Accord Talks

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 res...

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, Mirand...

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 a...

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 v...

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 SHOW NOTES World Economic Fo...

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). Episode Transcript: https://www.esgaccord.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Episode-10-Transcript-Shownotes.pdf SHOW NOTES Aviva C...

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...

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 Links and Resources: Ou...

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/202...

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 transcrip...

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-We...

 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-T...

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...

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

ESG Accord founders Elly Dowding & Lee Coates OBE introduce themselves and share about their work, passions and what keeps them going in sustainable financeWe'll also look at the key insights from the four highly attended panel sessions with 16 industry speakers hosted last week at Reset Connect 2025 .

A short intro to Accord Tlaks