Last but by no means least, the Obsidian Tropical Terrace – where the future of advice meets the human side of doing it well.
From live demos of the AI tools reshaping advice firms, to Brett Davidson on the remuneration decisions that quietly shape firm value, to the conversations buyers are having about tech and valuation, and a TED-style trio on decision-making, emotion and influence – here’s what’s on.
Breakout sessions on the stage
Session 1 · Tech Demos
Four Live Demos. Four Different Takes on the AI-Powered Firm.
See the technology reshaping advice firms in action. Four live demos, each showing a distinct approach to bringing AI into the day-to-day of running a modern advice business.
Marloo – From Notes to Narrative
AI-Powered Advice in Minutes
See how Marloo turns meeting notes, client history and uploaded files into fully branded advice documents in minutes. Plus, Ask Marloo AI in action – instant, contextualised answers drawn from a client’s entire history.
Advisory AI – Ask Atlas
One Conversation Across Your Entire Advice Business
Atlas connects CRM notes, meeting transcripts, cashflow models, suitability reports and platform data into a single conversational interface – surfacing insights and triggering workflows from one place.
Afternoon – You Don’t Need Another AI Tool
Crawford Taylor, Afternoon
An operating model built for modern advice firms. Crawford Taylor shows how Afternoon connects client data, investment platforms and advice workflow in one place – with Siesta AI turning live data into instant answers.
Templi – Your Firm, On Autopilot
The Agentic OS Built for Financial Advisers
See how Templi’s AI agents move a single client interaction from meeting notes, through fact-find capture and back-office updates, all the way to a completed suitability report – without manual input at each step.
Session 2 · Keynote
The Two Biggest Challenges When It Comes to Adviser Remuneration
Brett Davidson, FP Advance
Up-and-coming advisers are starting to ask for incentive-based pay, and self-employed adviser structures often create silos that quietly cap growth and complicate succession. What feels fair and motivating to advisers can be strategically limiting for the firm. Brett Davidson explores how to deal with both challenges in a clear, strategic way – helping you build a stronger culture, create more predictable growth, develop real succession options and increase enterprise value, without defaulting to either appeasement or confrontation.
Session 3 · Panel Discussion
The AI Premium: How Technology is Shaping Firm Valuations
Sam Aggarwal, Obsidian · Paul Howarth, Trinity Capital Partners · Asif Naidu, AN Consulting · Ryan Venner, Premier Jobs UK & IFA Acquisitions
What does your tech stack really say about the value of your firm – and what is it worth to a buyer? Hosted by Sam Aggarwal, this lively discussion brings together a leading consolidator, an experienced M&A specialist and a prominent IFA broker to unpack how AI, automation and integrated systems are redefining what “good” looks like in a modern advice firm. From due diligence priorities to the difference between aggregators and integrators, expect a rare, practical view from the front line of acquisitions.
Session 4 · TED-Style Talks
Planners TED Talks: Decision-Making, Emotion and Influence in Advice
Financial advice doesn’t happen in perfect conditions. It happens when plans change, emotions surface and decisions need to be made without certainty. Three perspectives on how advisers think, communicate and support clients when it matters most.
When the Plan Breaks
Tom Skinner, Barnaby Cecil
Drawing on his 3,000-mile solo row across the Atlantic, Tom explores how decisions are made when outcomes are uncertain. A reflection on risk, resilience and moving forward when conditions change.
Speak Less. Influence More.
Tara Maynard, PM+M
Confidence isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. Tara shows how quieter traits like listening and thoughtful communication drive stronger client relationships and better outcomes.
Getting Emo: The Skill Set That Makes You Irreplaceable
Emma Boardwell, Emotional Finance
A practical framework to help advisers navigate emotional conversations with confidence – building trust without crossing professional boundaries.
Want to know more? Find out about Adviser 3.0 on our website or view the full agenda here.