Bitcoin just hit $100K - what does this really mean for investors?
On the latest episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, we sit down with Lisa Tyshchenko, an Alternative Investment Specialist with deep connections in the digital asset space.
With institutional investors quietly adding Bitcoin to their portfolios, we explore what this means for financial planning, whether Bitcoin is truly the new gold, and if emerging tech like quantum computing poses a threat.
Lisa brings a fascinating perspective on the future of crypto and what financial professionals should be paying attention to. Is Bitcoin a smart hedge - or just another hype cycle? Listen now to find out.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/Fi3jJJU2t1U
Apple Podcasts: https://shorturl.at/IVij3
Spotify: https://shorturl.at/MIJ2g
What does it take to scale as a financial planner?
Great advice is just the start - it’s about having the right team behind you. In our latest episode, we sit down with Joanna Butler, who has spent 18 years shaping the operational backbone of Foster Denovo, a firm known for its commitment to supporting self-employed financial planners.
Joanna shares how her team helps planners scale faster, serve clients better, and focus on what they do best. We also explore why Foster Denovo has become a magnet for female professionals in a traditionally male-dominated industry and what makes their approach to business support so effective.
This episode marks the final instalment of our series with Foster Denovo - but is it really the end? Stay tuned. Something exciting is coming. Watch the full episode:
Watch the full episode:
https://youtu.be/eza6F5ZW2m4
Would you trust a financial planner under 30?
It’s a question that often sparks debate in the profession. Some argue that younger advisers lack the life experience needed to guide clients through major financial milestones like retirement, divorce, or legacy planning. Others believe that age isn’t the defining factor - what matters is knowledge and their long-term commitment.
On the latest episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, we spoke with Karl and Harry, a father-son duo from St. James’s Place. Karl took over his father’s business at just 20 after an unexpected loss, building nearly 40 years of experience in the profession. Harry, once a musician, transitioned into financial planning through the SJP Academy and, at 27, is already leading client meetings and preparing to take over the firm.
Their approach to succession planning highlights a crucial lesson for financial planning firms: smooth transitions happen when the next generation is involved early, mentored properly, and empowered to bring fresh ideas.
When asked whether his age was ever a barrier with clients, Harry was clear: “At first, maybe. But if you know your stuff, trust follows. Plus, clients know I’ll be here for the next 30 years—can they say the same about an adviser nearing retirement?”
Would you trust a financial planner in their 20s, or do you believe experience only comes with age?
Doubling your AUM in a small IFA practice—what’s the secret? For Chartered Financial Planner Rohit Rohela, niching down has been a game-changer for his business. In our latest Financial Planner Life podcast episode, Rohit shares how focusing on specific niches has helped him build a six-figure business and created a clear path for further growth.
Rohit describes his role as an "architect of financial freedom." He focuses on helping clients imagine their ideal life and design a strategy that leads to financial freedom—what he calls the Finsbridge Masterplan. His philosophy? Life is not a rehearsal, so having a clear plan is the only way to truly shape your journey.
If you want to find out how niching down can elevate your financial planning practice, this episode is for you - listen now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple.
https://youtu.be/aMXDqIXMxqk
Imagine moving to a new country, unable to speak the language, and starting over from scratch—this was Cholpon’s reality.
What does it take to overcome language barriers, cultural shifts, and industry challenges to thrive in financial planning? In this week’s Financial Planner Life Podcast, we sit down with Cholpon Djanuzakova DipPFS CII, whose story is a masterclass in resilience and ambition.
From arriving in the UK with no English to becoming a top-ranked financial planner and business owner, Cholpon’s journey highlights the power of hard work, mindset, and embracing your unique story.
🎵 Hear how she blends her Kyrgyz heritage with her professional life, including using her national instrument, the Komuz, to build authentic connections that stand out in the industry.
Cholpon’s insights are a reminder: no challenge is insurmountable when you believe in your potential.
🎙 Don’t miss this episode—stream it now or watch the full episode on YouTube to discover how she turned obstacles into stepping stones for success.
Could paraplanning managers be limiting growth opportunities? Foster Denovo is breaking that mold.
In our latest episode, we speak with Louise Hedderfen, Paraplanning Manager at Foster Denovo, who is redefining career progression in financial planning. Leading a team of 15, Louise ensures every team member has a clear path to success—whether that’s transitioning to a financial adviser role, specialising in paraplanning, or exploring new opportunities.
💡 "If you tell me in the interview you want to become a financial adviser, I’ll do everything I can to make it happen." – Louise Hedderfen
This episode covers:
✅ The skills-first approach to building strong paraplanning teams.
✅ Pathways for career growth, from junior roles to subject matter experts.
✅ How Foster Denovo supports paraplanners who want to become advisers.
✅ Why collaboration and ambition are key to thriving in financial planning.
If you’re in financial planning—or thinking about starting your journey—this is a must-listen.
🎧 Tune in now and see how Foster Denovo is empowering professionals at every career stage.
What happens when you scale and exit a £2.5 billion lending business with your best friend? You do it all over again!
In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, Chris Ball reconnects with Duncan Kreeger and Stephen Wasserman, two financial services legends and co-founders of TAB, their property finance company. 🏠💰
It's always refreshing to hear from leaders outside of the financial planning space, and this conversation offers incredible insights from the broader financial services community. Duncan and Stephen’s journey from building West One Loans from scratch to scaling £2.5 billion in loans—and then starting TAB—is a story of resilience, innovation, and camaraderie.
As Stephen Wasserman shares, “Belief is infectious. If you believe, people around you believe, and that’s how success happens.”
In this episode, you'll find out:
✅ How they launched West One Loans during the 2008 financial crisis
✅ The challenges of mixing friendship and business
✅ How technology and AI are transforming property finance at TAB
✅ The lessons learned from scaling to billions and doing it all again
This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone in financial services, aspiring entrepreneurs, or those looking to learn from success stories. Don’t miss it—links below!
"Are you building a financial planning career focused on lasting impact rather than quick wins?"
In our latest episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, Sam Oakes speaks with Nikos Christoforou, Senior Partner at Foster Denovo, about his journey from product-focused sales to holistic financial planning—a transition that redefined his career.
Some key takeaways from the conversation include:
🧠 Mindset Shift: Nikos highlights how moving from product sales to client-focused planning meant aligning with clients’ long-term goals, not just immediate results, setting up a foundation for sustainable growth.
🤝 Trust and Relationships: "Trust takes ages to build but can be gone in an instant." Nikos emphasises that establishing genuine connections and trust is key to fostering enduring client relationships.
🎯 The Power of Niching Down: By specialising with clients like lawyers and shipbrokers, Nikos has tailored his services to meet industry-specific needs, allowing him to deepen his expertise and provide more relevant advice.
Whether you’re new to the profession or looking to build a client-focused practice, Nikos’s story offers invaluable insights. Check the links in the comments to discover how you can build a resilient and purpose-driven career in financial planning. 🎧
