Accord Talks

What happens when an advice firm takes a fresh look at how it asks clients about their investment preferences?In this special Good Money Week episode of Accord Talks, hosts Elly Dowding and Lee Coates OBE speak to Craig Gahagan, a Chartered Financial Adviser at Acuma Wealth, who has recently reviewed and updated their client preference process.We hear what prompted the rethink, what they discovered along the way, and how changing the conversation is helping clients make more informed choices about their investments — including whether, and how, they want their personal views reflected.Shownotes: Acuma Wealth: https://acumawealth.co.uk/Accord Initiative Client Preference Ready Badge: https://www.accordinitiative.com/public/page/Client+Preference+Ready+Badge/236Accord Initiative Preference Toolkit: https://www.accordinitiative.com/public/page/Preference+Toolkit/230

In this episode, Elly and Lee explore what makes human advice valuable as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly capable. Joined by Iga Sloan of Digital Regs and Andrew Storey of EV, they discuss AI governance, accountability, suitability and capacity for loss—and why good outcomes still depend on understanding the person behind the data.Note: Any guest contributions are transcribed from the recording. Host sections are based on the final script used for recording and may contain wording variations from the audio.SHOW NOTES:FCA AI and the future of retail financial services (The Mills Review)https://www.fca.org.uk/publications/corporate-documents/mills-reviewEVhttps://www.ev.uk/Digital Regshttps://digitalregs.com/

In this episode of Accord Talks, Elly and Lee explore the FCA's CP26/10 consultation on simplifying pensions and investment advice rules. They discuss In Accord's feedback, the move towards more proportionate advice, and why understanding clients' wider values and preferences remains an important part of delivering good consumer outcomes under Consumer Duty.SHOW NOTES:In Accord’s response to the CP26/10:https://www.inaccord.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/In-Accord-Feedback-CP26_10.pdfCP26/10: Simplifying the pensions and investment advice rules:https://www.fca.org.uk/publications/consultation-papers/cp26-10-simplifying-pensionsinvestment-advice-rules

In this episode of Accord Talks, Elly and Lee explore how shifting clientexpectations—particularly among younger investors—are reshaping advice, stewardshipand fund design. They discuss new research on intergenerational wealth transfer, the riseof eco-anxiety, and why uncovering client values is becoming critical to trust, retention andoutcomes. With insights from Natasha Lindell-Mills, Miranda Beacham and Audrey Ryan,the episode examines how stewardship and client-led investing are evolving in practice.Show Notes:Nataxis Wealth Transfer Report - https://www.im.natixis.com/content/dam/natixis/website/insights/investor-sentiment/2026/the-great-wealth-transfer-an-existential-test-for-advice/2026-wealth-transfer-report.pdf Eco‑anxiety: how do young people relate to the climate crisis? - https://theconversation.com/eco-anxiety-how-do-young-people-relate-to-the-climate-crisis-277520Aegon Asset Management - Equities - https://www.aegonam.com/investment-capabilities/equities/ Sarasin & Partners - Stewardship - https://sarasinandpartners.com/stewardship/ Explore the updated Preference Toolkit - https://www.accordinitiative.com/public/page/Preference+Toolkit/230 Explore the Client Preference Ready badge - https://www.accordinitiative.com/public/page/Client+Preference+Ready+Badge/236

In this episode of Accord Talks, Elly and Lee explore the growing focus on consumer understanding under Consumer Duty and what it means for financial advisers in practice.T hey discuss the FCA’s latest guidance on communications, sustainable investment labels, and the Climate Change Committee’s latest carbon budget analysis. With insights from Graeme Devlin and Sam Buckingham, the episode looks at how firms can better understand clients, test communications and align investment solutions with real client needs.Show NotesFull episode transcript: https://www.inaccord.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Episode-13-Transcript-Shownotes.pdfFCA Sustainability Disclosure Requirements labels: good and poor practice - https://www.fca.org.uk/publications/good-and-poor-practice/sustainable-investment-labelsClimate Change Committee Supplementary analysis of the Seventh Carbon Budget - https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/supplementary-analysis-of-the-seventh-carbon-budget/FCA Consumer understanding: good practice and areas for improvement | FCA https://www.fca.org.uk/publications/good-and-poor-practice/consumer-understanding-goodpractice-areas-improvementMiggins - Putting the customer at the heart of financial communication - Comprehensive insight for clarity, compliance, and trust in UK financial services - https://miggins.co/Buckingham Research Investment Insights for Financial Advisers and Asset Managershttps://buckingham-research.com/Client Preference Ready Badge - consumer page - https://www.inaccord.co.uk/clientpreference-ready/Client Preference Ready Badge - adviser page - https://www.accordinitiative.com/public/page/Client+Preference+Ready+Badge/236

Episode 12 | 02/03/2026 - Vulnerability by omission: The risk firms don't see coming What does it mean to know your client fully when risk is no longer just financial? This episode connects global risk, client preferences, Consumer Duty and vulnerability - and explains why understanding how clients feel about risk is now central to good advice.  What happens when advisers don't ask about values? With guests Richard Farr (Telos Solutions / Comentis) and Mike Head (Ethical Investors / Ethical Screening), we examine vulnerability, resilience and the emerging risk of "vulnerability by omission" - and why foreseeable harm isn't limited to financial loss. Plus: Client Preference Ready, stewardship reform and CP26/5. A practical look at knowing your client fully.  SHOW NOTESClient Preference Ready badge - consumer page - https://www.inaccord.co.uk/clientpreference-ready/Client Preference Ready badge - adviser page https://www.accordinitiative.com/public/page/Client+Preference+Ready+Badge/236IA report: Realigning Stewardship: Delivering Sustainable Value Through Stewardship report - a roadmap to strengthen the UK’s stewardship ecosystem and support long‑term value creation -https://media.licdn.com/dms/document/media/v2/D4E1FAQEdhaQRkDfvcA/feedsharedocument-pdf-analyzed/B4EZwonM2bKgAc-/0/1770207892531?e=1771459200&v=beta&t=dpCfH9wckAxdMURMpO8DZwOMaqR50EUvZN8gSifzcn4CP26/5: Aligning listed issuers’ sustainability disclosures with international standards -https://www.fca.org.uk/publications/consultation-papers/cp26-5-sustainability-disclosuresIn ACCORD Vulnerability, protected characteristics & client values - practical guide & checklist - https://www.esgaccord.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Vulnerabilityprotected-characteristics-client-values-practical-guide-checklist-.pdfComentis - https://www.comentis.co.uk/Get the free Support Framework from https://www.comentis.co.uk/vulnerability-support-frameworkTelos Solutions - https://www.telossolutions.co.uk/Ethical Investors - https://ethicalinvestors.co.uk/

What does it mean to know your client fully when risk is no longer just financial? This episode connects global risk, client preferences, Consumer Duty and vulnerability — and explains why understanding how clients feel about risk is now central to good advice.Episode Transcript: https://www.inaccord.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Episode-11-Transcript-Shownotes.pdfSHOW NOTESWorld Economic Forum - Global Risks Report 2026 https://www.weforum.org/publications/globalrisks-report-2026/Global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security A national security assessmenthttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nature-security-assessment-on-global-biodiversityloss-ecosystem-collapse-and-national-securityConsumer Duty https://www.fca.org.uk/publications/policy-statements/ps22-9-new-consumer-dutyCOBS9 https://handbook.fca.org.uk/handbook/COBS/9?date=2023-06-22&view=chapterAccord Initiative -free-to-access education, practical resources and compliance support for advisers, including accredited learning, structured guidance and tools designed to ensure client preferences are identified, evidenced and reflected consistently across advice processes. Resources are made freely available with the support of industry partners. www.accordinitiative.com

We start 2026 by going deeper than the headlines. From understanding climate related product reporting in practice to the role of lifelong learning in professional credibility. With guests James Dalby at Aviva Wealth and Rich Cooper at LIBF (part of Walbrook Institute).Episode Transcript:https://www.esgaccord.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Episode-10-Transcript-Shownotes.pdfSHOW NOTESAviva Climate-related Disclosure Reports for your funds https://www.aviva.co.uk/help-and-support/managing-your-policy/investments/climate-related-disclosure-reports/In Accord’s Accord Academy free to access LIBF accredited courses - https://www.accordinitiative.com/loginLIBF – Professional Education https://www.walbrook.ac.uk/libf/LIBF Apprenticeships https://www.walbrook.ac.uk/libf/professional-qualifications/banking-andfinance-apprenticeships/Tim Lenton - Positive Tipping Points https://global.oup.com/academic/product/positive-tippingpoints-9780198875789?cc=gb&lang=en&Kim Stanley Robinson - The Ministry for the Future https://store.orbit-books.co.uk/products/theministry-for-the-futureAdrienne Buller - Value of a Whale - https://manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/9781526162632/Alex Edmans - And ‘May Contain Lies https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/455479/may-contain-liesby-edmans-alex/9780241630181Heather Brooke - The Silent Statehttps://www.penguin.co.uk/books/408519/the-silent-state-by-heather-brooke/9780099537625

In this episode, we look at the gulf between what clients say they want, what manufacturers deliver, and how advice firms are in between. The communication gaps exposed here can’t be ignored - join us as we unpack why 2026 must be the year we fix that. We are also joined by Oscar Warwick-Thompson of UK SIF to look at issues in the distribution chain.Episode Transcript: https://www.esgaccord.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Episode-9-Transcript.pdfLinks and Resources: • Morgan Stanley Institute for Sustainable Investing’s 2025 “Sustainable Signals: Individual Investors” report.  https://www.morganstanley.com/insights/articles/sustainable-investing-interest-2025  • Net Zero Lawyers Alliance -Sustainable Fiduciary Duty: The report https://www.netzerolawyers.com/publications/sustainable-fiduciary-duties-for-investors •  Man Institute A Sustainable Future Podcast with Jason Mitchell Head of Responsible Investment Research, Man Group https://www.man.com/insights/ri-podcast-maurits-dolmans •  Professor Lord Nicholas Stern: The Growth Story of the 21st Century The Economics and Opportunity of Climate Action Download open access: https://press.lse.ac.uk/books/m/10.31389/lsepress.tgsWebinar: Nicholas Stern’s book highlights (1hr,26mins) https://lselive.eckoenterprise.net/events/20251105/webcast?presentation=1&stream_id=28021 •  UKSIF and PWC - UK SDR and investment labels: Implementation lessons and road aheadhttps://uksif.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2417-UKSIF-SDR-report-2-v4b.pdf•  Sustainable Investing in Practice: Objectives, Constraints, and Limits to Impact (Edmans, Gosling, Jenter 2025)  https://www.fmg.ac.uk/isf/publications/discussion-papers/sustainable-investing-practice-objectives-constraints-and-limits

In this Episode we talk about COP, ahead of COP 30. What is a COP, where did it come from and how does all of this relate to UK financial advisers and their clients?Note - this Episode was recorded on 28/10/2025, ahead of COP30 and associated developments/information updatesEpisode Transcript: https://www.esgaccord.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Episode-8-Transcript.pdfLinks and Resources:Outrage & Optimism Podcast https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/episodes Chatham House What is COP30 and why does it matter for the climate? https://www.chathamhouse.org/2025/09/what-cop30-and-why-does-it-matter-climate United Nations COP30 to take place 6-21 November 2025 in Belém, Brazil. https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/cop30 United nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs - Sustainable Development. The 17 Goals: https://sdgs.un.org/goals Global Tipping Points Report 2025: https://global-tipping-points.org/