Armchair Critic: Why we should be addressing the 3 Capital Model

Person-centric services

clock • 6 min read

Given people care about money, why don't they care as much about financial services? Asks our Armchair Critic Brendan Llewellyn. Here, he explains why focusing on a '3 Capital model' could revolutionise the way people and financial services interact

The main reason there is a lack of engagement with the public is that we as an industry do not, in general, engage with the whole money picture as seen by consumers. Their money has three main parts - their income, their spending and their saving. The last bit is the smallest bit, yet that is the only bit we address. So, if we addressed their income and their expenditure we would stand a better chance of engaging with more consumers on their terms. So, firstly, their income. We should - whether we are financial services providers, advisers or platforms - offer what people need on income....

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

Regulators publish joint consultation on DC pensions value for money

Regulators publish joint consultation on DC pensions value for money

'Pension schemes' performance will be public with a simple rating system'

Martin Richmond
clock 08 January 2026 • 5 min read
Female clients twice as likely to be unhappy with their adviser than men

Female clients twice as likely to be unhappy with their adviser than men

Dissatisfied with communication, trust and adviser/client relationship

Isabel Baxter
clock 08 January 2026 • 2 min read
Why the 'comfortable middle' faces a tougher decade ahead

Why the 'comfortable middle' faces a tougher decade ahead

‘From a client’s perspective, it feels like earning more while keeping less’

Anthony Villisis
clock 08 January 2026 • 5 min read