The Truth About Going Solo as a Financial Adviser

The Truth About Going Solo as a Financial Adviser

In this episode of The Transact Platform Podcast, Transact’s Chief Development Officer, Andrew Cullen-Jones, sits down with James de Lisle Wells, Chartered Financial Planner and Director of de Lisle Financial Planning, to explore the reality of building and running a modern advice business. James shares his journey into financial planning, the experience he gained before launching his own firm in 2021, and the key decisions that have shaped a lean, scalable and client-focused business. They cover: * the realities of going solo and what advisers often underestimate * how to build a high-quality business without adding headcount * the role of outsourcing across paraplanning, compliance and operations * how upcoming pension and inheritance tax changes are shaping client strategies * supporting clients through market volatility and political uncertainty * taking a practical approach to technology and AI within an advice firm. If you’re looking to build, refine or scale your advice business, this episode offers practical insight you can apply straight away. To stay up to date with the latest industry developments, don’t forget to subscribe to the Transact Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and follow us on LinkedIn and X. For more information visit our website at: https://www.transact-online.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is provided for advisory professionals only. This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal, regulatory, tax or any other advice. All information is based on our understanding and interpretation of applicable law and regulation, which is subject to change. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. The views of third parties are their own.

What does the future of financial advice really look like?

In this episode of The Transact Platform Podcast, CEO, Tom Dunbar, is joined by Non-Executive Chair of Integrated Financial Arrangements Ltd (IFAL) and former Skandia CEO, Nick Poyntz-Wright, to explore how the financial advice market has evolved and what lies ahead. Drawing on experience across platform leadership and frontline supervision at the FCA, Nick shares a unique perspective on regulation, market change, and the opportunities for advisers today. They discuss what these changes mean in practice, from the long-term impact of the Retail Distribution Review (RDR) on transparency and advice quality, to how the FCA approaches supervision, accountability, and market structure. They also explore the rise of consolidation and private equity investment, alongside the growing influence of technology and AI on the adviser landscape. With insights on everything from regulatory thinking to future market dynamics, this episode highlights how advisers can navigate change while continuing to deliver value to clients. If you’re looking to better understand the forces shaping the advice market and what they mean for your business, this episode offers a valuable and practical perspective. To stay up to date with the latest industry developments, don’t forget to subscribe to the Transact Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and follow us on LinkedIn and X. For more information visit our website at: https://www.transact-online.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is provided for advisory professionals only. This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal, regulatory, tax or any other advice. All information is based on our understanding and interpretation of applicable law and regulation, which is subject to change. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. The views of third parties are their own.

Update on Pension Death Benefits: What’s changed following newly released HMRC guidance

In this short update episode of the Transact Podcast, Natasha Walker, Lead Technical Consultant, is joined by, Mark Fenlon, Head of Technical Services, to revisit the upcoming Additional Pension Death Benefit Administration changes, following the latest HMRC guidance released shortly after their previous discussion in May. Together, they unpack the most important developments for advisory professionals, including: * The confirmation of no loss on sale relief, meaning pension values at death will determine tax liability regardless of market movement. * The removal of Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) eligibility for qualifying pension-held assets. * New rules around withholding notices and payment notices, and their implications for scheme administrators. * Tightened timelines, including the expectation that tax is paid within six months. * Practical considerations for executors, beneficiaries, and advisers navigating increasingly complex administration requirements. With more guidance still expected, this episode highlights the growing administrative burden, and the critical role advisers will play in supporting clients through these changes ahead of April 2027. To stay up to date with the latest industry developments, don’t forget to subscribe to the Transact Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and follow us on LinkedIn and X. For more information visit our website at: https://www.transact-online.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is provided for advisory professionals only. This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal, regulatory, tax or any other advice. All information is based on our understanding and interpretation of applicable law and regulation, which is subject to change. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. The views of third parties are their own.

The Transact API: Making your business run better through integrations

The Transact API is designed to make integrations with CRM and other systems, simpler, smarter, and more efficient for financial advisers. In this episode of The Transact Podcast, Integrations Manager, Tom Phillips, and Head of System and Service Development, Dave Styles, explore how the new API will transform the way the Transact platform and CRMs work together, now and in the future. By enabling secure, seamless data sharing, the Transact API supports a more joined up experience, reducing the need to switch between systems, helping advisers save time, reduce admin, and focus more on their clients. They discuss what the API means in practice, from accessing platform data such as valuations, contributions and withdrawals to the future of automated workflows, richer data, and two-way integrations. If you’re looking to simplify your workflows and spend less time on admin, this episode offers a clear view of what the Transact API can unlock. To stay up to date with the latest industry developments, don’t forget to subscribe to the Transact Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and follow us on LinkedIn and X. For more information visit our website at: https://www.transact-online.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is provided for advisory professionals only. This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal, regulatory, tax or any other advice. All information is based on our understanding and interpretation of applicable law and regulation, which is subject to change. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. The views of third parties are their own.

How to successfully plan your exit strategy

In this episode of The Transact Podcast, Succession Planning Manager, Daniel Smith is joined by Victoria Hicks, CEO at Melo, to explore what it really takes to plan and deliver a successful business exit from an advisory business. Succession is one of the most important decisions a financial planning firm will make, yet it’s often left too late. In this podcast, Daniel and Victoria unpack: * why succession should be treated as a long-term strategy, not a last-minute transaction * what really drives valuation, and why profitability matters more than recurring income alone * the importance of cultural alignment for staff, clients, and long-term success * how to prepare your business for sale and maximise value ahead of time * why choosing the right buyer goes beyond the headline offer * the role of experienced advisers in protecting value throughout the deal * common pitfalls that can delay, derail, or reduce the value of a sale * why personal readiness is just as important as business readiness Drawing on first-hand experience and real-world scenarios, this episode highlights the key considerations when selling your business, whether you are close to exit or taking a more long-term view. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Transact Podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and follow us on LinkedIn and X. For more information visit our website at: https://www.transact-online.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is provided for advisory professionals only. This podcast is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal, regulatory, tax or any other advice. All information is based on our understanding and interpretation of applicable law and regulation, which is subject to change. While we strive to ensure accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the content. The views of third parties are their own.