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Personal Financial Planning Conference

Friday 10 October 2025, Hybrid Event

This year’s annual conference will focus on managing, protecting and cascading wealth in the age of uncertainty.

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Highlights

Hear from industry experts on how to shelter financial assets in these challenging times. The programme has a blend of sessions focussing on the practical benefits of financial planning, with actionable insights to help protect and cascade your wealth.
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Sector focus

Update your technical knowledge with insights from sector specialists.

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Market insights

Understand what is driving market volatility and learn strategies to help mitigate risk.

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Personal insights

Attending in person gives you direct access to industry specialists and the chance to get tailored advice.

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Pensions update

Learn what the new IHT regime means for you.

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Networking

Attending in-person provides an added opportunity to network at Chartered Accountants’ Hall.

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CPD

Earn up to 7 hours of verifiable CPD by attending this event in-person, or up to 4.5 hours attending virtually.

Testimonials

Valuable conference for all accountants and tax advisers who want to be seen as trusted advisers to their clients. I was able update my technical knowledge on personal finance and learn how collaboration with experts can help myself and my clients.

PFP Conference delegate, 2024

This was a well organised and well-structured event with a good mix of sessions covering practical topics and the more philosophical aspects of financial planning.

PFP Conference delegate, 2024

Really good to see people in person and to be able to interact and engage with a spectrum of different perspectives and backgrounds in attendance.

PFP Conference delegate, 2024

If in doubt in future, give it a go and listen, as there is always something to learn. Every day is a school day.

PFP Conference delegate, 2024

Programme

Please note that the programme is subject to change.

Morning sessions

Registration and refreshments
09:30
Chair’s welcome and opening remarks
John Gaskell, Head of Personal Financial Planning, ICAEW
10:00
Global reset and the new investment paradigm
In this opening keynote, understand what is disrupting financial markets and the longer-term implications this has for you and your wealth.
10:05
Business protection
The loss or incapacity of a key individual can have serious consequences for any business, but you can mitigate the impact of such risks with the use of key person insurance, shareholder and partnership protection, relevant life cover and executive income protection. Ian Wilkinson from Perspective will join us to share some insights and advice on how we can take these actions.
10:45
Break
11:15
Legal Eagles: Wills and LPAs
A Will protects your legacy after death, and a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) protects you during your lifetime. These are both essential estate planning tools – each serving a distinct and complementary role in safeguarding financial and personal assets. Legal experts will join us to explain the important role they play, providing insights and actionable advice.
11:30
Tax efficient structures for SMEs
The Autumn 2024 tax changes will have a once in a generation impact, particularly for SME owners. This session will help you understand the implications of the changes to proactively structure your affairs to efficiently cascade wealth down the generations.
12:00

Afternoon sessions

Lunch break
12:45
Pensions update
The UK has rolled out major updates to its inheritance tax (IHT) framework. These reforms are poised to reshape estate planning approaches, with pensions now receiving heightened attention under the new rules. This session will unpack the full scope of these developments and explore practical steps you can take to adapt confidently in this shifting environment.
13:30
Investing in turbulent times: can smoothed investment funds offer a solution?
In the face of global market turbulence, how can you shield both your own and your clients’ investments? Experts from M&G will explore how incorporating a range of asset classes via strategic fund management can offer resilience during periods of volatility and help preserve portfolio value.
14:15
Break
15:00
The power of collaboration: benefits of building a professional team
In this closing session, experts from the day will join us for an interactive discussion on the benefits that integrated professional advice delivers, especially in the age of uncertainty.
15:15
Chair’s closing remarks
John Gaskell, Head of Personal Financial Planning, ICAEW
15:55
Networking and drinks reception
16:00

Our speakers

John Gaskell
John Gaskell Head of Personal Financial Planning, ICAEW

John oversees ICAEW’s PFP Community and ICAEW’s Personal Financial Planning Advisory Group. His role involves liaising with the FCA and other regulators, working across different areas of ICAEW and with external stakeholders. He began his career as a private client stockbroker and investment manager before working as an independent financial adviser.

Headshot of Ian Wilkinson
Ian Wilkinson Chief Executive Officer, Perspective Financial Group

Ian is responsible for all aspects of the operation and performance of the Group with its growing national network. Ian was appointed to the main Board in 2013. Prior to this, he became Group Practice Director and a member of the Operational Board in 2010. Under Ian’s leadership, Perspective continues to grow, with the goal of becoming the leading provider of financial planning and wealth management services in the UK.

Our partners

ICAEW works with world-companies that support the finance profession in partnership to bring you the best events possible.

M and G wealth logo Sponsor Logo - MHA Bakertilly Perspective logo

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