Darius McDermott: Let's not put people off investing altogether

Time for more balanced coverage

clock • 4 min read

Rather than a constant diet of inevitable cautionary tales in the newspaper money sections, Darius McDermott argues readers also need general financial education and an emphasis on the huge difference investing can make to returns over time

Occasionally, I skim through a major newspaper's money section and cannot help but worry that anyone reading it may be convinced never to invest again. Coverage of issues such as FCA probes, dishonest wealth managers and savings scams sometimes seems so prevalent, it is no wonder our industry struggles to build trust with consumers. It goes without saying it is incredibly important to bring people's attention to malpractice and to warn them of what to look out for. What is less useful, however, is putting people off investing altogether. We are all living longer and being forced to take ...

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 Investment

Partner Insight: UK small-cap opportunities are 'The best for more than 30 years', Downing's Judith MacKenzie says

Partner Insight: UK small-cap opportunities are 'The best for more than 30 years', Downing's Judith MacKenzie says

Growing interest in IPOs and a surge in pension fund interest put UK small-caps on course for strong growth.

Judith Mackenzie, Partner and Head of Downing Fund Managers
clock 28 November 2025 • 4 min read
'It's been frantic – in a good way': Orbis' Matt Spencer on maintaining momentum

'It's been frantic – in a good way': Orbis' Matt Spencer on maintaining momentum

Advisers in the UK are ‘exceptionally high quality’

Jenna Brown
clock 25 November 2025 • 8 min read
Why 'bubble talk' doesn't always burst markets

Why 'bubble talk' doesn't always burst markets

What’s really driving recent returns?

Eleanor Ingilby
clock 20 November 2025 • 4 min read