Rapid technological advances in recent years have accelerated the move to online and the use of social media as a means of exchanging views and ideas. The ability to connect directly to anybody else in the world on a real-time basis comes with significant advantages but it also brings challenges in separating fact from fiction. 

Long ago when I first joined the financial services industry, the acronym ‘CIP’ didn’t exist and nor did the process to which it refers. It’s probably unfair to use the oft quoted ‘pin sticking’ analogy, but there was certainly a culture where research was largely limited to a flick through the life and pensions supplement of a particular trade publication.

Let’s not beat around the bush - 2020 has been a dreadful year. With winter quickly approaching and Covid-19 cases rising once again, many of us will continue to share a nagging sense of vulnerability and concern for the welfare of our family, friends and colleagues.