A new financial education website launches today, aiming to address the growing “advice gap” in the UK, as fewer people have access to financial advisers.
Fincate, created by financial planner Rob Lewis, offers online learning resources to help individuals and businesses improve their financial literacy. The platform provides video lessons, interactive content, and downloadable materials through an affordable subscription service.
Lewis, who has over 20 years of experience in financial planning, said the platform was developed in response to a significant shortfall in financial guidance across the country.
“A big problem in the UK is the advice gap,” he said. “More advisers are retiring and leaving the industry than joining it, which means demand is far outstripping supply. At present, less than 10% of people in the UK have a financial adviser.”
Fincate aims to fill this gap by offering users access to over 400 virtual lessons covering topics such as pensions, mortgages, credit cards, and banking systems. The platform also includes quizzes, certificates upon course completion, and regularly updated content to reflect regulatory changes.
Unlike traditional financial advice, which requires professional consultation, Fincate focuses on education and empowerment. “It is not advice; it is education,” Lewis said. “It allows people to learn in their own time, from home or work, and make informed financial decisions.”
Workplace Benefits
Lewis, who has delivered financial education in workplaces for over a decade, believes that better financial literacy can have a positive impact on employees and businesses.
“There is strong evidence that financial stress affects work performance,” he said. “Financially stressed employees are five times more likely to be distracted at work and three times more likely to take time off. This costs UK businesses billions each year.”
He hopes Fincate will serve as a cost-effective tool for HR teams to support staff and improve overall financial wellbeing.
Supporting Future Generations
Beyond workplace education, Fincate also offers free courses aimed at young people.
“We’ve started adding courses for children aged 12 and above, covering topics such as opening a bank account and basic money management,” Lewis said.
He also hopes the platform will encourage more young people to pursue careers in finance through future scholarship programmes.
“My dream is to attract the next generation of advisers,” he said.
An Accessible Alternative
Lewis believes the platform will provide long-term support for individuals at different life stages.
“I often stand in front of 25 employees with less than two hours to speak to them,” he said. “Each of them has unique financial challenges, but Fincate allows them to access answers anytime.”
With resources for first-time buyers, retirees, business owners, students, and the self-employed, Lewis is confident Fincate will be a valuable tool in tackling financial illiteracy.
“This is about giving people access to knowledge that can shape their financial futures,” he said.
