Masterclass speaker, Brian Byrnes, Head of Personal Finance at Moneybox

As we approach our next Headlinemoney Masterclass, speaker Brian Byrnes, Head of Personal Finance at Moneybox, comments on the accelerating pace of policy and technological changes in financial services, discusses how regulation is evolving, and the need to keep the consumer front and centre.

Can you give a quick overview of what your Masterclass session will cover?

This session will explore the major forces reshaping personal finance in the UK — from short-term policy changes to long-term structural reform. I’ll look at how new regulation, government initiatives, and technology are transforming how people save, invest, and plan for the future. We’ll cover the upcoming Budget, the Advice Guidance Boundary Review, the national campaign to encourage more people to invest, and longer-term developments like pension dashboards, a potential Pension Commission, and default pension consolidators.

What are the current issues in your area journalists should help their readers understand?

People want to make better financial decisions but don’t know where to start or who to trust. The pace of change is accelerating, yet with innovation comes uncertainty and, for many, confidence remains the missing link that enables people to unlock their full financial potential.

Journalists can play a vital role in helping readers understand what’s changing: how regulation is evolving to give people more support, what new tools and guidance will mean for everyday investors, and how long-term reforms — including in pensions — could help people make smart financial decisions throughout life with greater confidence.

With the Budget coming up, are there any particular topics you are planning to discuss in the Masterclass?

Yes — we’ll look closely at how the Budget might affect our ability to save, invest and build wealth for the future. I’ll also touch on how evolving investment risk warnings may affect communication with retail investors, and what journalists should watch for in the government’s broader efforts to boost participation in the stock market and long-term saving and investing.

Any general tips for money writers covering your sector?

Keep the consumer front and centre. The pace of policy and technology change in financial services can be dizzying and often consumers need reassurance to help them make financial decisions with greater confidence.

What would you like to change about how journalists cover your area?

At times of uncertainty, persistent speculation and debate can serve to undermine consumer confidence. I’d love to see more coverage connecting the dots — between policy, regulation, innovation, and consumer outcomes — to help readers see how all these elements fit together into a more supportive financial system.

Tell us about the big stories in your sector in the past few months. Could these be rolling stories?

Absolutely. The Advice Guidance Boundary Review has been one of the biggest developments in recent years — it could fundamentally change how people are supported to make smart financial decisions with greater confidence. The government’s efforts to drive a culture shift towards investing including the industry wide retail investing campaign next has the potential, if done well, to boost investing confidence. Meanwhile, long-term pension reform is finally gathering momentum — with dashboards, default consolidators, and talk of a new Pension Commission all on the horizon. These are all rolling stories that will unfold over months and years, offering journalists a rich vein of coverage opportunities.

Finally, why is it important for journalists to have access to initiatives such as Headlinemoney Masterclasses?

Opportunities to build new relationships and nurture older ones always valuable 

The Headlinemoney Masterclass will be held on Thursday 13 November 2025. Brian Byrnes join experts from other financial services companies to give succinct overviews of their sectors for financial journalists. Find out more and book a place.