The UK Government is taking big steps to reshape financial services through the Leeds Reforms – a package of regulatory updates aimed at making investment more accessible, saving more rewarding, and financial decision-making less daunting.
These reforms are all about helping people make smarter financial decisions. They aim to reduce regulatory burden, attract investment, boost innovation and enhance consumer engagement.
If you’ve ever thought about working with a financial adviser, now’s a good time to understand the changes and why having a professional in your corner could help you make the most of them.
What are the Leeds Reforms?
First announced in late 2022 and developed further throughout 2025, the Leeds Reforms are part of the UK’s wider post-Brexit financial strategy. Their goal is to make financial markets more competitive while improving consumer confidence and access.
According to recent commentary from industry experts and legal commentators, the Leeds Reforms are designed to achieve four things:
- reduce regulatory complexity
- attract investment into UK markets
- encourage financial innovation
- improve public engagement with investment products.
These changes could directly influence how you save and invest and how much value you get from doing so.
A new campaign to make investing feel less intimidating
A national awareness campaign is about to launch to help people better understand the benefits of investing without the jargon or fear factor.
Big names are in support, so expect to see more helpful guidance on how investing works and why it could be a smarter long-term move than leaving your money in a low-interest account.
Investing can feel overwhelming. That’s why the introduction of this campaign is a great start to the reforms.
Banks can offer “targeted support”, but not full advice
With a Policy note and draft instrumentation released by the Government on Tuesday 15 July 2025, the outlook appears to be that banks will be allowed to offer targeted support, meaning they can alert you to investment opportunities based on your financial behaviour.
This is a positive step, especially for people with savings just sitting in a current account. But here’s the catch: it’s not full advice, just pointers. The support isn’t tailored to your personal financial goals or circumstances. That’s why speaking to a qualified adviser still offers something you can’t get from your bank: personalised and goal-oriented financial planning.
Risk warnings are getting a rethink
Have you ever seen a risk disclaimer on an investment product and thought, “Well, that sounds terrifying”?
You’re not alone. The Government plans to review how risk warnings are presented, making them easier to understand. You should still be aware of risk, but not discouraged by overly negative language. The goal is to support more informed, confident decision-making.
More investment options in your ISA
Here’s a big one: next year, long-term asset funds (LTAFs), like private equity and infrastructure investments, will be allowed inside stocks and shares ISAs.
This means you could access new types of long-term investments while still benefiting from the ISA’s tax advantages. The opportunity to diversify could be a game-changer for those who want to grow their money more efficiently over time.
ISA and savings rules are evolving, so it pays to stay updated
The Government isn’t done yet. More tweaks to the ISA and savings rules are on the horizon, aiming to strike the right balance between saving safely and investing for growth.
As these changes roll out, the financial landscape becomes more complex—but also more rewarding for those who act on the opportunities. A financial adviser will keep track for you and they can update your strategy to match the latest opportunities and rules.
Giving you the full picture
At the heart of the Leeds Reforms is a clear message: it’s time for more people to take control of their money.
But you don’t have to do it alone. In a world of changing rules, new opportunities, and constant headlines, having a trusted expert on your side is more important than ever.
The Leeds Reforms are making it easier to invest, clearer to understand risks, and more rewarding to take charge of your finances. But real progress comes when you pair these policy changes with personal guidance.
How can we help
So, if you’ve been thinking about speaking to a financial adviser, now is the perfect time. An adviser will help you understand your options as well as:
- make sense of the new ISA and savings options
- decide whether to stay in cash or start investing
- build a tax-efficient plan for your financial goals
- avoid common mistakes that reduce long-term returns
- feel confident in your next move.
Investing in your future isn’t just about money, it’s about clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. If you’d like to find out more or speak to a professional about how the Leeds Reforms could affect your savings or investments, we’re here to help.
