In the latest Retirementals episode, Abraham Okusanya, welcomes Steven Rowe, a chartered financial planner and founder of Lucent Financial Planning. With nearly two decades of experience, Steven offers a refreshingly candid take on the state of the financial advice profession, the role of technology, and what it really takes to build a client-centred business.
Aligning Fees with Values
Steven shares the principles behind Lucent's fee structure, which prioritises clarity and fairness for clients. This conversation reveals why transparent pricing models are not only possible but essential for building trust and delivering long-term value.
For advisers reviewing their own pricing approach, Steven’s insights offer practical benchmarks and a client-first mindset that reflect emerging trends in the profession.
Why Financial Planning Tech Is Missing the Mark
A major theme in the episode is Steven’s dissatisfaction with current financial planning software. He points to a persistent disconnect between adviser needs and product functionality, calling for tools that better integrate planning, portfolio management, and execution.
This highlights a growing sentiment among modern financial planners: fragmented tech stacks are holding firms back. Tools that promise integration must also deliver seamless workflows that truly support advisers and enhance the client experience.
Choosing Timeline Portfolios
Steven explains why Lucent adopted Timeline Portfolios previously known as Betafolio, as part of its investment proposition. The conversation uncovers how Timeline’s evidence-based approach aligns with Lucent’s philosophy and helps the firm focus on what matters most: delivering excellent outcomes for clients.
Advisers exploring investment solutions will find Steven’s rationale helpful in evaluating whether Timeline’s platform and portfolios could support their own service models.
The Future of Lucent Financial Planning
The episode rounds off with Steven’s vision for Lucent’s future. From expanding their impact to deepening client relationships, he offers a forward-thinking blueprint for sustainable firm growth rooted in trust and quality advice.
As always, the Retirementals podcast remains a trusted space for financial professionals to hear first-hand experiences, challenges, and success stories from their peers.
Why Advisers Should Listen
For advisers, this episode provides essential insights into one of the most important shifts in modern investing. It offers clarity on the opportunities and challenges of passive investing and the lessons for client portfolios.
To hear the full discussion, tune in to Adviser 3.0 The Podcast or explore more insights on Timeline.
