NB : Before we discuss the launch of Fincate [1] , can you give our readers an idea of your financial background

RL : Absolutely! I've been in financial services for around 20 years, working across different areas of the industry. I started out with a mortgage lender, then moved into stockbroking, high street banking, and national wealth management before transitioning into independent financial advice. In November 2018, I co-founded Celtic Financial Planning Ltd, with the goal of providing truly independent advice that puts clients first.

As a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute, I've always been passionate about helping people understand their finances-not just managing them. For the past 12+ years, I've also been heavily involved in financial education, delivering workshops and clinics to businesses across the UK. Seeing first-hand how financial knowledge empowers people is what ultimately led to the creation of Fincate-a platform designed to make financial education more accessible than ever.

NB : When did you see the need for Fincate ?

Rl : The idea for Fincate really started to take shape during Lockdown in 2020. At the time, I was delivering financial education workshops and 1-2-1 clinics via video calls, and it became clear that moving financial education online could make it more accessible, flexible, and scalable.

By taking workshops online, I saw the opportunity to create more targeted content, allowing people to focus on the financial topics that matter most to them-whether that's buying a first home, managing debt, or planning for retirement. It also meant we could reach more people, rather than being limited by location or schedules.

That's what led to the vision for Fincate-an on-demand, interactive financial education platform designed to empower individuals and businesses with the financial knowledge they need-anytime, anywhere.

NB : How does the site work ?

RL :  Fincate is designed to be simple, flexible, and accessible-giving individuals and businesses an on-demand financial education platform that they can use whenever it suits them.

• Self-Paced Learning - Users can choose from a range of courses, covering key financial topics such as budgeting, mortgages, investments, and pensions. They can learn at their own pace, dipping in and out whenever needed. They can complete quizzes and unlock Fincate Certificates.
• Targeted Content - Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, Fincate lets people focus on what's relevant to them. Whether it's saving for a first home, managing debt, or preparing for retirement, there's a course designed to help.
• Live Q&A Sessions & Updates - To keep things fresh, we offer live Q&A sessions where users can ask financial questions and get real-time answers. Plus, the platform is regularly updated with new content to reflect the latest financial changes.
• For Individuals & Businesses - Businesses can use Fincate as an employee benefit, helping staff feel more financially secure without the need for salary increases. Individuals can access practical, non-advised financial education to build confidence in managing their money.

In short, Fincate gives people the tools to take control of their finances-whenever and wherever they need it.

NB :  Who do you envisage will visit Fincate ?

RL :  Fincate is designed to be a valuable resource for everyone, whether they're just starting to learn about money or looking to build financial confidence at any stage of life.

•  Individuals wanting to improve their financial knowledge - Whether it's learning how to budget, save for a home, understand pensions, or manage debt, Fincate offers clear, practical courses to help people make informed financial decisions.
•  Businesses supporting their employees - Employers are increasingly recognising that financial stress affects productivity and wellbeing. Fincate provides businesses with an affordable, easy-to-implement financial education platform, offering staff access to courses tailored to their financial needs.
• Children aged 12+ - Fincate Juniors provides completely free courses to help young people start learning about money early. Covering topics like savings, banking, loans, and basic economics, these courses are designed to give kids and teens a strong financial foundation for the future.

Ultimately, Fincate is for anyone who wants to feel more in control of their finances-whether they're just starting out, managing major life events, or planning for the future.

NB :  In one year's time what would success look like for Fincate?

RL :  Success for Fincate in its first year would be about making a real impact-helping as many people as possible feel more financially confident and informed. In practical terms, that means:

• Thousands of individuals actively using Fincate - People engaging with courses, joining live Q&A sessions, and applying what they learn to improve their financial wellbeing.
• Businesses adopting Fincate as an employee benefit - Seeing HR teams and business leaders integrate Fincate into their wellbeing strategies, providing employees with meaningful financial education that supports mental resilience and productivity.
• A thriving Fincate Juniors programme - More children aged 12+ accessing free financial education, helping them understand the basics of saving, banking, borrowing, and the economy before they step into the adult world of money management.
•  Continuous growth & evolution - Regularly updating the platform with new courses, interactive tools, and up-to-date financial content that responds to real-world changes.

Ultimately, success isn't just about numbers-it's about changing the way people think and feel about money, making financial education accessible, engaging, and genuinely useful to individuals and businesses alike.

For further information please visit Fincate [2]