Two minutes with Lawrence Cook, Thesis Asset Management
Thesis is holding its inaugural conference on February 11. Could you tell us a little more about it?
We are holding a conference for IFAs to explore investment risk and suitability. These are key issues for advisers and Thesis has always worked closely with IFAs in these areas to ensure the best client outcomes for their clients. We have a stellar line-up of speakers, including Rory Percival of the FCA, David Ferguson of Nucleus and Keith Richards of the Personal Finance Society. The event has attracted a huge amount of interest from IFAs and we look forward to welcoming a large number of them on Wednesday!
Why now?
We felt that with growing demand for our services and outsourcing in general that firms like ours should provide more support to the IFA community. We speak regularly to IFA firms and these concerns are often high on their agenda. The conference is a perfect opportunity to feed into the debate and get the views of those attending.
What was it that drew you to financial services?
I was in the public sector previously post education and felt like I didn’t fit in. The dynamism and range of roles available in the financial services industry was an attractive contrast.
What is your biggest concern for advisers?
There is a massive opportunity now for advisers to grow their business delivering financial planning focusing on the lifestyle goals of clients. My biggest concern is for those that don’t see it and focus on transactional sales of investments, as I think they will miss out.
Tell us a little about your life outside of work, do you have any hobbies?
When I am not watching my sons play sport I fit in some football, gym and expanding my knowledge of wine.
What is the one column or website that you read every day?
I don’t have a fixed habit but I do regularly check out websites of other financial services groups to see what their message is to their clients.
What is your biggest pet peeve, or makes you angry?
Poor timekeeping and bad manners. Some amazingly clever people seem to forget these basics in business and it has a massive influence on other people.
What would you do if you were Prime Minister for a day?
Repeal all the legislation that opened up gambling in the UK. I can’t think of any social good that has come from it.
If I had any time left, provide Plymouth Argyle Football Team with a blank cheque to get them into the Premier League, ban the inappropriate use of the word ‘like’ and a rising Aussie style inflection.
What would you do if you received a windfall of £1000?
Buy another case of wine, probably a Burgundy.
Lawrence Cook, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Thesis Asset Management