In the second episode of our series focusing on centralised investment propositions (CIPs), we explore the increasing dominance of managed portfolio services (MPS) and how they work alongside multi-asset funds.

1. Central Banks at crossroads The Bank of England cut interest rates from 4.25% to 4% in August, but a narrow 5–4 vote exposed deep divisions among policymakers and underscored the complexity of the current environment. Inflation surprised to the upside in June at 3.6%, while GDP contracted by 0.1% in May. Labour market data has also softened, with employment falling in seven of the past eight months and wage growth cooling, though the weakness remains concentrated in sector

Nathan McKerlie hosts Andy Parsons, Head of Investments and Protection at Defaqto, for an insightful discussion on centralised investment propositions (CIPs) and centralised retirement propositions (CRPs).

I think there has been a notable shift in pension planning and retirement planning, especially since the Autumn Budget.

The last six months have been anything but boring for investors. The adage of “sell in May and go away” failed to apply this year as global equities have rallied 14% over the last three months. The recovery since 9 April, the fateful day of President Trump’s step down from tariffs, has been 23%. While tariffs haven’t really left the headlines, they have become less of a concern as the US economy has rebounded, and America’s trading partners have rushed to sign bilateral deals

Charlie Parker and Chris Holdoway share the challenges and advantages of creating a successful centralised investment proposition (CIP).

In the third episode of our investment principles series, Charlie Parker and Fahad Hassan delve into the idea that "there are no silver bullets" in investing.

Eleanor Williams sits down with Tom Hegarty, CEO of SimplyBiz, to explore the evolving landscape of the financial advice industry.