As a professional focused on empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives, I believe in the power of identifying one's unique strengths, passions, and opportunities for growth. In our first meeting, I will inquire about your areas of expertise, interests, and aspirations in order to help you define your life purpose. This journey is about creating the best version of yourself, contributing to society, and living with intention.

I have dedicated my career to providing affordable generic financial planning for everyone. Throughout my five decades of experience, I have witnessed the marginalisation of the public's access to financial guidance, resulting in a growing advice gap. As a former executive in investments and pensions for major financial institutions, I realised the focus had shifted from customers' profitability and success to shareholder profits and bonuses. Thus, in 2012, I left to establish the Academy of Life Planning, where I have been helping clients identify their ideal future and develop financial plans to reach their goals ever since. I am proud to have assisted every committed client in exceeding their initial expectations.

My work is not merely a job, but my purpose in life. I have seen the transformative impact of generic financial planning on my clients, and I am passionate about guiding others towards leading extraordinary lives. Through my high-impact and results-driven coaching, I work with individuals, teams, executives, managers, entrepreneurs, and creative professionals on leadership, positive psychology, emotional and social intelligence, spiritual intelligence, financial planning, and group dynamics.

I am a Registered Life Planner, Chartered Insurer, and Chartered Financial Planner, with a long-standing column in Money Marketing and an Ambassadorship at The Transparency Task Force, a group advocating for fairness and transparency in the investment industry.

Please take a moment to read my column and feel free to reach out if you'd like to learn more about my services. I am here to support you on your journey to creating a purposeful and fulfilling life.

Steve Conley is the Founder/ CEO of the Academy of Life Planning and author of Your Money or Your Life: Unmask the highway robbers - enjoy wealth in every area of your life. If you want to find out more, please follow him on LinkedIn.

Expertise:

Registered Life Planner

Chartered Financial Planner

Chartered Insurer (Pensions Route)

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

Twice winner (Associateship & Fellowship) of the British Insurance & Investment Brokers' Association Prize and twice the Jubilee Prize of the Insurance Institute of Manchester for best examination performance in Northwest England and Manchester, respectively. 

Winner of the Transparency Trophy & global Ambassador of the Transparency Task Force. The founding lead of their Market Integrity Team. 

Former chair of the British Bankers’ Association’s Bancassurance Steering Group in the UK Retail Distribution Review consultation.

Experience:

Founding CEO of the Academy of Life Planning since 2012, the world’s first advice-only financial planning network. Founding CEO of HapNav Ltd since 2021, the world’s first customer-directed Open banking-powered financial planning application. Shortlisted Finalist in The Investment Life & Pensions Moneyfacts Awards for Best Use of Technology in the Investment Life & Pensions Sector.

Previous regulated roles with FCA reg no. SJC01359

"This individual is no longer in a role that requires regulatory approval. No FCA or PRA disciplinary or regulatory action. Regulatory approval no longer required." Regulated Financial Adviser (CF30) 2012 to 2019 includes Chorley Financial Services, Ellis Bates, and NBS Financial Planning. Senior Manager Control Function (CF1) previously at several firms, most notably Marks & Spencer Savings & Investments Ltd, Marks & Spencer Unit Trust Managers Ltd, and Berkeley Independent Advisers (an advice network with 750 Regulated Individuals).

Former Head of Investments at HSBC, RBS Group, & Santander. The former head of pensions for what is now Royal London. Multi-award-winning, multi-market-leading Proposition Architect.

Insurance:

Insurer: Hiscox Insurance Company Limited.

Cover: Professional Indemnity Insurance

Business Activity: Life Coach.

Limit of indemnity: £1,000,000.

The limit applies to any one claim, excluding defence costs.

Geographical limits: Worldwide excluding USA/ Canada.

Further details are available on request.

See Steve's column in Money Marketing.