The Transact Platform Podcast

The FCA, Client Cash and the Future of Platform Charging
In this special edition of the Transact Podcast, Chief Development Officer Andrew Cullen-Jones is joined by Transact CEO Tom Dunbar, James Daley of Fairer Finance and Jack Gilbert of Citywire New Model Adviser to explore one of the most closely watched issues in the UK platform market cash interest retention.
Together, they discuss:
how client cash is held and managed on investment platforms
why cash interest retention has become a growing focus for regulators, policymakers and consumer groups
the role of Consumer Duty, fair value assessment and transparency requirements
the FCA’s latest consultation and what it could mean for platforms, advisers and investors
how advisers assess platform charging structures and value for clients
the different perspectives shaping the debate across the industry
what future regulatory, political and market developments could mean for platform charging.
Bringing together platform, consumer and media perspectives, this episode examines the key issues behind the headlines and explores the challenges, opportunities and trade-offs at the heart of the client cash debate.
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.

In the latest episode of the Transact Platform Podcast, we explore a range of recent enhancements to Transact Online, designed to make financial planning easier and improve the experience for both advisers and their clients.
Joining the discussion are David Styles, Transact's Head of System and Service Development, and Stuart Fleat, Transact's Head of Distribution, who provide an overview of the latest platform developments and the thinking behind them.
Topics covered include:
the new Bond Gain Calculator to help calculate the impact of proportional versus segmental withdrawals.
the launch of the Flexible Reversionary Trust
enhancements to transfer functionality within the Guided Application
new online direct debit and bank account setup capabilities
upcoming regular cash transfer functionality, and
future enhancements aimed at reducing administrative friction.
The episode delves into our latest digitalisation developments that help advisers work more efficiently and deliver better outcomes for clients.
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.

In this episode of the Transact Podcast, Andrew Cullen-Jones, Chief Development Officer at Transact, is joined by Tim Horrocks, Founder of rockwealth, to explore the lessons, decisions and philosophies that have shaped rockwealth's journey from a small advisory firm in Cheltenham into a UK-wide financial planning business.
Tim shares the story behind becoming directly authorised, the challenge of launching a business, and why creating the firm he couldn’t find elsewhere become the foundation for rockwealth’s growth.
Topics covered include:
building an advice business from the ground up
the realities of becoming directly authorised
scaling from a local firm to a national network
evidence based investing and factor investing
fixed fees, fair pricing and client outcomes
why behavioural coaching is often the biggest source of adviser value
using technology, data, and AI to support ownership and long-term growth
how pension inheritance tax changes could influence future planning strategies
Throughout the episode, Tim shares candid insights on entrepreneurship, leadership and what it means to build a business around a clear philosophy, while keeping clients at the centre of every decision.
Whether you're an established adviser, considering setting up your own firm, or interested in the future of financial planning, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and thought-provoking ideas.
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.

In this episode of The Transact Platform Podcast, Transact’s CEO, Tom Dunbar, speaks with Bella Caridade-Ferreira, Founder of Fundscape, one of the leading authorities on platform market data and analysis.
With over 20 years of experience studying the platform market, Bella shares how the industry has evolved from a handful of providers into a complex ecosystem shaped by regulation, technology and changing client behaviour.
They cover:
the evolution of the platform market and the rise of D2C investing
platform business models, revenues and margins
the growing importance of platform technology and risks of provider concentration
why AI is an opportunity to enhance, not replace, financial advice
the resurgence of bonds and trusts in financial planning
the challenges and opportunities in improving transfer processes.
Bella also shares a clear message for advisers: be intentional in your platform selection strategy. The right foundations enable better outcomes for both your business and your clients.
If you’re reviewing your platform strategy or thinking about the long-term direction of your business, this episode provides insight and a data-led 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.

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.