In this episode of Just Covered, we're excited to host Stephanie Charman, the new CEO of the Association of Mortgage Intermediaries (AMI), and our very own Vikki Jefferies, who has recently assumed her new role as Market Development Director. In this friendly and lively chat, they discuss their diverse backgrounds in the industry and the transitions that led them to their current positions. Gladly, they also share personal insights on current mortgage market conditions, changing regulations, and, perhaps refreshingly, their positive outlook on the future. They also discuss some of the game-changing initiatives they’ve recently been involved in. It’s an entertaining and informative hour-long chat…This episode also covers:Some of the ongoing work and research of the AMI, including their collaboration with Legal & General. Key drivers of industry change like the rise of Green Mortgage Advice initiatives, AMI’s Protection Viewpoint, the Working Mortgage Scheme, and other leading schemes and innovations.The variety of roles available in the financial services sector and the importance of mentorship in supporting advisers to realise their career goals.
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46:22
Robin Melley | Client vulnerability: Promoting industry-wide care and best practice
In this episode of Just Covered, we meet Robin Melley, a founder and director of the Consumer Duty Alliance and co-founder of the Financial Vulnerability Taskforce. As the only person to win UK Chartered Financial Planner of the Year twice, Robin is a force to be reckoned with. We were lucky enough to get his insight into the evolution of the Financial Vulnerability Taskforce. And hear about his more recent work with us on the Thematic Review checklist, which has already proven a transformative tool for helping advisers with Consumer Duty. Don’t miss this one… This episode also covers:· Common misconceptions around vulnerability, and the importance of building awareness of it into every financial plan.· The five key questions Robin recommends you ask every client seeking financial advice. · The need to build trust and engagement as an industry to bridge the advice gap and further enhance client outcomes.
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25:19
Ollie Popham| Evolving financial advice in pursuit of customers’ best interests
 Ollie Popham| Evolving financial advice in pursuit of customers’ best interestsIn this episode of Just Covered, we meet Ollie Popham, Senior Sales Manager at Cavendish Online. Since the turn of the millennium, Cavendish has been of one the industry’s most exciting success stories. The company has grown from a small internet startup into a UK-wide organisation, with hundreds of staff. And it’s been repeatedly celebrated as a market leader through continuous nominations and, often success, in well-established industry awards. Ollie sheds some light on the company’s origin story, innovative strategies and pioneering use of technology in customer engagement and the importance of its culture in driving success. This episode also covers:· How AI is transforming financial advice and protection sales, improving training, creating efficiencies and augmenting how advisers work and support their customers· The importance of putting value before price during customer conversations and always enforcing a customer-centric approach· How to educate customers, and present options during client conversations, so that they can make informed decisions that put their interests first. Â
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31:43
Hulya Gunay | Navigating divorce: Why professional financial guidance is critical
In this episode of Just Covered, we meet independent financial adviser, Hulya Gunay, for a divorce-focused special. Hulya’s story is unique and inspiring. Driven by a combination of personal and professional experience, she established her own firm in 2018 that’s carved a niche in the market specialising in representing women as they navigate key turning-points and transitions in their lives. Today, it’s her passionate mission to empower female professionals and business owners to find financial freedom. She also holds a strong belief in the crucial role of financial advisers in navigating divorce. Listen to her powerful story…This episode also covers:· Hulya’s client acquisition strategy and approaches to building long-relationships and trust with clients, especially post-divorce.· How women can be neglected from marital financial planning, and the often-overlooked extent of financial abuse and manipulation in relationships.· The importance of consulting financial advice as early as possible in the divorce process and other key divorce challenges.
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32:26
Vanessa Barnes | Empowering Advice : Helping clients take control of their financial futures.
 In this episode of Just Covered, we’re honoured to be joined by Vanessa Barnes, chartered financial planner and recently appointed board member of the Consumer Duty Alliance. Vanessa is a trailblazer in many ways, running an all-female financial firm, she’s a powerful and dedicated advocate for women and the unique financial challenges they face, amongst many other things. This thoughtful discussion covers a range of key topics, like helping clients to find happiness in retirement, and details some of her own techniques for dynamic financial planning, like ‘the bucket method’. Take a listen… This episode also covers:· The evolution of financial planning from product-focused to life-centric approaches.· Attracting women into the profession and how the industry can improve education, awareness and collaboration to support this.· How advisers can empower their clients and deliver long-term emotional and financial wellbeing, especially into retirement.
Welcome to the Just Covered podcast series, where financial planners, mortgage advisers, and protection advisers come together for insightful discussions on the latest topics in the financial services industry. Join us for short and engaging conversations designed specifically for professionals like you. We'll be exploring current trends and pressing issues that impact your work and provide valuable insights to keep you up-to-date in the ever-evolving landscape. So, grab a cuppa, sit back, and tune in for industry knowledge and inspiration. Let's dive into the world of financial services together!
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