Business Development Updates

04 July 2019

The FCA bring DB back in focus - 5 reasons to use Money Alive

Money Alive’s Adviser Portal is being widely used by advisers in the DB review market. Its combination of engaging, PMI accredited, client educational videos and the detailed reporting it gives advisers makes it perfect for firms looking to educate clients and reduce their firm's regulatory and commercial risk.

If you’ve not looked at the product here are 5 reasons why we recommend you check it out:

 

1) Triage is mandatory
Following the implementation of FCA PS18/20 providing clients with generic education as part of your DB review process is now mandatory. Using the Adviser Portal for DB Triage means there is no risk or overstepping into advice and no need to take into account the enquirer’s individual circumstances.
 
2) Metrics are king when negotiating your PII (and keeping the FCA happy) too
The Adviser Portal’s ‘Outcomes feature’ makes it easy to record and evidence your firm’s total number of enquirers, total number of reviews and the client’s outcome (stay or transfer). In our experience, these numbers will be amongst the first your PII broker requests when reviewing your cover. They are also central to the FCA’s recent comments where they expressed dissatisfaction with the “high percentage of transfers” (their words).
 
3) It works!
Since its launch in 2018 the Adviser Portal has been adopted by hundreds of advisers to support their DB review process. Companies like Tilney, Openwork, Succession, Mazars and Charles Stanley have all enjoyed the benefits of the client education and risk management it provides. The engaging, PMI accredited, Final Salary video journey, delivered through an easy to use interactive technology has been used over 4,500 times and feedback from advisers and their clients is excellent.
 
4) Supporting the PFS Pension Freedoms Gold Standard
The Adviser Portal delivers Principle 1 and Principle 8 of the Standard, enabling advisers to engage and educate their DB review clients with an interactive, PMI accredited video journey and to record data on enquirer numbers, reviews and outcomes.
 
5) You can try before you buy
You’re welcome to try before you buy. If you’d like to see how the Adviser Portal could engage and educate your clients, reduce your business risk and save you a lot of time.....
 

 

Register here>>

 

Money Alive will give you a brief tour of the product and you can try it in your business for 14 days without obligation.

03 July 2019

A consumer guide to multi asset investing from Aberdeen Standard Investments

 

Clear, balanced and compliant. A consumer guide to multi- asset investing

This is written in simple, jargon-free language and explains both the potential downsides and upsides of investing. The guide goes step-by-step through the principles of multi-asset investing, how it delivers risk diversification, and what assets it may invest in. The guide also outlines key types of multi-asset strategy.

Read the multi-asset guide or watch the video below - keep a look out for more in the series. 

27 June 2019

Aegon adviser guide on DB schemes versus DC

We recognize that advice in this area is an important concern for advisers and their clients with the regulator commenting on the level of transfers and re iterating their requirements. So we think this Guide from Aegon will be a helpful reference point.

The most important to point to remember is that:-

It’s a legislative requirement (under Section 48 of the 2015 Pension Schemes Act) that for cases above £30,000 appropriate independent advice must be taken, and you should start with the assumption that making a transfer from a DB scheme isn’t suitable.

The Guide takes you through :

The advice process What the suitability report will need to cover The key differences between a DB scheme and a Personal Pension

Please note the guide is designed for advisers, not for clients and for more information have a look at the Aegon DB Transfer Hub

Access this brief adviser guide here

 

26 June 2019

You are invited to join this Synaptic Webinar - Client risk profiling and managing investment risk

July 15th at 12.00 Midday - introduced by Andy Kirby, Director Adviser Home with Synaptic Client Director, Eric Armstrong.  50 mins CPD 

This event addresses the ultimate client objective – Creating better outcomes in financial planning. To achieve this requires the best possible understanding of risk and how it can be managed in client portfolios. 

 

The webinar discusses:-  

•    The importance of risk and the regulatory framework

•    Client attitude to risk

•    Capacity for loss

•    The importance of term to an assessment of risk

•    Moody’s Asset Allocation

•    Stochastic modelling 

•    Using Value at Risk ( VAR ) measures as an alternative to volatility 

•    The importance of cash flow modelling  

REGISTER NOW>>
 

25 June 2019

Active Ownership - how asset managers can influence companies they invest in

Join this Webinar with Robeco July 17th 10am – with 40 mins CPD

With media and action groups calling on large asset managers to use their voting powers responsibly and to support actions on climate change, we invite you to join this Robeco Webinar :  as their engagement specialists discuss why this is important and the impact asset managers can have. 
 
By engaging on behalf of their investors, Robeco can help make changes to business to promote a positive, long-term approach, one that is better for financial performance, for your clients and better for society as a whole.
 
Hosted by Andy Kirby, Adviser Home Director, with Kenneth Robertson, Robeco active ownership specialist and Tim Gorden, Director, Robeco UK who will discuss the power of engagement covering:- 

What is active ownership? Best practices for engagement Case studies of where Robeco action has had real world impact – starting with Royal Dutch Shell 

About Robeco>>

 

Register now >>

 

14 June 2019

The value in disruption Quarterly Outlook Global Equities - T Rowe Price

Portfolio Manager David Eiswert says it’s becoming increasingly valuable to own disruptive companies gaining market share, even if they trade at a premium.

Key Insights:

U.S. GDP growth is decelerating, having peaked as a result of corporate tax cuts and fiscal stimulus globally  Europe stands to benefit from an easing in trade tensions and stabilising Chinese growth With innovation trends leading to dispersion between winners and losers, investors should seek to be on the right side of change

An ongoing cycle

The team’s outlook for the global economy is informed by a view that the world continues to pass through an ongoing cycle of Crisis, Response, Improvement and Complacency.

Where are we now?
The world is now moving out of stimulus-driven Complacency and back into the Crisis and Response phases.

Read more>>

30 May 2019

Selecting appropriate fund managers and funds for clients

Picking the right manager is as important for you as picking the right multi-asset fund.

Listen to Phil Butler, Portfolio Manager at M&GPrudential Treasury and Investment Office (T&IO), discuss the PruFolio Risk Managed active and passive funds, including,

The robust governance applies How alternative assets are employed through collectives How commercial property plays a part in the portfolios And the Strategic and Tactical Asset Allocation approach

Why invest in alternatives?

What are alternative investments and how can they benefit multi-asset portfolios? Michael Howard from T&IO explores.

PruFolio Risk Managed Range

Learn more about the PruFolio Risk Managed multi-asset active, passive and smoothed funds.

The value of any investment can go down as well as up so your client might get back less than they put in.

M&GPrudential Treasury and Investment Office (T&IO), includes the team formerly known as Prudential Portfolio Management Group (PPMG).

16 May 2019

Client risk profiling and managing investment risk- new white paper from Synaptic Software to help you drive better client outcomes

In this new white paper, ‘Creating better outcomes in financial planning by optimising investment risk and reward using stochastic modelling’, Synaptic explores the theory, importance and practical requirement for risk-taking and robust risk management. 

 

Download the paper here

 

 

The white paper offers you practical insight on judging clients’ ability to take risks and to then translating this into accurate and effective financial advice. By using stochastic modelling, underpinned by industry-leading Moody’s Analytics and A2R, the paper gives illustrative examples of how a suitable framework can be created to support your recommendations, and why firms need to ensure they have access to the best risk tools as part of their advice process.

Access to Free Tools

With the white paper download comes free access to Synaptic’s tools to support advisers in planning and managing investment risk:

The Attitude to Risk questionnaire Moody’s Analytics defined investment strategy with risk categories 1-5 and 1-10 Access to updated risk ratings for portfolios and funds

It’s never been a better time to be an adviser, but risk profiling and management of investment risk has become more important than ever.

To download the new white paper: Creating better outcomes in financial planning by optimising investment risk and reward using stochastic modelling, visit www.synaptic.co.uk/risk

06 May 2019

FCA call for input on advice review - tell us what you think - and win 200 pounds in Amazon Vouchers

The FCA have asked for input on their review into the advice market with reference to RDR and FAMR. 

We have taken the FCA list of questions and developed a more streamlined approach to allow you to express your views. Individual responses are confidential of course and we will send you our report. We will also share our report with the FCA so it’s important you take part – should take no more than 6 minutes. 

Often the only firms who respond to FCA requests are providers and very large advisers so to ensure a balanced response we would like to see a good response from the Adviser Home community. 

We are also offering a prize draw to win £200 in Amazon Vouchers. 

Thanks for your help.

Complete survey here

03 May 2019

Register now for a live webinar: Pension default funds: key considerations

Register now for a live webinar:
‘Pension default funds: key considerations’

Date: Tuesday 14 May 2019

Time: 11am

 

As co-sponsors of Defaqto’s 3rd annual guide, ‘How to analyse workplace pension default funds’, The People’s Pension are hosting a live webinar.

This webinar will discuss key considerations to support you in evaluating pension default funds so that you can make accurate and relevant financial recommendations to your clients.

Webinar attendees will:

hear expert opinions from The People’s Pension, including Gregg McClymont, Director of Policy & External Affairs; and Nico Aspinall, Chief Investment Officer. gain insight from Defaqto’s Head of Insight & Consulting (Wealth & Protection), David Cartwright be able to put questions to the panellists live gain one hour’s self-certified CPD learning.

Limited spaces are available – register now >>

 

01 May 2019

The advice opportunity of a generation

It’s the advice opportunity of a generation. Literally.

An estimated £5.5 trillion* will pass between generations over the next 30 years. Every financial adviser in the country should have a plan for this.

Octopus want to share with you best practice from advisers around the country.

So you’re invited to Octopus Live 2019, which will be all about intergenerational planning.

Specifically, the value of engaging with clients’ family members – both up and down the generations – and how you can make this work for your firm.

You’ll learn:

Practical tips for involving family members in estate planning – looking both up and down the generations. Common challenges advisers face during probate – and how to overcome them. What generational expert Dr Eliza Filby says about tailoring your approach to different generations. Best practice from advisers around the country about intergenerational planning. And much more.

As well as hearing from Octopus experts, you’ll be able to chat with other advisers and swap ideas. And you’ll get 1.5 hours’ CPD.

Places are limited, so register now via the button below.
 

 

Secure my spot >>

 

 

*Passing on the Pounds report, Kings Court Trust, February 2017.

26 April 2019

Attitude to Risk: The Psychology behind the Questions and Clients Answers

Twelve months ago Dynamic Planner launched a significant improvement to their already market-leading risk profiling service – a new 15-question attitude to risk questionnaire.
 
Feedback from users has been very positive – and usage of the questionnaire has only risen.
 
But why precisely is the latest questionnaire better? What problems does it address?
 
When Dynamic Planner, in partnership with Chris Brooks, Professor of Finance, at Henley Business School, devised the 15-question ATR, they wanted it to have a very sound psychological basis.
 
The 15-question ATR looks into why we feel the way we do and makes sure questions carefully cover every facet of an individual’s personality – emotional, cognitive and behavioural – and how each facet drives, constrains and enables elements of individual personality. By covering each of those areas, you produce a more robust picture of why someone’s attitude to risk is the way it is.
 
The wording in the questions is clearer in the 15-question ATR, which means your clients have much less chance of being misunderstood resulting in fewer inconsistencies in their answers. Fundamentally, the 15-question ATR is much more sound and quicker to complete.
 
Read more...
 
Arrange a demonstration now 
 
Please complete the demo request form and Dynamic Planner will give you a call to schedule a live remote demonstration.

25 April 2019

How to acquire millennial clients: intergenerational wealth & responsible investment and special guest Frank Gardner OBE

There are still some spaces remaining at Brooks Macdonald’s flagship Intergenerational Wealth forum at Merchant Taylors’ Hall in London on Wednesday 8th May , please book your seat before they run out.
 
Featuring a panel of wealth transfer and responsible investment experts, alongside very special guest Frank Gardner OBE, the morning will provide insights into intergenerational opportunities, acquiring millennial clients and how to align your firm’s future with their needs.
 
BBC Security Correspondent Frank Gardner OBE will deliver analysis of the global political and security outlook, along with recounting his personal story of surviving against the odds & what a journalist risks to cover a story.
 
Agenda highlights:

Surviving millennial clients: intergenerational wealthwith Christopher P.Braun, Investment Specialist, Capital Group Capital tax planning in changing timeswith John Bunker, Head of Knowledge Development, Irwin Mitchell Why is non-regulated care advice a minefield?with Jacqueline Berry, Founding Director, My Care Consultant

Book your place
Speakers info
 
Please note this event qualifies for 3.5 hour of structured CPD.

24 April 2019

Sign up to the second round of the Invesco 2019 Investment Intelligence Seminars

You can now sign up for the second round of Invesco’s 2019 Investment Intelligence Seminars. Make sure you reserve your space at one of the 70+ events!

The state of the nation

In addition to providing the usual macro update, this time Invesco will also share its thoughts on UK economic growth and the impacts of Brexit. How has the political deadlock affected investor confidence?

 

Join Invesco

 

 

Attendance will qualify you for 80 minutes of structured CPD.

08 April 2019

Folly of Forecasting with 45 mins CPD

We’d like to invite you to this workshop led by Head of UK Orbis Investments UK, Dan Brocklebank

• Common errors in investment forecasting 
• Managing behavioural bias 
• Making better investment decisions 

This session will give you 45 mins CPD

I’ll then lead an open discussion over drinks and canapés covering key issues and developments in the retail investment market including your ideas on how providers can communicate more effectively with advisers.

This is a chance to share your views, hear from your peers and receive 45 mins structured CPD

The event will appeal to you if you are involved in fund or investment selection.

Details:

16th May 5 30 pm to 7 pm
Orbis Investments 28 Dorset Square, Marylebone, London NW1 6QG

To Register:

Either email [email protected] or click registration page here>>

A brief note on Orbis:

A global active fund manager, privately owned, founded in 1989, £28 billion of assets under management, 10 global offices (2 in London), 1 investment approach: fundamental, long-term and contrarian and a unique refundable fee model. Success depends on creating long-term value for clients.

04 April 2019

Who will advise your clients beneficiaries

Some are calling it ‘The Great Wealth Transfer’.

Over the next 30 years, an estimated £5.5 trillion is expected to pass down the generations in the UK.1

This will happen inheritance by inheritance, and it will involve your clients and their beneficiaries.

The Great Wealth Transfer poses two important questions for every firm and every adviser in our industry:

Who will advise my clients’ beneficiaries after they inherit? If I want it to be me, what am I doing today to make that happen?

Octopus has a range of materials to help you estimate the scale of this opportunity and how you can seize it.

 

Visit the Octopus Intergenerational planning hub here