News editor's view: In a world of noise, the advice sector seeks control

The news editor's Friday Night Takeaway from 23 May

Sahar Nazir
clock • 2 min read

If this week’s top stories in financial advice had a group chat, its title might be: “Everything’s fine, just rethinking everything.” From boardroom exits and FCA crackdowns to AI revelations and emotional burnout, it’s been another week of soul-searching, systems-checking, and sanity-testing across the advice industry.

Let's start with the clear mood-setter: trouble in governance town. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) came down hard on Strowz, a wealth manager accused of mixing client money. It raised "significant concerns" that Strowz was not meeting minimum requirements to carry out regulated activities. Meanwhile, at the Personal Finance Society (PFS), a fresh pair of resignations – including the vice president – raised serious alarms about governance and culture. Their concern? That they could no longer meet their fiduciary duties under the current leadership. Things weren't much calmer ove...

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