Episodes

Monday Aug 12, 2024
Driving Change: Hayley Rabbets on Philanthropy in Finance
Monday Aug 12, 2024
Monday Aug 12, 2024
In this episode of the Money Marketing Awards Podcast, host Kimberley Dondo sits down with Hayley Rabbets, Head of the Verve Foundation and winner of the 2023 Charity Champion of the Year award. Hayley shares the journey that led to her organization's recognition, highlighting key initiatives and the essential factors behind their success. The discussion also explores the future of social responsibility in financial services, the role of technology in charitable giving, and how industry recognition can inspire excellence. Tune in to learn how Hayley and her team are making a real difference in the sector.

Friday Aug 09, 2024
Weekend Essay: The subtle art of naming funds
Friday Aug 09, 2024
Friday Aug 09, 2024
In this Weekend Essay episode, Lois Vallely delves into the often overlooked world of fund naming. Inspired by her childhood love of naming pets, she contrasts the creativity in naming animals with the rigid, sometimes dull world of investment fund names. Vallely explores why fund names are often so plain, the role they play in investor decisions, and whether a touch of creativity could benefit—or confuse—the financial world. Tune in to discover why naming a fund might not be as fun as naming your cat, but is just as important.

Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
In Conversation With... Phil Bray: Transforming Client Engagement
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
Wednesday Aug 07, 2024
In this episode of "In Conversation With...", host Kimberley Dondo sits down with Phil Bray, Founder and Director of The Yardstick Agency. With nearly three decades in the financial services industry, Phil shares insights from his career journey, exploring how his diverse roles have shaped his understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing financial advisors today.
Phil discusses significant industry changes in marketing and client engagement, strategies for leveraging digital tools, and common marketing misconceptions. He also addresses current trends, including the impact of new regulations, technologies, and client expectations, as well as the cost-of-living crisis. Phil offers valuable advice on incorporating financial well-being into practices and differentiating human advisors in the age of robo-advisors and AI. Tune in for an insightful conversation blending industry expertise with practical advice.

Monday Aug 05, 2024
Monday Aug 05, 2024
Join us for a jam-packed episode of MM Talks with Kimberley Dondo and Lois Vallely. We'll dissect the Consumer Duty's impact on financial advisors, break down the financial implications of Labour's recent win, and explore the latest industry trends. Plus, get valuable tips on managing financial stress and boosting well-being. Don't miss our "Financial Fails" segment for a laugh!

Friday Aug 02, 2024
Weekend Essay: Reflections on the death of a parent
Friday Aug 02, 2024
Friday Aug 02, 2024
In this heartfelt essay, Amanda Newman Smith reflects on the profound impact of losing her father 20 years ago, coinciding with the anniversary of Green Day's album "American Idiot." She shares her emotional journey through grief, the unexpected ways it shaped her life, and the importance of emotional support and financial planning during such times. Amanda discusses how her stepdad brought new experiences to her and her mother, the complexities of family dynamics after a loss, and the critical role advisers play in guiding clients through bereavement. Tune in now:

Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
In Conversation With... Dr. Louis Williams: Consumer Duty and Vulnerable Clients
Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
Wednesday Jul 31, 2024
Join host Kimberly Dondo in a compelling episode of "In Conversation With..." as she chats with Dr. Louis Williams, Head of Psychology & Behavioural Insights at Dynamic Planner. They explore the impact of Consumer Duty regulation on financial advisors, defining vulnerability, and identifying challenges in supporting vulnerable clients. Dr. Williams shares strategies for building trust, insights into the Financial Wellbeing profiler tool, and top recommendations for advisors. Concluding with future predictions for the financial advice landscape, this episode offers valuable expert advice and practical tips for better supporting vulnerable clients.

Friday Jul 26, 2024
Weekend Essay: The UK pension system is ripe for reform
Friday Jul 26, 2024
Friday Jul 26, 2024
In this episode, we dive into Momodou Musa Touray's latest essay on the urgent need for UK pension reform. With the Labour government's recent election victory, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has launched a landmark review aimed at fixing the broken pension system. We explore the proposed two-stage reform strategy, the potential for boosting pension pots by over £11,000, and the mixed reactions from the industry. Join us as we unpack the implications of these reforms and what they mean for the future of pensions in the UK.
Listen now:

Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
Wednesday Jul 24, 2024
In this episode of In Conversation With, host Lois Valley chats to the three founders of Finova Money: Rob Schwartz, Rob Bell and Scott Millar. The business, which recently celebrated its first anniversary, was established to focus on client-centred financial planning. They talk about the importance of a client-centred approach, focusing on lifelong relationships and holistic financial planning rather than just managing money. They also discuss how the Financial Conduct Authority’s Consumer Duty is a positive development, which ensures they are delivering the best outcomes for their clients.

Friday Jul 19, 2024
Weekend Essay: Don’t worry Gareth, there’s always financial advice
Friday Jul 19, 2024
Friday Jul 19, 2024
In this weekend essay, Dan Cooper reflects on Gareth Southgate’s emotional resignation following another Euro final defeat. While Southgate's tenure ended without the long-sought trophy, Cooper humorously explores how Southgate's skills might translate to a new career in financial advice. From strategic planning and team leadership to maintaining integrity and resilience under pressure, Southgate's qualities could make him a strong fit for the finance world. Tune in for a thoughtful and light-hearted take on Southgate’s potential future beyond football.

Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
In Conversation With... Tom Mathar, head of Aegon UK's Centre for Behavioural Research
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
Wednesday Jul 17, 2024
In this episode of In Conversation With, host Lois Vallely welcomes Tom Mathar from Aegon UK's Centre for Behavioural Research. They talk about the three unprecedented challenges in financial wellbeing: increased longevity requiring more funds for longer lives, the shift of long-term financial planning responsibility from the state to individuals, and the complexity of multi-stage lives with multiple careers and transitions. Mathar also highlights the importance of financial advisers in understanding clients' values and emotions to enhance their financial wellbeing.
