Money Marketing’s Weekly Must-Reads: Top 10 Stories
This week’s, two leading headlines cover: Staggering support for AJ Bell’s petition on pension tax protections and SJP proud to celebrate new graduates from their academy. These headline were among the most-viewed stories on Money Marketing.
Here are the ten most-read stories from the past week:
Government to respond to AJ Bell’s petition after 10,000 signatures
The UK government had been prompted to respond after AJ Bell’s petition on pension tax protections sailed past 10,000 signatures. The wealth manager had urged chancellor Rachel Reeves to guarantee the continuation of pension tax relief and tax-free cash for the rest of this Parliament.
With over 14,000 supporters, AJ Bell called for a firm “Pension Tax Lock,” arguing that certainty and stability were essential for savers planning their retirement futures.
SJP Academy welcomes 175 qualified advisers
St. James’s Place’s Financial Adviser Academy proudly celebrated 175 new graduates at its 2025 ceremony held at London’s Science Museum. CEO Mark Fitzpatrick praised their dedication, while alumni and new advisers shared inspiring stories from varied backgrounds.
Since its 2012 launch, the Academy had trained around half of all new UK advisers. Graduates now embarked on careers within SJP or their own practices, boosting access to trusted financial advice nationwide.
Chancellor puts Cash Isa cut back on the table:Reports
Chancellor Rachel Reeves had reportedly revisited plans to cut the Cash Isa allowance from £20,000 to £10,000 ahead of the Budget.
The move followed comments urging more investment in the stock market. Industry voices were divided: TISA warned it would hurt savers, while AJ Bell’s Tom Selby praised a review of the complex Isa system.
Experts agreed reform could nudge cautious savers towards investing and boost UK market confidence.
Transact warns pension rule changes to push millions into IHT
Transact’s latest Inheritance Tax Index had revealed that pension rule changes from 2027 could pull millions more households into inheritance tax. By including pension wealth in estate valuations, the proportion of affected estates was set to more than triple.
London and the South East faced the biggest hit, while awareness stayed low. Advisers expected a boom in estate planning, with gifting, trusts and investment bonds becoming key defensive strategies.
FCA sets out plan to make UK ‘world leader’ in tokenisation
The Financial Conduct Authority had unveiled plans to make the UK a world leader in tokenisation, aiming to boost innovation and competition in asset management. By recording asset ownership on blockchain, tokenisation promised lower costs, better transparency, and wider investment access.
The FCA’s roadmap offered clarity for firms adopting this technology, with industry leaders hailing the move as a transformative step towards a more efficient, inclusive and future-ready investment landscape.
Wesleyan appoints new COO to support growth strategy
Wesleyan Group had appointed Faraz Tasnim as its new chief operating officer to drive the next stage of its growth strategy. Having joined from Quilter in 2022, Tasnim brought two decades of experience and had already led major transformation projects.
As COO, he focused on deepening customer relationships and enhancing digital services. He succeeded David Stewart, praised for his outstanding contribution during six successful years with the mutual.
Advisers ‘virtually unanimous’ that tax rises are on the way
Downing’s latest survey had found advisers were almost unanimous in expecting tax rises in the upcoming Budget. Nearly all respondents anticipated increases, with most predicting higher National Insurance, Corporation Tax and VAT. Fewer expected changes to income or inheritance tax.
Downing’s Mark Dunn said advisers were bracing for tougher fiscal policy, highlighting the importance of tax-efficient, growth-focused investment strategies to help clients stay resilient and protect long-term financial goals.
Nucleus signs landmark platform deal with Titan Wealth
Nucleus had secured a landmark five-year platform deal with Titan Wealth, its biggest agreement to date. Through its subsidiary Third Financial, Nucleus delivered an Adviser as a Platform solution to power Titan’s new Wealth Platform.
The partnership aimed to migrate billions in assets and support Titan’s £100bn growth target. Leaders from both firms hailed the collaboration as a milestone in innovation, efficiency and bespoke wealth management technology.
Legal & General had announced the appointment of Scott Wheway as its next chair, succeeding Sir John Kingman in May 2026.
Wheway, currently chair of Scottish Widows and a Lloyds Banking Group director, was set to join L&G’s board in January as chair designate.
With decades of executive and non-executive experience, he was praised for his customer focus and leadership, as L&G prepared for its next phase of growth.
