Behavioural coaching is 'cornerstone' of effective advice

Advisers serve as the ‘guardians of discipline’

Sahar Nazir
clock • 4 min read

Embark Investments’ Barry MacLennan talks to Sahar Nazir about the importance of behavioural coaching in the financial planning process…

In the labyrinth of the financial advice industry, where decisions are a crossroad, behavioural coaching should play a bigger role in the advice process, according to Embark Investments chief executive Barry MacLennan. "Emotion-driven decision-making is the Achilles' heel of many clients," MacLennan says. "As human beings, we are wired with cognitive biases. The key is to equip clients with tools to resist the siren call of short-term emotions." Understanding the impact of behavioural biases MacLennan tells Professional Adviser that emotional decision-making impacts investment outco...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

Evelyn Partners hits £67bn in AUM as inflows rise 18% in Q3

Evelyn Partners hits £67bn in AUM as inflows rise 18% in Q3

Amid plans to integrate financial planning and investment management teams

Sahar Nazir
clock 04 November 2025 • 2 min read
Autumn Budget 2025: Chancellor refuses to rule out Autumn Budget tax rises

Autumn Budget 2025: Chancellor refuses to rule out Autumn Budget tax rises

Says upcoming budget will focus on ‘growth with fairness’

Professional Adviser
clock 04 November 2025 • 1 min read
What's haunting financial advisers this Halloween?

What's haunting financial advisers this Halloween?

Six experts share their spooky thoughts

Professional Adviser
clock 31 October 2025 • 4 min read