Accord Talks

About Accord Talks

Join hosts Elly Dowding and Lee Coates OBE for Accord Talks! Accord Talks brings together advisers and industry practitioners to explore how advice is changing - with particular insight into sustainability and values-related investing and how these preferences are handled alongside wider client objectives.

Publisher

In Accord - Accord Initiative

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

11 Jun 2025

Latest episode

30 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   30 Sept 2026

   Letting Clients Have Their Say - How one advice firm changed the way it talks to clients about their investment preferences

   What happens when an advice firm takes a fresh look at how it asks clients about their investment preferences? In this special Good Money Week episode of Accord Talks, hosts Elly Dowding and Lee Coates OBE speak to Craig Gahagan, a Chartered Financial Adviser at Acuma Wealth, who has recently reviewed and updated their client preference process. We hear what prompted the rethink, what they discovered along the way, and how changing the conversation is helping clients make more informed choices about their investments — including whether, and how, they want their personal views reflected. Shownotes: Acuma Wealth: https://acumawealth.co.uk/ (https://acumawealth.co.uk/) Accord Initiative Client Preference Ready Badge: https://www.accordinitiative.com/public/page/Client+Preference+Ready+Badge/236 (https://www.accordinitiative.com/public/page/Client+Preference+Ready+Badge/236) Accord Initiative Preference Toolkit: https://www.accordinitiative.com/public/page/Preference+Toolkit/230 (https://www.accordinitiative.com/public/page/Preference+Toolkit/230)

2. 

   12 Aug 2026

   The Human Advantage

   In this episode, Elly and Lee explore what makes human advice valuable as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly capable. Joined by Iga Sloan of Digital Regs and Andrew Storey of EV, they discuss AI governance, accountability, suitability and capacity for loss—and why good outcomes still depend on understanding the person behind the data. Note: Any guest contributions are transcribed from the recording. Host sections are based on the final script used for recording and may contain wording variations from the audio. SHOW NOTES: FCA AI and the future of retail financial services (The Mills Review) https://www.fca.org.uk/publications/corporate-documents/mills-review (https://www.fca.org.uk/publications/corporate-documents/mills-review) EV https://www.ev.uk/ (https://www.ev.uk/) Digital Regs https://digitalregs.com/ (https://digitalregs.com/)

3. 

   17 Jun 2026

   CP26/10 (simplifying pensions and investment advice rules) — In Accord’s feedback

   In this episode of Accord Talks, Elly and Lee explore the FCA's CP26/10 consultation on simplifying pensions and investment advice rules. They discuss In Accord's feedback, the move towards more proportionate advice, and why understanding clients' wider values and preferences remains an important part of delivering good consumer outcomes under Consumer Duty. SHOW NOTES: In Accord’s response to the CP26/10: https://www.inaccord.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/In-Accord-Feedback-CP26_10.pdf (https://www.inaccord.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/In-Accord-Feedback-CP26_10.pdf) CP26/10: Simplifying the pensions and investment advice rules: https://www.fca.org.uk/publications/consultation-papers/cp26-10-simplifying-pensionsinvestment-advice-rules (https://www.fca.org.uk/publications/consultation-papers/cp26-10-simplifying-pensionsinvestment-advice-rules)

4. 

   1 May 2026

   Episode 14: From values to outcomes: Stewardship, client identity and the future of investment alignment

   In this episode of Accord Talks, Elly and Lee explore how shifting client expectations—particularly among younger investors—are reshaping advice, stewardship and fund design. They discuss new research on intergenerational wealth transfer, the rise of eco-anxiety, and why uncovering client values is becoming critical to trust, retention and outcomes. With insights from Natasha Lindell-Mills, Miranda Beacham and Audrey Ryan, the episode examines how stewardship and client-led investing are evolving in practice. Show Notes: Nataxis Wealth Transfer Report - https://www.im.natixis.com/content/dam/natixis/website/insights/investor-sentiment/2026/the-great-wealth-transfer-an-existential-test-for-advice/2026-wealth-transfer-report.pdf (https://www.im.natixis.com/content/dam/natixis/website/insights/investor-sentiment/2026/the-great-wealth-transfer-an-existential-test-for-advice/2026-wealth-transfer-report.pdf ) Eco‑anxiety: how do young people relate to the climate crisis? - https://theconversation.com/eco-anxiety-how-do-young-people-relate-to-the-climate-crisis-277520 (https://theconversation.com/eco-anxiety-how-do-young-people-relate-to-the-climate-crisis-277520) Aegon Asset Management - Equities - https://www.aegonam.com/investment-capabilities/equities/ (https://www.aegonam.com/investment-capabilities/equities/ ) Sarasin & Partners - Stewardship - https://sarasinandpartners.com/stewardship/ (https://sarasinandpartners.com/stewardship/ ) Explore the updated Preference Toolkit - https://www.accordinitiative.com/public/page/Preference+Toolkit/230 (https://www.accordinitiative.com/public/page/Preference+Toolkit/230 ) Explore the Client Preference Ready badge - https://www.accordinitiative.com/public/page/Client+Preference+Ready+Badge/236 (https://www.accordinitiative.com/public/page/Client+Preference+Ready+Badge/236 )

5. 

   1 Apr 2026

   Episode 13: From disclosure to understanding: Aligning client preferences with investment solutions

   In this episode of Accord Talks, Elly and Lee explore the growing focus on consumer understanding under Consumer Duty and what it means for financial advisers in practice.T hey discuss the FCA’s latest guidance on communications, sustainable investment labels, and the Climate Change Committee’s latest carbon budget analysis. With insights from Graeme Devlin and Sam Buckingham, the episode looks at how firms can better understand clients, test communications and align investment solutions with real client needs. Show Notes Full episode transcript: https://www.inaccord.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Episode-13-Transcript-Shownotes.pdf (https://www.inaccord.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Episode-13-Transcript-Shownotes.pdf) FCA Sustainability Disclosure Requirements labels: good and poor practice - https:// (https:// www.fca.org.uk/publications/good-and-poor-practice/sustainable-investment-labels) www.fca.org.uk/publications/good-and-poor-practice/sustainable-investment-labels (https:// www.fca.org.uk/publications/good-and-poor-practice/sustainable-investment-labels) Climate Change Committee Supplementary analysis of the Seventh Carbon Budget - https:// (https:// www.theccc.org.uk/publication/supplementary-analysis-of-the-seventh-carbon-budget/) www.theccc.org.uk/publication/supplementary-analysis-of-the-seventh-carbon-budget/ (https:// www.theccc.org.uk/publication/supplementary-analysis-of-the-seventh-carbon-budget/) FCA Consumer understanding: good practice and areas for improvement | FCA https:// (https:// www.fca.org.uk/publications/good-and-poor-practice/consumer-understanding-goodpractice- areas-improvement) www.fca.org.uk/publications/good-and-poor-practice/consumer-understanding-goodpractice- (https:// www.fca.org.uk/publications/good-and-poor-practice/consumer-understanding-goodpractice- areas-improvement) areas-improvement (https:// www.fca.org.uk/publications/good-and-poor-practice/consumer-understanding-goodpractice- areas-improvement) Miggins - Putting the customer at the heart of financial communication - Comprehensive insight for clarity, compliance, and trust in UK financial services - https://miggins.co/ (https://miggins.co/) Buckingham Research Investment Insights for Financial Advisers and Asset Managers https://buckingham-research.com/ (https://buckingham-research.com/) Client Preference Ready Badge - consumer page - https://www.inaccord.co.uk/clientpreference- (https://www.inaccord.co.uk/clientpreference- ready/) ready/ (https://www.inaccord.co.uk/clientpreference- ready/) Client Preference Ready Badge - adviser page - https://www.accordinitiative.com/public/ (https://www.accordinitiative.com/public/ page/Client+Preference+Ready+Badge/236) page/Client+Preference+Ready+Badge/236 (https://www.accordinitiative.com/public/ page/Client+Preference+Ready+Badge/236)

6. 

   1 Mar 2026

   Episode 12 - Vulnerability by omission

   Episode 12 | 02/03/2026 - Vulnerability by omission: The risk firms don't see coming What does it mean to know your client fully when risk is no longer just financial? This episode connects global risk, client preferences, Consumer Duty and vulnerability - and explains why understanding how clients feel about risk is now central to good advice.  What happens when advisers don't ask about values? With guests Richard Farr (Telos Solutions / Comentis) and Mike Head (Ethical Investors / Ethical Screening), we examine vulnerability, resilience and the emerging risk of "vulnerability by omission" - and why foreseeable harm isn't limited to financial loss. Plus: Client Preference Ready, stewardship reform and CP26/5. A practical look at knowing your client fully. SHOW NOTES Client Preference Ready badge - consumer page - https://www.inaccord.co.uk/clientpreference- (https://www.inaccord.co.uk/clientpreference- ready/) ready/ (https://www.inaccord.co.uk/clientpreference- ready/) Client Preference Ready badge - adviser page https://www.accordinitiative.com/public/ (https://www.accordinitiative.com/public/⁠ page/Client+Preference+Ready+Badge/236) page/Client+Preference+Ready+Badge/236 (https://www.accordinitiative.com/public/⁠ page/Client+Preference+Ready+Badge/236) IA report: Realigning Stewardship: Delivering Sustainable Value Through Stewardship report - a roadmap to strengthen the UK’s stewardship ecosystem and support long‑term value creation - https://media.licdn.com/dms/document/media/v2/D4E1FAQEdhaQRkDfvcA/feedsharedocument- (https://media.licdn.com/dms/document/media/v2/D4E1FAQEdhaQRkDfvcA/feedsharedocument- pdf-analyzed/B4EZwonM2bKgAc-/0/1770207892531? e=1771459200&v=beta&t=dpCfH9wckAxdMURMpO8DZwOMaqR50EUvZN8gSifzcn4) pdf-analyzed/B4EZwonM2bKgAc-/0/1770207892531? (https://media.licdn.com/dms/document/media/v2/D4E1FAQEdhaQRkDfvcA/feedsharedocument- pdf-analyzed/B4EZwonM2bKgAc-/0/1770207892531? e=1771459200&v=beta&t=dpCfH9wckAxdMURMpO8DZwOMaqR50EUvZN8gSifzcn4) e=1771459200&v=beta&t=dpCfH9wckAxdMURMpO8DZwOMaqR50EUvZN8gSifzcn4 (https://media.licdn.com/dms/document/media/v2/D4E1FAQEdhaQRkDfvcA/feedsharedocument- pdf-analyzed/B4EZwonM2bKgAc-/0/1770207892531? e=1771459200&v=beta&t=dpCfH9wckAxdMURMpO8DZwOMaqR50EUvZN8gSifzcn4) CP26/5: Aligning listed issuers’ sustainability disclosures with international standards - https://www.fca.org.uk/publications/consultation-papers/cp26-5-sustainability-disclosures (https://www.fca.org.uk/publications/consultation-papers/cp26-5-sustainability-disclosures) In ACCORD Vulnerability, protected characteristics & client values - practical guide & checklist - https://www.esgaccord.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Vulnerabilityprotected- (https://www.esgaccord.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Vulnerabilityprotected- characteristics-client-values-practical-guide-checklist-.pdf) characteristics-client-values-practical-guide-checklist-.pdf (https://www.esgaccord.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Vulnerabilityprotected- characteristics-client-values-practical-guide-checklist-.pdf) Comentis - https://www.comentis.co.uk/ (https://www.comentis.co.uk/) Telos Solutions - https://www.telossolutions.co.uk/ (https://www.telossolutions.co.uk/) Ethical Investors - https://ethicalinvestors.co.uk/ (https://ethicalinvestors.co.uk/)

7. 

   2 Feb 2026

   Know Your Client Fully: Risk, Preferences and Consumer Duty in an Uncertain World

   What does it mean to know your client fully when risk is no longer just financial? This episode connects global risk, client preferences, Consumer Duty and vulnerability — and explains why understanding how clients feel about risk is now central to good advice. Episode Transcript: https://www.inaccord.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Episode-11-Transcript-Shownotes.pdf (https://www.inaccord.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Episode-11-Transcript-Shownotes.pdf) SHOW NOTES World Economic Forum - Global Risks Report 2026 https://www.weforum.org/publications/globalrisks- (https://www.weforum.org/publications/globalrisks- report-2026/) report-2026/ (https://www.weforum.org/publications/globalrisks- report-2026/) Global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security A national security assessment https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nature-security-assessment-on-global-biodiversityloss- (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nature-security-assessment-on-global-biodiversityloss- ecosystem-collapse-and-national-security) ecosystem-collapse-and-national-security (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nature-security-assessment-on-global-biodiversityloss- ecosystem-collapse-and-national-security) Consumer Duty https://www.fca.org.uk/publications/policy-statements/ps22-9-new-consumer-duty (https://www.fca.org.uk/publications/policy-statements/ps22-9-new-consumer-duty) COBS9 https://handbook.fca.org.uk/handbook/COBS/9?date=2023-06-22&view=chapter (https://handbook.fca.org.uk/handbook/COBS/9?date=2023-06-22&view=chapter) Accord Initiative -free-to-access education, practical resources and compliance support for advisers, including accredited learning, structured guidance and tools designed to ensure client preferences are identified, evidenced and reflected consistently across advice processes. Resources are made freely available with the support of industry partners. www.accordinitiative.com (www.accordinitiative.com)

8. 

   12 Jan 2026

   Episode 10 - Using Climate Data Properly - and Staying Professionally Relevant

   We start 2026 by going deeper than the headlines. From understanding climate related product reporting in practice to the role of lifelong learning in professional credibility. With guests James Dalby at Aviva Wealth and Rich Cooper at LIBF (part of Walbrook Institute).

9. 

   2 Dec 2025

   Why 2026 Must Be the Year of Knowing Your Client - Fully

   In this episode, we look at the gulf between what clients say they want, what manufacturers deliver, and how advice firms are in between. The communication gaps exposed here can’t be ignored - join us as we unpack why 2026 must be the year we fix that. We are also joined by Oscar Warwick-Thompson of UK SIF to look at issues in the distribution chain. Episode Transcript: https://www.esgaccord.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Episode-9-Transcript.pdf (https://www.esgaccord.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Episode-9-Transcript.pdf) Links and Resources: • Morgan Stanley Institute for Sustainable Investing’s 2025 “Sustainable Signals: Individual Investors” report. https://www.morganstanley.com/insights/articles/sustainable-investing-interest-2025 (https://www.morganstanley.com/insights/articles/sustainable-investing-interest-2025) • Net Zero Lawyers Alliance -Sustainable Fiduciary Duty: The report https://www.netzerolawyers.com/publications/sustainable-fiduciary-duties-for-investors (https://www.netzerolawyers.com/publications/sustainable-fiduciary-duties-for-investors) •  Man Institute A Sustainable Future Podcast with Jason Mitchell Head of Responsible Investment Research, Man Group https://www.man.com/insights/ri-podcast-maurits-dolmans (https://www.man.com/insights/ri-podcast-maurits-dolmans) •  Professor Lord Nicholas Stern: The Growth Story of the 21st Century The Economics and Opportunity of Climate Action Download open access: https://press.lse.ac.uk/books/m/10.31389/lsepress.tgs (https://press.lse.ac.uk/books/m/10.31389/lsepress.tgs) Webinar: Nicholas Stern’s book highlights (1hr,26mins) https://lselive.eckoenterprise.net/events/20251105/webcast?presentation=1&stream_id=28021 (https://lselive.eckoenterprise.net/events/20251105/webcast?presentation=1&stream_id=28021) •  UKSIF and PWC - UK SDR and investment labels: Implementation lessons and road ahead https://uksif.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2417-UKSIF-SDR-report-2-v4b.pdf •  Sustainable Investing in Practice: Objectives, Constraints, and Limits to Impact (Edmans, Gosling, Jenter 2025) https://www.fmg.ac.uk/isf/publications/discussion-papers/sustainable-investing-practice-objectives-constraints-and-limits (https://www.fmg.ac.uk/isf/publications/discussion-papers/sustainable-investing-practice-objectives-constraints-and-limits)

10. 

    1 Nov 2025

    Episode 8 - Financial Advice: what’s COP got to do with it?

    In this Episode we talk about COP, ahead of COP 30. What is a COP, where did it come from and how does all of this relate to UK financial advisers and their clients? Note - this Episode was recorded on 28/10/2025, ahead of COP30 and associated developments/information updates Episode Transcript: https://www.esgaccord.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Episode-8-Transcript.pdf (https://www.esgaccord.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Episode-8-Transcript.pdf) Links and Resources: Outrage & Optimism Podcast https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/episodes (https://www.outrageandoptimism.org/episodes) Chatham House What is COP30 and why does it matter for the climate? https://www.chathamhouse.org/2025/09/what-cop30-and-why-does-it-matter-climate (https://www.chathamhouse.org/2025/09/what-cop30-and-why-does-it-matter-climate) United Nations COP30 to take place 6-21 November 2025 in Belém, Brazil. https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/cop30 (https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/cop30) United nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs - Sustainable Development. The 17 Goals: https://sdgs.un.org/goals (https://sdgs.un.org/goals) Global Tipping Points Report 2025: https://global-tipping-points.org/ (https://global-tipping-points.org/)

11. 

    10 Oct 2025

    Episode 7 - Good Money Week Part 4

    Part 4: Values Some would argue that values or ethical investing is where it all started. In this episode we will hear the FCA's view on where ethical and values-based investment fits under the SDR regime, and we will hear from a broad range of industry experts who are active in this area. The full transcript of this episode is available here:https://www.esgaccord.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Episode-7-Transcript-Good-Money-Week-part-4-.pdf (https://www.esgaccord.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Episode-7-Transcript-Good-Money-Week-part-4-.pdf)

12. 

    9 Oct 2025

    Episode 6 - Good Money Week Part 3

    Part 3: Delivering good outcomes - understanding objectives and preferences In this Episode we have valuable insights from the FCA on sustainability and how existing regulations exist to support advisers. We'll also hear from another wide range of industry experts on what 'good outcomes' look like when it comes to ESG, sustainable and values-based investment options. The full transcript of this episode is available here:https://www.esgaccord.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Episode-6-Transcript-Good-Money-Week-part-3.pdf (https://www.esgaccord.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Episode-6-Transcript-Good-Money-Week-part-3.pdf)

13. 

    8 Oct 2025

    Episode 5 - Good Money Week Part 2

    Part 2: Due diligence and sustainability In this Episode we hear from the FCA about important aspects of sustainability and due diligence requirements, plus our guests from across the industry describe their own processes for sustainability due diligence. The full transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.esgaccord.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Episode-5-Transcript-Good-Money-Week-part-2.pdf (https://www.esgaccord.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Episode-5-Transcript-Good-Money-Week-part-2.pdf)

14. 

    7 Oct 2025

    Episode 4 - Good Money Week Part 1

    Part 1: Fact find and meeting In this episode we hear from the FCA and other guests about the importance of discussing sustainability and values-based investment options with clients, and when and how to record the conversation as part of the Fact Find/Know Your Client process The full transcript of this episode is available here:https://www.esgaccord.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Episode-4-Transcript-Good-Money-Week-part-1.pdf (https://www.esgaccord.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Episode-4-Transcript-Good-Money-Week-part-1.pdf)

15. 

    1 Sept 2025

    Episode 3: Where, When and How to discuss Sustainability with investment clients

    In this episode we look at Where, When and How to raise sustainability/ethical/responsible investment options with clients. We also cover the issue of 'sludging' issues from Consumer Duty and how, inadvertently, many advice firms are creating barriers to clients achieving their investment preferences and objectives. The full transcript of this episode is available here: https://www.esgaccord.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Episode-3-Transcript.pdf (https://www.esgaccord.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Episode-3-Transcript.pdf)

16. 

    1 Aug 2025

    The FCA's 2024 Financial Lives Survey (released 2025)

    In this, our second episode, we look in detail at the FCA's latest Financial Lives survey, and in particular the really interesting data in the Responsible Investment section. Here is a link to the full Survey: https://www.fca.org.uk/publication/financial-lives/fls-2024-consumer-investments.pdf (https://www.fca.org.uk/publication/financial-lives/fls-2024-consumer-investments.pdf)

17. 

    2 Jul 2025

    Episode 1

    Elly Dowding and Lee Coates OBE introduce their sustainable finance work and passions, highlighting key insights from panel sessions at Reset Connect 2025.

18. 

    11 Jun 2025

    This is Accord Talks

    The host introduces Accord Talks, offering a brief overview of the podcast's purpose.

Podcast Authority Score: 12 / 100

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