and margins
• the growing importance of platform technology and risks of provider concentration
• why AI is an opportunity to enhance, not replace, financial advice
• the resurgence of bonds and trusts in financial planning
• the challenges and opportunities in improving transfer processes.

Bella also shares a clear message for advisers: be intentional in your platform selection strategy. The right foundations enable better outcomes for both your business and your clients.

If you’re reviewing your platform strategy or thinking about the long-term direction of your business, this episode provides insight and a data-led perspective.

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 Platform Podcast, Transact’s Chief Development Officer, Andrew Cullen-Jones, sits down with James de Lisle Wells, Chartered Financial Planner and Director of de Lisle Financial Planning, to explore the reality of building and running a modern advice business.

James shares his journey into financial planning, the experience he gained before launching his own firm in 2021, and the key decisions that have shaped a lean, scalable and client-focused business.

They cover:

• the realities of going solo and what advisers often underestimate
• how to build a high-quality business without adding headcount
• the role of outsourcing across paraplanning, compliance and operations
• how upcoming pension and inheritance tax changes are shaping client strategies
• supporting clients through market volatility and political uncertainty
• taking a practical approach to technology and AI within an advice firm.

If you’re looking to build, refine or scale your advice business, this episode offers practical insight you can apply straight away.

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 Platform Podcast, CEO, Tom Dunbar, is joined by Non-Executive Chair of Integrated Financial Arrangements Ltd (IFAL) and former Skandia CEO, Nick Poyntz-Wright, to explore how the financial advice market has evolved and what lies ahead. Drawing on experience across platform leadership and frontline supervision at the FCA, Nick shares a unique perspective on regulation, market change, and the opportunities for advisers today.

They discuss what these changes mean in practice, from the long-term impact of the Retail Distribution Review (RDR) on transparency and advice quality, to how the FCA approaches supervision, accountability, and market structure. They also explore the rise of consolidation and private equity investment, alongside the growing influence of technology and AI on the adviser landscape.

With insights on everything from regulatory thinking to future market dynamics, this episode highlights how advisers can navigate change while continuing to deliver value to clients.

If you’re looking to better understand the forces shaping the advice market and what they mean for your business, this episode offers a valuable and practical perspective.

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 short update episode of the Transact Podcast, Natasha Walker, Lead Technical Consultant, is joined by, Mark Fenlon, Head of Technical Services, to revisit the upcoming Additional Pension Death Benefit Administration changes, following the latest HMRC guidance released shortly after their previous discussion in May.

Together, they unpack the most important developments for advisory professionals, including:

• The confirmation of no loss on sale relief, meaning pension values at death will determine tax liability regardless of market movement.
• The removal of Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) eligibility for qualifying pension-held assets.
• New rules around withholding notices and payment notices, and their implications for scheme administrators.
• Tightened timelines, including the expectation that tax is paid within six months.
• Practical considerations for executors, beneficiaries, and advisers navigating increasingly complex administration requirements.

With more guidance still expected, this episode highlights the growing administrative burden, and the critical role advisers will play in supporting clients through these changes ahead of April 2027.

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 Transact API is designed to make integrations with CRM and other systems, simpler, smarter, and more efficient for financial advisers.

In this episode of The Transact Podcast, Integrations Manager, Tom Phillips, and Head of System and Service Development, Dave Styles, explore how the new API will transform the way the Transact platform and CRMs work together, now and in the future. By enabling secure, seamless data sharing, the Transact API supports a more joined up experience, reducing the need to switch between systems, helping advisers save time, reduce admin, and focus more on their clients.

They discuss what the API means in practice, from accessing platform data such as valuations, contributions and withdrawals to the future of automated workflows, richer data, and two-way integrations.

If you’re looking to simplify your workflows and spend less time on admin, this episode offers a clear view of what the Transact API can unlock.

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, Succession Planning Manager, Daniel Smith is joined by Victoria Hicks, CEO at Melo, to explore what it really takes to plan and deliver a successful business exit from an advisory business.

Succession is one of the most important decisions a financial planning firm will make, yet it’s often left too late.

In this podcast, Daniel and Victoria unpack:

• why succession should be treated as a long-term strategy, not a last-minute transaction
• what really drives valuation, and why profitability matters more than recurring income alone
• the importance of cultural alignment for staff, clients, and long-term success
• how to prepare your business for sale and maximise value ahead of time
• why choosing the right buyer goes beyond the headline offer
• the role of experienced advisers in protecting value throughout the deal
• common pitfalls that can delay, derail, or reduce the value of a sale
• why personal readiness is just as important as business readiness

Drawing on first-hand experience and real-world scenarios, this episode highlights the key considerations when selling your business, whether you are close to exit or taking a more long-term view.

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.

From April 2027, significant changes to pension death benefits are expected to come into force, bringing pensions into the scope of inheritance tax (IHT) and introducing new administrative requirements.

In this episode of the Transact Podcast, Natasha Walker, Lead Technical Consultant, is joined by Head of Technical Services, Mark Fenlon, to unpack what these changes mean based on our understanding of the current legislative framework.

Together, they explore:

• how the process is moving from simple to much more complex
• new responsibilities for administrators, executors and beneficiaries
• the key rules and steps involved (including valuations and notices)
• the risk of delays, additional tax and increased liability
• why keeping details up to date and consolidating pensions matters.

They also discuss practical considerations, including how inheritance tax may be paid, the risk of over-taxation, and the impact on bereaved families navigating an already challenging process.

While further HMRC guidance is expected, this episode provides a clear, practical overview of what we know so far, and how advisers and clients can start preparing now.

If you work with pensions or estate planning, this is essential listening.

Subscribe to The Transact Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and don’t forget to 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.

From April 2027, unused defined contribution pension fundswill be included in an individual’s estate for inheritance tax, a shift that could dramatically increase the number of clients facing an unexpected IHT liability.

In this episode of the Transact Podcast, Stuart Fleat,Head of Distribution, is joined by Natasha Walker, Lead Technical Consultant, to explore why this change marks a turning point for estate and intergenerational wealth planning.

Together, they discuss how different client profiles will beaffected, why pensions can no longer be treated as “set and forget”, and how trusts are becoming an increasingly powerful alternative, offering flexibility, control and the ability to balance lifetime income with IHT efficiency.

Key topics include:

• why 2027 is such a significant date for pension and estate planning
• the growing IHT impact of including pensions in estates
• the role of gift and loan trusts, discounted gift trusts and flexible reversionary trusts
• practical planning conversations advisers should be having now.

A must‑listen for advisers navigating the evolving tax andplanning landscape.

Subscribe to The Transact Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and don’t forget to 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.

Financial planning looks very different when you’re planning not just for yourself, but for a dependant with additional needs who may always need support. With over 638,000 Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) in place for individuals in the UK, there is a greater need for advice than you might think. Navigating access, future needs and inheritance combined with the impact on benefits needs well considered and informed advice.

In this episode of the Transact Podcast, Chief Development Officer, Andrew Cullen-Jones, is joined by award-winning financial planner and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) specialist, Rhiannon Gogh. 

Together, they explore:

• why traditional estate planning often fails SEND families
• the issues around Junior ISAs, Child Trust Funds and access at age 18
• how EHCPs shape long-term planning
• the role of trusts in protecting benefits, care funding and independence
• how early planning can create life changing outcomes

Blending professional expertise and lived experience, this episode offers practical insights for financial advisers who are looking to make a difference.

Subscribe to The Transact Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and don’t forget to 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, Transact CEO Tom Dunbar is joined by financial planner Robin Keyte for an in-depth conversation on building a successful advice firm with ethics, independence and client outcomes at its core.

Robin reflects on his journey from starting out in the advice industry to scaling and ultimately selling a thriving directly authorised business managing around £400m of client assets. Along the way, he shares candid insights on:

• The practical realities of running a directly authorised business
• Succession planning and the decision to sell to a larger national firm
• Robin’s long-standing involvement in FCA policymaking and regulatory reform
• The impact of Consumer Duty on advice culture
• Adviser technology, platform efficiency, integrations and AI

A thoughtful and wide-ranging discussion for advisers interested in regulation, ethical investing, technology and the future of the financial planning profession.

Subscribe to The Transact Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and follow Transact on LinkedIn.

Don’t forget to 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.