Armchair Critic: Twenty points for advisers to ponder

Awkward questions

clock • 5 min read

Socrates argued the unexamined life was not worth living but what about the unexamined industry? Here our Armchair Critic - and occasional armchair philosopher - Brendan Llewellyn offers points for us all to ponder

1. While a financial services company should probably focus only on profitable clients, if everyone focuses on the middle or above, then the sector will alienate itself from the government and regulator. At best, it will become politically irrelevant - after all, how could a service that cannot help the majority of the population be politically relevant? Does that matter? 2. We know from our behavioural economics that marginal utility falls with levels of income and wealth - and it follows that consumers are more indifferent to rises than they are to falls. It would also follow that aggr...

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

Experienced adviser launches financial education website

Experienced adviser launches financial education website

Subscription-based model designed for individuals and businesses

Jenna Brown
clock 25 February 2025 • 2 min read
Investors caution Reeves' ISA reforms 'would need to strike a careful balance' to solve UK investment crisis

Investors caution Reeves' ISA reforms 'would need to strike a careful balance' to solve UK investment crisis

‘A significant shift’ but not unprecedented

Sorin Dojan
clock 21 February 2025 • 2 min read
Advisers urged to encourage philanthropy as UK's wealthiest donate £8bn

Advisers urged to encourage philanthropy as UK's wealthiest donate £8bn

CAF report highlights untapped philanthropic potential among high-net-worth clients

Sahar Nazir
clock 21 February 2025 • 2 min read