Digest July 21st

FCA Introduces “Targeted Support” to Bridge Advice Gap

UK’s Financial Conduct Authority has launched a “targeted support” initiative aimed at easing restrictions on simplified financial advice. Starting as early as April 2026, banks and pension providers can begin offering nudges and ready-made guidance to individuals with under £200k in assets—addressing the current imbalance where only 9% of adults receive full financial advice. Experian

LPL’s Acquisition of Commonwealth Sparks Advisor Migration Frenzy

LPL Financial’s $285 billion acquisition of Commonwealth Financial Network has triggered a fierce recruitment landscape. Rival firms are dangling sweeteners—70–125% of annual revenue or up to 1.5% of AUM—to attract roughly 3,000 Commonwealth advisors, while LPL counters with retention bonuses averaging 50 bps of AUM. barrons.com

Seven Macro Trends Reshaping Investment Strategy in FY 2025

Analysts highlight seven global investment themes advising firm strategies in FY 2025—spanning AI-powered disruption, increased defense budgets, geopolitical supply chain risks, potential interest rate cuts, U.S. equity appeal, energy market volatility, and accelerated aging/healthcare innovation. theaustralian.com.au