Thinking about going starting your own financial planning firm and choosing your own tech stack? That's exactly what host Cathi Harrison, co-host Hannah Pendlebury and guests Hayley Millhouse and Gary Abela are exploring in this episode.
Hayley shares her journey to launching her own DA firm with long-time friend Lisa. Hannah chats to her about the key decisions, unexpected challenges and lessons learned - including last-minute FCA hurdles and the real cost of building a tech stack from scratch.
Cathi is then joined by Gary to cut through the noise around AI adoption. Gary shares why new firms should define their operating model before choosing their tech, why complex advice cases aren't the right place to lean on LLMs, and recommends his top three AI tools for financial advisers.
07:08 - Hayley's journey to co-founder
11:11 - The FCA authorisation process
17:16 - Hayley's take on tech stacks
28:09 - Gary's core philosophy shift
33:06 - The "rule of thumb" moment
35:06 - Gary's take on LLMs and suitability
36:53 - Top 3 AI tools from the AI expert
Cathi is Founder & CEO of Verve and the Verve Foundation, working to achieve their combined mission of building the future of financial services within the UK.
Hannah is a former sports commentator and co-host of the New Business episodes of the NewIn podcast after launching her own IFA practice.
Hayley has over two decades of experience in financial planning, and recently co-founded her own firm - Lumina Mortgages and Financial Planning.
Gary is an experienced commercial leader and exited founder, who works with financial institutions, fintechs and tech leaders to accelerate AI adoption.
