If you’ve ever felt like the tech in your advice business is more of a hindrance than a help, you’re not alone. Multiple systems that don’t talk to each other, endless rekeying, and the same tasks repeated in five different places, it’s a frustration most advisers know all too well.
In this week’s episode of IFA Talk, Jenny Hunter and Sue Whitbread are joined by Nick Ryan, CEO, and David Mills, Chairman, at Pilot Financial Systems. Both have deep roots in the advice profession and have lived the challenges first-hand – and they’ve set out to do something about it.
They share why they believe now is the time for advisers to take back control of their tech, why ownership and independence matter so much in practice management tools, and how better integration could help bridge the advice gap.
We also hear their vision for how advice firms could be running in five years, and it’s a future you’ll want to hear about.
So, if you’re ready to swap admin overload for smarter, joined-up systems, tune in now and hear how Pilot is helping firms cut through the chaos.
Be sure to check out this episode and all other episodes of IFA Talk on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon!
Also, be sure to check out our recent episode with L&G’s Francis Chua, mentioned in this episode, by clicking here!
Nick Ryan
Buckinghamshire-based Nick has been an IFA for 22 years, the last 14 of which have been as a business owner – having started from scratch.
He founded Pilot with partner Dave Mills. They won the UK Innovate grant in 2023, and launched Pilot in July 2025.
David Mills, FPFS Chartered MCSI
Buckinghamshire-based Dave, a chartered fellow, has been an adviser for around 20 years, the last 10 or so as co-director of a successful IFA firm.
He founded Pilot with partner Nick Ryan. They won the UK Innovate grant in 2023, and launched Pilot in July 2025.
