In This Issue

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Fringe Buyers May Return to the Centre

In this issue, we look at what happens when the so called fringe of financial planning starts to re centre itself. For years, consolidation, vertical integration, and the pursuit of scale have dominated the headlines. Controversially, the heart of financial planning, the interpersonal, values driven, relationship led approach has become less apparent as managers take the place of founder / finanical planners.

But things could be shifting. Good actors’ once  “on the fringe” are re emerging with models that prioritise stewardship, sustainability, and integrity over sheer growth. For sellers, this could mean the return of options that feel closer to the world they built their businesses in.

The question is no longer just who will buy my firm but what kind of buyer will define the future of financial planning. The centre may soon look very different — shaped not by the biggest consolidators, but by the values many thought had been left behind.

Contribution From
Asif Naidu | Founder | JoDu Wealth

Painting
Ted Holloway, Marras, 1957. Courtesy Gemini Collection, Zurbaran Trust. Photo © Colin Davison

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Dedication
The Plot is forever dedicated to the memory of Julie Wilson, whose inspiration, resilience, and forward thinking spirit helped to shape its creation.

 

On The Fringe: What We May Have Lost in Financial Planning is About to Re Centre

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For years, I have heard from sellers that the real soul of financial planning has been pushed to the fringes. Consolidation, vertical integration, and greed have overlooked, undervalued, even dismissed the heart of the profession.

But there is a twist. What was once ignored is moving back to the centre.  The human, relationship led, values driven side of planning is re emerging and it may be the very thing that defines the future.

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It is becoming rare to meet buyers who still embody the old school. Those building practices with real passion for client objectives. Truthfully, I struggle daily to find buyers aligned to the world many of my clients, often in their 40s and beyond, grew up in.

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I was taught long ago: if I cannot help, I will not hurt clients. That principle has guided me to give advice and introductions freely when it was the right thing to do.

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Yet building a business around collaboration, integrity, and progress for people is no easy task, especially in an environment where the dominant religion seems to be greed. That is why it is refreshing when I meet those who do not begin with “How can I gain an advantage?” but instead ask, “What does this person truly need and how can I help them achieve it?”

Last week, I met such a person and it was invigorating.

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A Different Approach to Financial Planning

I sat down with Asif Naidu for what I expected to be a quick chat. Two hours later, I left energised. His history, his passion for M&A and financial planning, and above all his commitment to people stood out.

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As an acquirer, Asif’s JoDu Wealth is building something different: a passive financial planning model where sellers can trust their clients’ wealth will be looked after without constant intervention. This frees clients to focus on their lives, their families, and their aspirations.

This is not about chasing growth at all costs. It is about sustainability, security, and stewardship.

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Why This Matters for Sellers

In a market obsessed with vertical integration and aggressive expansion, this approach offers an alternative:

  • Preserve the integrity of client relationships
  • Keep your business valuable and values driven
  • Create a smoother and safer transition for everyone involved

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If you are considering a future sale and looking for an option that is Passive, more aligned with the old values of financial planning, then take a closer look at what is happening at the fringe of the market starting with JoDu Wealth.

Thanks for reading