The Sesame Showcase – held late last month in Leeds and Ascot – was a fantastic, two-way conversation where Sesame members and our team came together to share stories and experiences.

You told us about what really matters to you, and we wanted to take this chance to recap some of the headlines from what we shared with those in attendance.

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The current economic climate is driving up demand for financial advice, as rising rates, increased complexity, and the uncertain economic backdrop is leading people to seek the comfort of qualified, regulated advice. 

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We’re launching a Protection Helpdesk for Sesame members from 3 January 2024. Chris Broomhead and Doug Wilson have over 20 years’ protection experience between them and will answer your questions to help you find the most appropriate cover for customers.

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Incidents of financial crime and fraud are increasing, with 2022’s tally of financial crime referrals already surpassed by the end of October this year. In particular, we’re seeing more cases of applicants falsifying evidence of income.

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2024 is likely to see similar market trends to this year, but with fewer fixed-rates maturing and a predicted reduction in the number of property transactions – emphasising the need to maximise each relationship to the fullest. This means being proactive about product transfers, and seeking additional opportunities through conveyancing, surveying, GI and, especially, protection. 

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Stephanie Charman and Alex Beavis are predicting the Bank of England Base Rate will remain static until Autumn 2024.

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Media predictions of a flood of landlords leaving the sector appear wide of the mark, although it’s true some are readjusting their portfolios (e.g., away from two-bed terraces and towards larger, HMO-type properties). Sesame is predicting that the buy-to-let market will remain subdued next year, with higher rates and rental coverage ratios remaining a significant barrier. 

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Eligible is launching new functionality in 2024. If you’re signed up, your customers will start to receive automated email alerts whenever there’s a change that affects their circumstances — whether that’s a change in interest rates that means it pays to product transfer early, or a change in property values that impacts LTVs to the point they unlock new borrowing options.

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The new Sesame Member Forum is a new, independent and impartial collective of 12 Sesame members that gives you a voice at a network level, so your views (and your firm’s) get heard by the people who need to hear them. These Member Forum representatives have been thoughtfully chosen to capture the essence of the Sesame network, representing a diverse cross-section of advisers and firms from across the country. Reach out to share your views, and get your concerns on the top of the Sesame agenda.

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The average pet insurance premium in the UK in 2022 was £327. If customers are willing to protect their furry friends, they should logically be willing to protect their income – especially so they can continue paying for their pet insurance… 

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Customers need to review their protection arrangements whenever their circumstances change and on a regular basis: moving home; changing employer (or going self-employed); having a child; being diagnosed with a medical condition; becoming a carer – anything.

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Sesame is looking at plans to support you in writing increased protection levels in 2024.

And there was loads more! But if you want to capture every word, you’ll have to come along next time. In the meantime, we captured loads of brilliant images, and we’ve picked out a handful of our favourites to share with you all.

We’re now busily collating all of your feedback (and there was a lot!), so we can begin identifying actions and agree priorities for the new year. Watch this space!