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Connect: financial planning practice masterclass


Using case studies and interactive sessions, these sessions put complex technical information in a format that is easy to understand.

Welcome to Connect

Connect is an event that helps paraplanners and adviser support staff expand their technical pensions and investment knowledge.

What can you expect from our sessions?

Our Connect events create a network for paraplanners and provide support for those of you working towards chartered status. Our upcoming webinar session will cover topical educational material and the latest from AJ Bell Investcentre. We include content linked to the R0 and J0 CII exam syllabi. Detailed case studies will also be used to help aid learning and put information into practice.

We will be joined by industry experts who will deliver a variety of sessions, including the latest policy updates, an investment focus and our most sought-after content – technical support.

Secure your place

To register, just click ‘Get your access link here’ below.

About the day
What's new at AJ Bell: financials and developments
Speaker Name
Robert Cope
Speaker Job Title
Business Development Consultant
Speaker Firm
AJ Bell Investcentre
Session Overview

Business Development Consultant Robert Cope will be your host for our Connect 2025 Winter webinar. He will give a quick reminder of what’s in store, and introduce each session, before running through the most recent business financials and our latest platform developments, including an overview of our exciting new app-based platform – AJ Bell Touch.

About Rob

Speaker Bio

Robert is a Manchester United fan, keen runner and music lover who rubs shoulders with the stars. Well, Harry Styles once visited his flat at university.

He's available to help you with queries regarding our platform and investment solutions, including our MPS and fund ranges.

2025 Budget: what you should know
Speaker Name
Rachel Vahey
Speaker Job Title
Head of Public Policy
Speaker Firm
AJ Bell
Session Overview

Our Head of Public Policy, Rachel Vahey, joins us to discuss the changes brought by the 2025 Budget, taking place at the end of November. She will highlight the main points of focus which could impact you and your clients.

About Rachel

Speaker Bio

Rachel is Head of Public Policy helping financial advisers and planners understand the changing pensions and savings environment, as well as how new legislation and regulation affects them and their clients. She’s well known within the pensions and savings industry, and regularly speaks at AJ Bell events, alongside writing content and articles for our website.

The importance of proactive bond market management
Speaker Name
Manan Goyal
Speaker Job Title
Junior Portfolio Manager
Speaker Firm
AJ Bell Investments
Session Overview

In today’s challenging markets, fixed income investing is about much more than taking a static approach by simply tracking the global bond index.

In this session, Junior Portfolio Manager Manan Goyal explores why proactive bond market management is essential for achieving stable returns and mitigating risk. He’ll break down key concepts such as Yield to Maturity (YTM), the role of duration management in navigating interest rate movements, and how the yield curve provides valuable insights into market expectations and portfolio positioning. Whether your goal is income generation, diversification, or capital preservation, understanding how to manage bonds effectively can help optimise performance and strengthen your portfolio across market cycles. This closely links with the J10 module of the CII exam syllabus.

About Manan

Speaker Bio

Manan joined us after completing his Master’s degree in Market and Quantitative Finance from Emlyon Business School. He began his journey with the firm as an Investments Intern in 2021, before progressing to Junior Portfolio Analyst within the Investment Management Team. In 2023, he was promoted to Investment Analyst, and he is now a Junior Portfolio Manager. Manan also holds the Investment Management Certificate (IMC) and is studying for CFA level 2.

Financial planning practice masterclass
Speaker Name
Joshua Croft
Speaker Job Title
Senior Technical Consultant
Speaker Firm
AJ Bell
Session Overview

Join us for a special edition of Connect – a live study session with Senior Technical Consultant, Joshua Croft.

Joshua will explore the practical application of financial planning principles as outlined in the CII exam syllabus, with a particular focus on retirement and estate planning. He’ll take you back to the classroom with real-life case studies to help make sense of complex scenarios.

Joshua will also touch on personal taxation, with a link to how the UK tax system shapes personal financial planning – revisit the fundamentals and focus on income tax, capital gains tax, and inheritance tax.

As this is a live session, you will get the opportunity to ask questions and get the clarification you need to succeed in your exams.

Packed with practical insights, illustrative case studies and exam-friendly tips, this is a must-attend session.

About Josh

Speaker Bio

Josh studied Business Studies at the University of Lincoln before beginning to work in financial services, initially in Defined Benefit pension fund management and more recently in corporate workplace pensions and benefits. He joined the AJ Bell Technical Team in 2019, providing technical support to various teams, and is also involved in delivering technical training to staff.

Connect 2025 Winter Webinar
Speaker Name
A leading line-up of industry experts
Speaker Job Title
Full agenda
Speaker Firm
TBC
Session Overview

It’s official – Connect is returning!

This December, we’ll be broadcasting a Connect Webinar with content designed specifically for paraplanners and adviser support staff.

Our sessions will feature plenty of case studies, as we put complex pensions and investment topics into an easy-to-understand format, ensuring you leave with practical knowledge you can apply right away.

Speaker details will be released in the run up to the event, but we promise it’ll be our usual five-star content – so why wait? Register today and save the date. We’ll share more details soon.

About Connect

Speaker Bio

Connect is an event that aims to help paraplanners and adviser support staff expand their technical pensions and investment knowledge.

We will be joined by industry experts who will deliver a variety of sessions, including the latest policy updates, an investment focus and market overview and our most sought-after content – technical support.

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