Between the Baileys, the baubles and the brilliant conversations at our Wise Ones evenings, we gathered some of our favourite nuggets of wisdom to wrap up and share with you.
Even though markets have felt a little bumpy lately, over 20 years gold has lived up to its name. But the real sparkle came from looking ahead. Where might the next bright spots be in 2026?
Gold = data
Not as easy to hang on the tree, but far more valuable for a modern planning business. Wellington Wealth’s Jennifer and Nicky put it plainly: most firms are sitting on treasure troves of data and using only a fraction of it. 2026 is the year to polish it, structure it, and put it to work in ways that help firms make sharper decisions, improve client outcomes, and run more efficiently. Gold is only useful when you know what to do with it – data is no different.
Frankincense = frank and sense
Clients don’t need jargon or grandstanding – they need conversations that cut through the noise and make the complicated feel simple. Softening tough truths, translating complexity, and being brave enough to say what actually matters: that’s the modern planner’s gift. Frankness paired with common sense is worth far more than tree resin.
Mirth
Bringing some cheer (even amid global noise), there are reasons to feel optimistic. While the US wrestles with its political theatrics, China and the EU are stepping into bigger roles, widening opportunities for investors who stay disciplined and diversified. A reminder that even in choppy markets, there’s room for optimism and opportunity. And really, what is Christmas without a toast to resilience?
Service: the quiet hero
While average time lost has dipped and apologies to clients have fallen slightly, 90% of advisers still had to say sorry this year and four hours a week are still being burned fixing problems that shouldn’t exist (1). As one adviser put it: “we’re just used to being disappointed.” But our friends at the lang cat have found that advisers are pushing harder: demanding transparency and voting with their feet when service falls short. That pressure is starting to shift expectations – and it’s exactly what’s needed to turn fragile progress into meaningful change.
Looking to the future
No festive gathering is complete without a glimpse into what’s next, so Eleanor Winton, our favourite futurologist, took us on a whistle-stop tour of where people are placing their bets in a world that feels more uncertain than ever:
- Ultra-wealthy bunkers
- Longevity hacks involving stem cells
- GLP-1s reshaping global food demand
- A rise in witchtok and tarot as people search for answers in unpredictable times
Uncertainty doesn’t just move markets – it moves imaginations too. And of course, we couldn’t talk about the future without touching on artificial intelligence (AI) …
A wise word on AI
Mabel Insights’ Founder, Martin Coyle, shared how he scaled his business with AI when hiring more people wasn’t an option. The takeaway? AI can take care of the repetitive graft so your focus can pivot to analysis, clarity and growth – a reminder to think carefully about where we spend our time in 2026. From all of us at Parmenion, we hope you enjoy a well-earned break and find time to rest, recharge and reflect.
Here’s to a bright, thoughtful, and wonderfully wise 2026.
(1) Impact of Poor Service research, Parmenion, 2025
This article is for financial professionals only. Any information contained within is of a general nature and should not be construed as a form of personal recommendation or financial advice. Nor is the information to be considered an offer or solicitation to deal in any financial instrument or to engage in any investment service or activity. Parmenion accepts no duty of care or liability for loss arising from any person acting, or refraining from acting, as a result of any information contained within this article. All investment carries risk. The value of investments, and the income from them, can go down as well as up and investors may get back less than they put in. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.
