The Cherry Financial Services Forum has highlighted the pressing issues shaping the financial services industry in 2024 through its new podcast.
Featuring Silas J. Lees, sales director at Cherry, the podcast aims to provide insights into the key topics discussed on the Cherry Forum over the past year.
The podcast examined the challenges and opportunities facing brokers, starting with the issue of communication breakdowns between lenders and brokers.
Lees highlighted the importance of streamlining processes and enhancing transparency to reduce delays, ease stress, and rebuild trust among clients, advisers, and lenders.
The podcast also discussed the rising prevalence of stress in the financial services industry, with a large number of finance professionals reporting high stress levels that can lead to anxiety, depression, and burnout.
Lees commended the Cherry Forum community as a vital platform for open discussions, offering brokers a supportive and safe space to share and connect during difficult times.
The discussion also explored the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in financial services, emphasising that while AI offers vast potential to boost efficiency, it cannot replace the unique value of human empathy.
He underscored the importance of personalised advice and understanding, noting that brokers provide an irreplaceable connection to their clients.
Human empathy, Lees argued, remains central to effective financial planning, ensuring that tailored solutions meet the complex, individual needs of clients in ways technology alone cannot achieve.
Lees said: “This podcast captures the essence of what the Cherry Forum stands for – a community where industry challenges can be discussed, insights shared, and solutions that benefit everyone can be found.
“Whether it’s addressing communication gaps, supporting mental health, or exploring the potential of AI, these discussions are more relevant than ever.”
