Innovating Financial Engagement With Ian and John From Money Alive

In this instalment of the Sense Of Identity podcast, we delve into the transformative impact of digital engagement in the financial services industry with Ian Beestin and John Glover, co-founders of the award-winning video engagement platform, Money Alive.

📹 Watch the video on YouTube

Ian Beestin, co-founder of Money Alive, brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles as Marketing Director at Tilney and founder of the ISA Shop Ltd. He is also a member of the secretariat to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Pension Scams, a keen musician, and a specialist contributor to the Oxford English Dictionary.

John Glover, co-founder and Strategic Accounts Director of Money Alive, has an extensive background in financial services, having co-founded Asset.tv Ltd and held significant roles such as Framlington's UK Sales Director and Sales Director for F&C. His expertise spans fund management, sales, and RegTech innovations.

Key Takeaways

• Understand the importance of modernising communication methods in the financial services industry to improve engagement and trust.
• Learn about the innovative use of personalised video content to enhance client understanding and decision-making.
• Explore the challenges and opportunities of implementing new technologies in a traditionally risk-averse sector.

Interview Summary

Q: Welcome, Ian and John, to our podcast. Could you start by telling us a bit about your journey with Money Alive?

Ian: Certainly, Paul. The idea for Money Alive started about seven years ago with the vision of providing better information for better decision-making.

Our goal was to use media solutions to deliver educational content effectively, ensuring clients are well-prepared for advice points.

This approach stems from our belief that personalisation and engagement are key to effective communication.

Q: John, how did you transition from your previous roles to co-founding Money Alive?

John: My background in video communication and financial services provided a natural segue into creating Money Alive.

We saw a need for better engagement tools in the industry, and leveraging our experience, we developed a platform that uses interactive videos to make complex financial topics more accessible and engaging.

This innovation helps advisers de-risk the advice process by ensuring clients understand the information presented to them.

Q: How does Money Alive address the issue of trust in the financial services industry?

Ian: Trust is a significant challenge, especially with the prevalence of scandals in the sector.

Our solution involves creating third-party, impartial content that advisers can use in their processes.

This impartiality helps build trust as the educational material is not perceived as biased towards any product or service.

Moreover, our platform's ability to keep content up-to-date ensures that clients receive accurate and relevant information.

Q: Can you explain how the personalised video canvas technology works and its benefits?

Ian: The video canvas technology is a blend of video and interactive elements, allowing for highly personalised experiences.

For instance, an annual benefit statement can be tailored to each individual's circumstances, making the information more relevant and engaging.

This approach not only improves client understanding but also provides advisers with valuable insights into their clients' needs and questions, enhancing the overall advice process.

Q: Finally, if you could give a piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

John: I'd tell my younger self to have the courage of my convictions and follow through with them.

Passion and vocation are crucial, and it's essential to stay true to what you love doing.

Also, I'd emphasise the importance of paying attention and making the most of educational opportunities, something I only appreciated later in life.

Ian: I'd advise my younger self not to care too much about what others think and to start pursuing interests like running earlier.

Enjoying what you do and staying true to your passions is vital for personal and professional fulfilment.

Ian and John's insights offer a roadmap for leveraging digital engagement tools in the financial services industry, highlighting the importance of trust, personalisation, and continuous innovation to meet the evolving needs of clients.

Reviewed By:

Sam Kendall, 07.06.24

Sabrina McClune, 07.06.24