As the Verve Group summed up this week, this year has been one of ‘regulation galore’ coupled with ongoing cost pressures, and a new focus on tech with the emergence of AI.
So it’s no surprise to see that the most-read articles of 2023 reflect a combination of practical advice, regulatory awareness, and a keen interest in the intersection of technology and financial planning.
Here’s a rundown of each month’s most popular posts:
January: How to future-proof your advice firm in 2023, Bruce Ely Johnston
Bruce took us through the ways to minimise stress and maximise business opportunities in 2023.
February: 2023/24 tax rates at a glance, Neil MacGillivray
Our Technical Support Unit provided practical information designed to help you prepare ahead of the new tax year.
March: What does ChatGPT mean for financial planners?, Lee Robertson
ChatGPT was the talk of the town by March, but what did it mean for the profession? Lee took a deep dive.
April: The FCA’s new focus on income advice: what you can do, Bruce Ely Johnston
The FCA began this year’s supervisory activities with the announcement of a thematic review into retirement income advice.
May: 4 tips for budding financial planners, David Dixon
David offered 4 nuggets of wisdom from a long and winding career, for those starting theirs.
June: The Lifetime Allowance change: 3 ways to maximise the opportunities, Neil MacGillivray
There's a possible two-year window to maximise the opportunities offered by the changes in the Spring Budget. Neil outlined three of them for us here.
July: What the FCA really expects from the Consumer Duty, Sam Patterson
As the Consumer Duty deadline approached, Sam shed light 10 things that the FCA was looking for.
August: 25 tips for financial planning success, Alan Smith
This collection of short and snappy tips for financial planning success gave people a boost in August.
September: 5 wellbeing tips for financial planners, Nick Elston
Nick presented at our illuminate roadshows in September and whetted our appetites with this piece on 5 wellbeing tips for financial planners.
October: Financial planning will always be beyond AI’s reach, Greg Moss
Greg covered Moravec's Paradox, robot waiters, and why the power of soft skills will always win in financial planning.
November: Adviser charging – what about what clients want? Greg Moss
"An adviser writing about charging methods is a bit like going for a swim in shark infested waters while wearing Lady Gaga’s meat dress." That didn’t stop Greg in November.
December: The role of Discounted Gift Trusts in estate planning, Harry Sims
Harry rounded off the year by explaining how opting for a whole of life policy and a Discounted Gift Trust can allow clients to navigate IHT planning more strategically.
And that concludes our run down - what are your thoughts? And are there topics you'd like to see more of? Please let us know and we'll be sure to cover them next year.
Illuminate was created to help the advisers and planners to build and share knowledge in areas that are vital to the successful development of their businesses. It endeavours to shed light on the topics that are most pertinent to you. It’s also a place where you can share your own experiences and personal stories.
If you’d like to share your thoughts with the community, then please contact me.
And finally, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
