The arc of adviser business models
This month’s issue of IFA Magazine explores one of the biggest questions facing the profession right now: what should the modern advice business actually look like? As regulation evolves, technology races ahead and client expectations continue to shift, firms across the sector are reassessing how they structure, deliver and scale advice.
Succession, simplification and the future of advice
We begin our adviser model focus with Laura Handy, Succession Development Manager at ValidPath, who explores why cultural alignment is becoming just as important as valuation when it comes to succession planning.
Then, I examine how adviser business models are evolving as firms respond to Consumer Duty, fee scrutiny and changing client expectations.
We also take a closer look at the FCA’s latest simplified advice proposals and what they could mean for adviser firms. Industry experts share their views on targeted support, scalability and whether simplification can really help without creating new challenges.
Independence, networks and resilience
The debate continues with a head-to-head between Martin Lockyer, Managing Partner at Westminster Wealth Management, and Ahmed Bawa, CEO of Rosemount. They discuss the strengths and challenges of independent and network-led advice models.
Jonathan Newell, CEO and lead underwriter at BareRock, explains why falling PI premiums may actually be disguising a more challenging risk environment for advice firms. Meanwhile, Rich Mayor, Senior Analyst at the lang cat, reflects on how the platform market has matured.
Finishing off our focus on adviser business models, Tim Hogg, Director and Behavioural Economist at Fairer Finance, explores how AI and targeted support are beginning to reshape advice delivery and consumer decision-making.
Better business and adviser support
Elsewhere in this issue, Matt Williams rounds up the latest episodes of IFA Talk, while Rowan Whittington, Chief Product Officer at Dynamic Planner, explores how technology can help advisers streamline valuations, reviews and client engagement.
Our most recent “In Focus” campaign also sees IFA Magazine’s Chloe Gronow examine how advisers are helping clients build financial resilience during periods of economic uncertainty.
Investments and mortgage & property
In investments, Tobias Bucks, Fund Manager at Marlborough, explains why cutting through market “noise” is becoming increasingly important for investors. Ben Rogers, Chartered Financial Planner at Equilibrium, also looks at why paper share certificates are unexpectedly finding their way back into planning conversations.
Finally, our Mortgage & Property Investment section explores how brokers and landlords are adapting to affordability pressures, changing borrower behaviour and uncertainty around MEES regulation, with insights from experts at Mojo Mortgages, Saffron for Intermediaries and Howard Kennedy.
As ever, thank you for supporting and engaging with the content we love bringing to our readers. We hope this month’s issue informs, challenges and sparks new ideas along the way.
Jenny Hunter
Deputy Editor, IFA Magazine
