In this episode of the ifa Show, general manager of Viridian Advisory Brett Arnol joins host Keith Ford to speak about how the firm approaches the Professional Year as a strategic talent pipeline rather than a compliance hurdle.

Arnol explains that simply following the regulatory framework is not enough to turn a new adviser into a capable "advice‑ready" professional, and breaks down how Viridian maps each adviser's path over one, three and five years, using the PY as a foundation for long‑term career development, clarity of expectations, and strong retention.

Tune in to hear:

• How listening, confidence, and the willingness to have difficult client conversations can be just as important as technical knowledge.
• Why clarity within the PY process is vital to setting advisers up for long-term success.
• How a well‑run PY program creates loyal, "homegrown" advisers, but firms must accept a three- to five-year horizon before candidates are fully productive.

On this episode of the ifa Show, Forte Asset Solutions principal Steve Prendeville joins host Keith Ford to break down the advice sector M&A outlook and why the feared wave of exits never aligned with what he was seeing on the ground, particularly among advice business owners.

While consolidation is accelerating, Prendeville stressed that successful deals are less about headline price and more about cultural alignment, client continuity and protecting staff outcomes, with many advisers choosing to sell without exiting and remain in advice roles post-transaction.

Tune in to hear:

• Why adviser exits linked to the education deadline have been far lower than forecast.
• How rising fees and profitability are underpinning strong M&A activity, with demand from both private equity-backed groups and traditional buyer-to-buyer transactions.
• Why the bottom line price isn't always the biggest factor.

On this episode of the ifa Show, Omura Wealth Advisers director Terry Vogiatzis joins host Keith Ford to dive into why aggressive, growth-focused investing, smart tax structures and customised portfolios can dramatically change long-term outcomes.

Vogiatzis argues that for many younger investors, the real risk is being too conservative for too long, rather than riding out volatility in pursuit of higher compounding returns, and why it is vital to adapt an investment strategy that recognises that these clients are providing consistent inflows.

Tune in to hear:

• Why the real risk is for younger clients is being too conservative for too long.
• How compliance and fee pressures are reshaping advice.
• Why customisation and tax efficiency are critical for higher‑earning younger clients.