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.
💷 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.
📉 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.
📈 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.
🧭 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.
