Articles

👋 Hi, I’m Lucy. At We Complement, we like to keep an eye on the less-talked-about corners of investment conversations, especially when clients are exploring passions outside the platform.

This month? It’s coins.

And not just any coins – rare, historic, and highly collectable coins that are attracting attention as both personal heirlooms and alternative assets.

So, should planners take it seriously? Here’s what you need to know when a client wants to talk sovereigns and silver instead of stocks and shares.

💰 Why Coins Are Gaining Traction in 2025

✅ Tangible value – Coins are physical assets with intrinsic metal content and historic or cultural significance. Clients like that they’re real, portable, and often beautiful.

✅ Portfolio diversification – The coin market doesn’t move in sync with equities, which can make it an appealing hedge in volatile markets.

✅ Generational appeal – Coins often carry a story, making them attractive for legacy planning or gifting strategies.

✅ Rising interest – 2025 is seeing increased demand for rare UK coins, especially with collectors eyeing undervalued editions from the late 20th century and post-monarchy transitions.

✅ Tax perks – Certain UK coins (e.g. legal tender gold sovereigns and Britannias) are exempt from Capital Gains Tax.

⚠️ Things to Flag with Clients Before They Dive In

Not all coins are created equal: Just because it’s old or gold doesn’t make it valuable. Rarity, demand, condition, and provenance matter most.

It’s a specialist market: Liquidity can be limited, and pricing is influenced by collectors, not markets.

Risk of forgeries: Authentication and trusted dealers are non-negotiable, especially in the online marketplace.

Storage and insurance: Coins may need secure vaulting, and premiums can add up.

Sentiment vs strategy: Many clients buy coins because they love them. That’s fine, but it should be treated as a passion investment, not a guaranteed growth vehicle.

🧠 What Planners Should Keep in Mind

Know the tax angles: Gold bullion coins that are UK legal tender are CGT-free. That’s worth factoring into planning conversations.

Ask about intent: Is the client building a collection for fun, or as part of a long-term portfolio? The answer changes the advice.

Encourage slow starts: As with any alternative investment, starting small and learning from experts is a safer route in.

🔎 Want to go deeper? Here are some useful reads:

Investing in Coins: Why 2025 is the Year to Buy

Top 5 Rare Coins to Watch in 2025

Collectable Coins in the UK: 2025 Guide

Ultimate Guide to Coin Collections UK

📌 Summary for Financial Planners

Coins can be a compelling addition for clients who value history, physical assets, and tax efficiency. But as with art or wine, passion can blur investment judgment. Help clients approach coin collecting with clear eyes and the right questions.

📩 Want to explore how we support advice firms with niche client conversations like this one? Let’s chat.

Speed. Integration. Capacity. It’s what every advice firm is chasing – but most platforms still make you jump through hoops. This month, we spotlight the tech making real strides in reducing admin, unlocking capacity, and getting clients over the line faster.

Here’s what’s hot this July 👇

Transact x Plannr: Faster Onboarding, Finally

If onboarding feels like death by paperwork, this update might be your moment of relief. Transact and Plannr Technologies Limited have teamed up to deliver an integration that automates client setup and dramatically reduces time to submission.

What’s in it: • Pre-population of Transact app forms via Plannr CRM • Seamless digital consent and ID verification • Straight-through processing (finally!)

💭 What this means for you: Think fewer manual touchpoints and faster turnaround for new business. If your team is still toggling between CRM, platform, and email trails just to open one account, it’s time to rethink your onboarding tech.

🔗 Read the full Transact + Plannr update

AdviserSoftware’s New AI Guide: One to Bookmark

There’s no shortage of AI noise – but this guide is worth your time. AdviserSoftware.com has launched a monthly AI-focused feature to help firms cut through the hype and understand where AI genuinely fits into their advice process.

💭 What this means for you: Whether you’re dabbling with AI for factfinding or client comms – or still figuring out what’s hype and what’s helpful – this guide can be your shortcut to clarity.

🔗 Check out the first edition

Facing a Capacity Crunch? Tech Might Be Your Exit Route

A standout piece from Professional Adviser highlights how advice firms are responding to rising demand and limited internal capacity – and yes, smart tech is the common thread.

From client triage tools to simplified workflows, the shift is clear: capacity isn’t just about hiring more people. It’s about making the people you already have more effective.

What this means for you: Think less about headcount and more about headspace. What’s eating up your team’s time – and is there tech to take it off their plate?

🔗 Read the full article

Final Thought: Smart Tech Isn’t Optional – It’s Strategic

If your tech doesn’t reduce friction, it’s not doing its job. Advisers don’t need “innovation.” They need: • Less rekeying • Faster onboarding • Cleaner compliance trails • Tools that earn back hours – not cost them

At We Complement, we work with firms who want exactly that. Tech that works for advisers, not the other way around.

📬 hello@wecomplement.co.uk 💬 Or drop us a message right here – we’re always up for a conversation about smarter operations.

Clear, practical insights for regulated advice teams, every month.

This month’s edition covers important updates on tax-free cash protection, drawdown timing, AI in the advice process, and a global clampdown on dodgy online promotions.

Whether you’re client-facing or behind-the-scenes, if you’re involved in shaping, delivering or supporting advice –  this is for you.

Let’s dive in 👇

🧮 Drawdown: A Tax Point You Might Be Missing

HMRC has updated its guidance on when a drawdown pension is formally “brought into payment.” And it’s earlier than many assume.

According to their revised manual, a drawdown is triggered the moment:

• The fund is designated for drawdown, and
• Any payment is made – even tax-free cash.

This has implications for how benefits are reported and can affect death benefit tax rules.

What to do: Review how your firm records and describes drawdown commencement. Ensure client documentation and internal systems reflect HMRC’s stance.

📖 HMRC PTM062701

💰 Tax-Free Cash Protections Are Changing – Time to Act

A heads-up if you’re advising clients with scheme-specific tax-free cash protections.

From 6 April 2025, new rules mean post-commencement transfers may no longer preserve these entitlements – especially where the receiving scheme doesn’t mirror the protection.

Why this matters: Protected lump sums can be lost, and that could have a huge financial impact.

Next step: Identify affected clients now. If a transfer is on the horizon, this could be the last window to preserve higher tax-free cash allowances.

📖 Discussion via Paraplanners Assembly

🤖 AI in Advice: FCA Launches Sandbox in Partnership with NVIDIA

The FCA has teamed up with NVIDIA to support firms testing AI in a secure regulatory environment.

Use cases include:

• Natural language tools for report writing
• Automated reviews of client files
• Real-time suitability checks and more

What this means: AI is moving fast — and the regulator is watching. Advice firms need to balance innovation with documentation, oversight, and client understanding.

Forward-thinking teams should keep tabs on this sandbox — it could shape the tools you’re using next year.

📖 FCA & NVIDIA Sandbox Launch

📱 Finfluencers Beware: FCA Targets Rogue Promotions

The FCA has taken the lead in an international campaign to crack down on illegal financial promotions online — particularly those using social media to skirt regulation.

Their latest sweep targeted influencers marketing investments without FCA authorisation, often on TikTok and Instagram.

If your firm creates content — or if individual advisers post online — this is a good time to refresh your approach. Disclosure, balance, and clarity aren’t optional.

📖 FCA Press Release

💡 Need Extra Capacity or Technical Firepower?

We Complement supports advice teams across the UK with high-quality report writing, technical analysis, and regulatory alignment. We work alongside planners, compliance teams, and business leaders to make sure the advice process runs smoothly – and nothing regulatory falls through the cracks.

If you’re working through complex drawdown, planning for April 2025 changes, or trying to future-proof your templates – we’re here to help.

Market Update – Confidence Returns, But Keep a Steady Hand

US equities led the charge in early June, with the S&P 500 posting its strongest monthly gain in 18 months. Strong employment data and renewed hopes of improved US-China trade relations helped ease market nerves. Emerging markets also joined the rally, buoyed by positive sentiment globally. But advisers should stay alert: optimism doesn’t cancel out volatility. With global elections in full swing and rate expectations shifting weekly, there’s plenty still to keep clients on edge.

✅ Adviser tip: Don’t wait for a wobble, use recent strength as a proactive check-in point. “Here’s what’s changed, and what it means for you.”

✅ Paraplanner tip: Add a global equities snapshot to mid-year reviews. Clients appreciate seeing performance and purpose side-by-side.

Source: Sarasin & Partners

Renewables – Progress or Pause in a Politicised World?

Global renewable energy capacity hit a record-breaking 510GW in 2023—the 22nd consecutive year of growth—and 2024 kept the momentum going, driven by supportive policies and ambitious global targets.

But 2025 has brought fresh uncertainty.

Following the January inauguration of President Trump, the US has started rolling back several key clean energy policies. Early executive orders have promoted oil and gas, imposed new restrictions on wind development, and signalled an intent to withdraw from the Paris Agreement once again.

At a recent @Greenbank Green Shoots webinar, industry leaders asked the big question: Could this derail the clean energy transition – or just reshape it?

✅ Adviser tip: ESG-conscious clients may need more context than ever. Be ready to explain how policy shifts affect long-term investment themes.

✅ Paraplanner tip: Review ESG notes and fund selections—clear documentation builds confidence when clients are questioning headlines.

Platform Watch – Timeline Just Got More Powerful

Timeline continues to level up, making life easier for advisers and paraplanners alike.

Here’s what’s new:

✅ Support for Offshore Bonds, JISAs, and Joint GIAs

✅ Improved integrations with intelliflo, Plannr Technologies Limited, and moneyinfo

✅ Real-time transfer tracking and secure client messaging

✅ Letters of Authority (LoAs) now 98.8% error-free, with better visibility and provider tracking

But the standout? Modular Reporting.

This new feature lets you build client reports your way – quickly, clearly, and with no wasted pages.

🧩 Pick the sections you need (like performance, planning summaries, or fee analysis) 🧩 Tailor layouts to suit each client 🧩 Compare portfolios side-by-side 🧩 Add your own commentary, and hit send

Whether you’re using a ready-made template or building your own, Modular Reporting saves time and delivers clarity.

✅ Adviser tip: Use modular reports to make client reviews more visual, relevant, and easy to follow

✅ Paraplanner tip: Create go-to templates for common client types, then customise in seconds

Final Thought – Tech Helps, But People Make the Difference

From political shocks to platform wins, this month’s stories remind us: the tools might change, but trusted advice is what clients remember. If you’re feeling the pinch on time, capacity, or clarity, we’re here. At We Complement, we support advisers behind the scenes with smart, scalable paraplanning. You shine out front – we’ve got your back.

📩 Got questions? Need an extra pair of hands? Send @amynorth a message – she’s always up for a proper chat (and might just solve three of your problems in one go).

As a paraplanner here at We Complement, I’m always looking at how real-life passions show up in financial plans.  Over the past few months, I’ve had more than a few conversations about art – not in a museum sense, but as a genuine investment consideration. Whether it’s a client asking about owning a painting outright, or exploring fractional platforms, it’s clear that art is becoming more than just a ‘nice to have’ on the wall.

So this month, I’ve pulled together the key things planners should know when this topic comes up, because as with any specialised investment, the detail matters.

Art as an Investment: Pastime or Portfolio Play?

The Upside: Why Clients Are Drawn to Art

– It’s tangible and meaningful. Unlike a unit price on a platform, a painting is something clients can see, enjoy, and connect with, often for years.

– Potential for growth. While speculative, some emerging artists or trending movements do appreciate significantly over time.

– Diversification benefits. Art doesn’t track the stock market, so it can offer a hedge during volatility or inflation spikes.

– Legacy appeal. For some clients, it’s not about returns, it’s about passing on something culturally or emotionally valuable.

– New ways in. Platforms now allow fractional ownership, curated digital collections, and simplified access. No galleries or auction houses required.

The Caution Flags: What Planners Should Consider

– It’s not liquid. Selling art is rarely quick or easy. Clients need to be in it for the long game.

– Valuing art isn’t straightforward. There are no balance sheets or earnings reports, just market trends, expert opinions, and what someone is willing to pay on the day. Costs add up. Storage, insurance, restoration, and transaction fees can bite into gains.

– Authentication matters. Provenance and condition are everything. A lack of due diligence can lead to expensive lessons.

– Trends change. Today’s darling can be tomorrow’s forgotten name. The art world moves fast, and not always predictably.

What to Keep in Mind as a Planner

– It’s often a passion play. For many clients, art ownership is about enjoyment and legacy – not just returns. Help them frame expectations accordingly.

– Tax treatment differs. Capital gains rules for art don’t align neatly with standard investment products – make sure clients understand the implications.

– Due diligence is critical. If a client is serious about entering the art market, connect them with trusted specialists or platforms that prioritise transparency and authentication.

Summary

Art can be a genuinely enriching (and sometimes lucrative) addition to a client’s broader portfolio, but it’s not for everyone. Approach it as you would with any alternative investment: with curiosity, caution, and context.

Further Reading for Financial Planners

How to Invest in Art for Beginners: Why Art is a Good Investment in 2025

How to Invest in Art and Collectibles: From Pastime to Portfolio

The fintech landscape isn’t slowing down, and neither are the pressures on financial advice businesses. This month’s edition of TechTalk brings you the latest tech and regulatory developments—and more importantly, what they actually mean for your firm’s operations, compliance, and client experience.

Let’s dive in.

📊 Aviva & FNZ Launch New Tools for Advisers

Aviva for Advisers and FNZ have launched two new tools designed to help advisers work smarter, not harder:

• Adviser Analytics Hub: a new MI suite inside Aviva’s Adviser Hub, offering data insights on client behaviour, segmentation, and business trends.
• New asset transfer workflow – designed to simplify and speed up bulk client transfers onto the Aviva platform, with far less back-and-forth.

This goes beyond ‘more dashboards’—it’s a genuine push to align platform functionality with adviser realities.

💭 What this means for you: If your firm regularly battles with fragmented data or slow re-registration workflows, this tech could significantly reduce turnaround times and resource drain. If you’re platform-agnostic, now’s the time to review which providers are genuinely investing in adviser usability.

🔗 Explore Aviva & FNZ’s collaboration

🔐 Moneyinfo x ZeroKey: Integrated Client Data, Less Hassle

moneyinfo and ZeroKey have announced a new partnership that’s all about speeding up access to client data—without compromising quality.

The integration means advisers can:

• Pull in data from providers, platforms, and open banking feeds
• Pre-populate client profiles with minimal manual entry
• Manage onboarding and reviews via a slick branded mobile app

It’s a tangible step forward in the drive toward smarter, faster client servicing.

💭 What this means for you: Ask your team how many minutes they spend hunting for accurate data before each review meeting. Now multiply that across your entire client base. This kind of automation doesn’t just cut cost—it unlocks capacity and reduces friction in your client journey.

🔗 See what Moneyinfo and ZeroKey are building

🧠 FCA & ICO: AI Is Inevitable—But You Need to Be Ready

In a joint update, the FCA and ICO made it clear: they support the use of AI in financial services—but they’re keeping a close eye on it.

Key points:

• 85% of firms are already using or planning to use AI.
• Data protection is a top barrier.
• A new statutory AI code of practice is being developed to provide clearer guardrails.

The message is: innovation is encouraged, but it must be responsible, transparent, and client-focused.

💭 What this means for you: Whether you’re already using AI tools (e.g. for meeting notes, workflows, or MI) or just considering them, now is the time to audit your processes. Are your providers transparent about how data is handled? Are you confident you could demonstrate compliance?

🔗 Read the full FCA-ICO update

🛡️ Fraud Is Up—Here’s What That Means for Wealth Firms

A recent report shows a 73% increase in online fraud impacting UK businesses. For advice firms handling sensitive financial data, the implications are real and growing.

Advisers need to be aware that:

• Cybercriminals are targeting firms with weak integrations and outdated client portals.
• Trust can be eroded fast if clients feel their data isn’t secure.
• Regulators are paying attention to how firms handle identity verification, document transfers, and platform access.

💭 What this means for you: Security is no longer just an IT issue—it’s a brand issue. Clients are asking more questions about where their data goes and how it’s protected. If your tech partners aren’t visibly proactive on security, it may be time to revisit the stack.

📈 FCA’s 2025–2030 Plan: Get Ready for Open Finance

The FCA’s new 5-year strategy reveals a vision where technology and trust go hand-in-hand. Open Finance is no longer a buzzword—it’s a roadmap.

Key highlights:

• Laying the groundwork for Open Finance regulation and interoperability.
• Supporting firms to adopt AI and digital tools safely.
• Stronger focus on consumer outcomes through transparent data use.

💭 What this means for you: Open Finance could fundamentally reshape how you access, use, and share client data. Are your systems agile enough to keep up? The firms that invest in flexible, future-ready infrastructure today will be the ones that thrive when the frameworks land.

💬 Final Thought: Let’s Be Honest—The Tech Isn’t Slowing Down

The pace of change can be exhausting. But the firms that succeed aren’t the ones doing everything—they’re the ones doing the right things, at the right time.

This month’s updates are a reminder that:

• Data must be trusted, not just available
• AI must be usable and accountable
• Client experience still trumps ‘shiny tech’

At We Complement, we help financial planning firms find their balance—making smart tech decisions that genuinely support advisers, paraplanners, and clients. If you’d like a sounding board on what to prioritise, we’re here.

📬 hello@wecomplement.co.uk 💬 Or just reply here—we always love hearing from planners who want to make tech work.

🔁 Follow us for more monthly TechTalk updates — no jargon, just insights that matter.

For Financial Planners and Paraplanners, by Paraplanners

Welcome to the June edition of Regulation Round-Up — your friendly and practical digest of key FCA updates and industry news that matter to your daily work. We know the regulatory landscape can shift quickly, so we’re here to help you stay informed and confident in your advice process.

💚 Responsible Investing: Still a Priority for Clients

A recent article in Professional Paraplanner highlighted findings from the FCA showing that clients continue to value responsible investment options, despite market volatility and economic pressures.

According to the FCA’s research, a significant proportion of advised clients are not only aware of responsible or sustainable investments, but many are actively interested in them. That’s an important reminder to us as paraplanners and advisers: even when regulatory focus may be shifting elsewhere, clients still care deeply about how their money is invested.

Practical tip: Make sure you’re capturing client ESG preferences properly in fact-finds and suitability reports. If your templates haven’t been reviewed since Consumer Duty came in, now’s the time.

📖 Read the full article

📊 FCA Streamlines Complaints Reporting

The FCA has announced a simplification of the complaints data reporting requirements for firms. From 1 January 2026, firms will be required to submit complaints data only once a year, rather than biannually.

This is part of the regulator’s broader push to reduce red tape for smaller firms while retaining transparency and accountability. The FCA says it hopes the new regime will save time and resource for advice businesses.

Practical tip: If you’re involved in compliance support or MI reporting, take note of the transition date and ensure your internal calendars and procedures are updated in good time.

📖 FCA Announcement

🏦 FCA Responds to Government’s Pension Investment Review

The government recently concluded a major Pension Investment Review, which aims to encourage better outcomes for savers and a more productive use of capital. The FCA has now responded, committing to support the government’s aims through a range of regulatory initiatives.

Of note to advisers and paraplanners, the FCA confirmed it will:

• Continue to assess how workplace pensions and default funds align with retirement needs
• Ensure advice processes support suitable drawdown strategies
• Promote transparency in fund disclosures

Practical tip: While many of the changes relate to workplace pensions, these developments have the potential to filter into advice standards and client expectations. Keep an eye on updates, especially if your firm supports clients with legacy schemes or SIPPs.

📖 FCA Response

🤖 FCA Launches Live AI Testing Sandbox

Possibly the most forward-looking update this month: the FCA has announced the launch of a live AI testing environment, allowing firms to trial artificial intelligence tools in a safe and regulated space.

Dubbed a “digital sandbox for AI”, this initiative aims to strike the balance between innovation and consumer protection. It’s particularly relevant to compliance teams, fintech developers, and larger advice networks experimenting with machine learning tools.

Practical tip: AI might feel far removed from day-to-day paraplanning — but change is coming. Whether it’s document automation, suitability report generation, or risk profiling tools, expect AI to play a bigger role. Stay informed, and keep asking how these tools can support quality, not replace it.

📖 FCA AI Press Release

🔍 Other Noteworthy Updates

• Consumer Duty enforcement is ramping up — Early supervisory actions are being taken against firms failing to demonstrate fair value or communicate clearly. Now is a good time to review your client communications and file notes.
• Advice Guidance Boundary Review — The Treasury and FCA are working on proposals to close the advice gap. While changes are not immediate, the outcomes may impact how financial planners support lower-value clients.

📖 View FCA consultations and policy statements

✍️ We Complement Can Help

At We Complement, we know the pressure of staying compliant while delivering high-quality, client-centred advice. Our paraplanning service is built for modern financial planning teams — combining technical expertise, attention to detail, and a proactive understanding of regulatory change.

Whether you’re navigating ESG reporting, updating for Consumer Duty, or building capacity to scale, we’re here to support you.

👉 Want to learn more? Visit our website or drop us a message on LinkedIn. Let’s chat about how we can help your firm thrive.

That’s it for this month’s round-up — see you in July! If you found this helpful, why not forward it to a fellow planner or paraplanner?

Helping financial planners and paraplanners turn insight into action.

US Equities – Political Risk or Practical Diversification?

An increasingly frequent question from clients: “Am I indirectly supporting Trump if I invest in US markets?”

While it’s a stretch to suggest that holding US equities equates to political endorsement, this is a reminder that for some clients, values and perceptions matter just as much as performance.

• The US remains a global growth engine, and for most clients, exposure is about long-term diversification, not politics.
• However, for clients who are ethically conscious—or simply concerned about where their money flows—it’s worth engaging in that conversation seriously.

✅ Planner tip: Add values-based preferences to your review agenda. Even if clients don’t raise it, opening the door shows that you’re listening. ✅ Paraplanner tip: If clients have specified ESG or values preferences, reflect this clearly in your investment rationale and documentation.

🔗 Read more – FT Adviser

💷 ISAs – Still a Favourite, But Facing Reform?

ISAs continue to be the go-to tax wrapper for UK savers—but their structure could soon change. The Treasury is actively reviewing the ISA system, including:

• Consolidating the various ISA types (Cash, Stocks & Shares, LISA, IFISA), which could streamline choice.
• Reviewing access rules and considering incentives to encourage long-term investing in UK markets.

The current system still works—but clients with multiple ISAs, or unclear product choices, may benefit from early clarification.

✅ Planner tip: Encourage clients to make full use of this year’s allowances while rules are still stable. It’s a great check-in opportunity. ✅ Paraplanner tip: Review client records for ISA fragmentation—especially where Lifetime or Innovative Finance ISAs may soon be affected.

🔗 Read more – FT Adviser

📉 Volatile Markets – Where Were the Advisers?

A new report reveals that only 2% of investors sought advice during recent market volatility. That’s a missed opportunity—for them and for the profession.

It highlights how many retail investors are still “going it alone,” and how few understand the reassurance and value that advice can provide during downturns.

✅ Planner tip: Market dips are a cue to reach out. A short, steadying message can do more for trust than a flashy annual review. ✅ Paraplanner tip: Develop a “market update” template that can be adapted quickly for client emails or review packs when turbulence hits.

🔗 Read more – FT Adviser

📈 Platform Watch – AJ Bell Breaks £90bn

AJ Bell has surpassed £90bn in assets under administration, with profit and adviser adoption both up. It’s a signal that:

• Platform choice matters more than ever—especially under Consumer Duty scrutiny.
• Scale brings benefits, but also the need to keep an eye on service standards, integrations, and pricing.

✅ Planner tip: Review whether your preferred platform still meets your clients’ evolving needs—and whether your recommendations reflect this. ✅ Paraplanner tip: Track new functionality or cost changes from providers. An internal comparison matrix can make reviews far more efficient.

🔗 Read more – Money Marketing

🧭 Final Thoughts – Make Proactivity Your USP

What links this month’s stories? Not just market noise or new rules—but the value of being one step ahead.

• Clients rarely call during turbulence—but they remember who checked in.
• ISA rules might not change for months—but reviewing early positions you as thorough.
• A client’s offhand comment about US politics? That’s your invitation to have a deeper conversation.

At We Complement, we help advice firms deliver real value through smart, reliable paraplanning—whether it’s keeping reports compliant and clear, improving client communication, or freeing up time for more strategic conversations.

📩 If you’re looking to streamline your paraplanning process or just want extra capacity you can trust—get in touch. We’d love to support your team behind the scenes, so you can shine out front.

Welcome to the May edition of Specialised Investments Simplified, where we round up the latest developments in the investment world and turn them into practical insights for financial planners and paraplanners. This month, we’re diving into inheritance tax planning post-Budget, the growing power of sustainable investing, and a couple of innovative opportunities making waves.

🏡 Inheritance Tax Planning: What You Should Know Now

Budget implications – what’s really going on? The government’s proposed changes to inheritance tax (IHT) – due in April 2026 – are causing a stir. Agricultural and business property relief could be limited, and farms worth over £1 million may face a 20% tax hit. While exemptions are still in place, it’s important to help clients take stock now and avoid getting caught out.

Practical planning tips:

• Encourage early action – talk to clients about reviewing gifting strategies now, before any new rules bite.
• Revisit existing trusts – some structures could become less tax-efficient, so a refresh might be in order.
• Remind clients about the 7-year rule – gifts outside the estate can still be a smart move when properly timed.

Spotlight on: TIME Investments

We’ve also been looking at TIME:Advance, a BR-qualifying investment that aims to deliver IHT relief in just two years. With flexible withdrawal options and a target return of 3–4.5% p.a., it’s worth considering for clients looking to retain access to their funds while planning efficiently.

🔗 Learn more about TIME:Advance

💰 Gifting Trends: Bank of Mum and Dad is Going Strong

Parents gave or loaned nearly £9.6 billion in 2024 to help their children onto the property ladder – that’s over half of all first-time buyer property purchases! With IHT rules in flux, many families are using gifting more proactively to transfer wealth sooner.

What to flag to clients:

• Document gifts clearly – especially if they could fall under the ‘gifts out of normal expenditure’ exemption.
• Review life insurance needs – gifting large amounts might warrant a protection check-in.
• Start the 7-year clock early – the sooner gifts are made, the better for long-term planning.

🌱 Sustainability in Practice: Our Work with Etcho

We know ESG isn’t just a trend – it’s part of good financial planning. That’s why we work closely with Etcho, a fantastic platform helping advisers align client portfolios with their sustainability goals.

What Etcho offers advisers:

• Client-facing sustainability assessments
• Portfolio screening tools to match ESG preferences
• Practical ways to start meaningful conversations around values-based investing

Check out more about how they help planners here: Etcho for IFAs

Also worth a read: Greenbank’s latest update on food security and nature-based risk shows just how quickly the ESG landscape is evolving.

🔗 Greenbank Sustainability Update – April 2025

🔎 Investment Trends: Innovation That Caught Our Eye

Foresight backs Functional Gut Group Foresight Group has invested £5.75m into the Functional Gut Group, a business offering diagnostic services for digestive health issues. It’s a growing market with potential for both health and returns. 🔗 More on this investment

Puma AIM VCT launches – first in 18 years Puma Investments has launched the first new AIM-focused VCT in nearly two decades. It’s already made an investment into quantum science company Quantum Base, which tells you something about where they see the future. 🔗 Puma AIM VCT launch details

💬 Final Thoughts

With IHT changes on the horizon and new ESG rules coming in, this is a great time to get ahead with practical planning and meaningful conversations.

At We Complement, we’re here to help you stay informed and efficient – whether it’s paraplanning support, help developing your CIP/CRP, or making sense of complex investment options. If you’d like to chat about how we can support your advice process, we’d love to hear from you.

📩 Drop us a message – we’re always happy to talk.

Practical Tech Insights for Paraplanners & Advisers

Welcome to the May edition of TechTalk! This month, we’re diving into the latest tech developments in financial services, with a focus on tools and innovations that can make your day-to-day work more efficient and client-focused.

🧠 Enhancing Client Understanding with Psychometric Tools

Scottish Widows has integrated a psychometric testing tool into their platform, developed in collaboration with Oxford Risk. This tool assesses clients’ risk attitudes, knowledge, and composure, providing deeper insights into their financial behaviours.

Why it matters:

• For paraplanners: Gain richer client profiling data during onboarding.
• For advisers: Tailor investment strategies that align more closely with client behaviours, potentially reducing reactive decision-making during market volatility.

👉 Learn more about the integration

🔧 Streamlining Platform Operations: The Platforms Association

A new body, the Platforms Association, has been established to address common challenges in the investment platform sector, such as re-registration delays and inconsistent tech interfaces. Members include major players like Aegon, Quilter, and Fidelity.

Why it matters:

• For paraplanners and advisers: Expect improved platform interoperability and service standards, leading to more efficient client onboarding and management.

👉 Read about the Platforms Association’s goals

📊 Advancing Pension Visibility: Origo’s Dashboard Connection

Origo has successfully connected to the UK’s pensions dashboards ecosystem, a significant step towards providing clients with a consolidated view of their pension pots.Why it matters:

• For paraplanners: Simplifies the fact-finding process by aggregating pension information.
• For advisers: Enhances the ability to present comprehensive retirement planning strategies.

👉 Discover Origo’s role in the pensions dashboard

📑 Standardising Data Requests: The LoA Data Checklist

The LoA Data Checklist, developed by the Fix LoA Action Group (FLAG) and maintained by Criterion, is gaining traction with over 70 firms adopting it. This standard aims to streamline the process of obtaining information through Letters of Authority.

Why it matters:

• For paraplanners and advisers: Reduces administrative burden by clarifying the data expected from providers, leading to faster and more accurate information retrieval.

👉 Explore the LoA Data Checklist

💰 Meeting Client Demand: AJ Bell’s Gilt MPS Launch

AJ Bell has introduced a new Gilt Model Portfolio Service (MPS), offering a low-cost investment option amid growing adviser demand for gilts. The service features a management charge of just 0.10% per annum and is available with a minimum investment of £10,000.

• For advisers: Provides a tax-efficient, low-risk investment option suitable for clients seeking stable returns.

👉 Learn about AJ Bell’s Gilt MPS

🔍 Final Thoughts

The financial services world is evolving fast, and it’s clear that tech is no longer a ‘nice to have’—it’s central to how paraplanners and advisers deliver value, stay efficient, and serve clients better. From smarter client profiling to platform improvements and clearer data standards, these developments are all about making your day-to-day work easier and more effective.

At We Complement, we specialise in supporting financial planning businesses behind the scenes—whether that’s paraplanning, streamlining operations, or helping you adopt the right tech tools without the overwhelm. If you’re curious about how we can help, pop us a DM here on LinkedIn or drop us an email at hello@wecomplement.co.uk. We’re always up for a chat.