Dynamic Planner is launching Connected, a new podcast series designed to inform, inspire and connect professionals across the investment and advice industry.

The financial advice sector is no stranger to regulation, but the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has made it clear that firms must continuously adapt to its evolving expectations. The latest Dear CEO letter, along with recent thematic reviews, underscores the regulator’s intensified focus on key areas such as retirement income advice, ongoing advice services, firm deauthorisation, and the consolidation market. IFA Magazine’s Senior Financial Journalist, Jenny Hunter takes a look at how these areas reflect the FCA’s overarching commitment to consumer protection, transparency, and professionalism within the financial services profession.[i][ii]The evolution of financial regulationFinancial regulation in the UK has undergone significant evolution over the past several decades. Since the 2008 financial crisis, regulatory bodies like the FCA have placed greater emphasis on ensuring financial stability and consumer protection. The introduction of Consumer Duty in 2023 further strengthened these principles, compelling firms to reassess their approach to client service, product suitability, and market fairness.The financial services profession is at an inflexion point, where regulatory compliance is no longer just about ticking boxes but ensuring real, measurable outcomes for clients. The FCA’s stance on financial regulation aligns with broader global trends, particularly within the European Union’s MiFID II directive and the United States’ Dodd-Frank Act

Last autumn, I, Rowan Whittington, joined Dynamic Planner as Growth Director for its white-labelled financial planning app, Tram. I took on the role because I buy into the company’s mission: to make financial advice more accessible through technology.Before my move, I spent 10 years in insurance and, more recently, four years at Confused.com, which has revolutionised how people shop for car insurance. My mission at Dynamic Planner is to do the same for financial advice: bringing it into the digital 21st century for all. It’s something I’m passionate about for personal reasons, as well as professional.Government data puts the gender pension gap at 35% – meaning the average man saving into a private pension today has accumulated 35% more than the average woman. The reasons behind this gap are many – the gender pay gap, the types of work women traditionally take on, childcare breaks and some women returning to work part time – but also women historically haven’t always been a natural part of financial conversations and decisions. It’s important to me that we break that cycle and work towards financial inclusion for everyone.I’m in my early 30s, successful in my career and planning for my future. Some might say I’m financially ‘confident’