In this episode of The Blunt Dollar, we sit down with Andrew Spence, founder and CEO of Aspen, one of the UK’s fastest-growing model portfolio service (MPS) providers.

From his early career in marine engineering to a life-altering health scare that reshaped his outlook, Andrew shares the pivotal moments that led him to build Aspen with a clean slate and a mission to add real value to wealth management.

We dive into how Aspen challenges the "me too" nature of the MPS industry, why most risk profiling is broken, and how goal-based investing can reshape the advisor-client conversation.

Key topics covered:

🔧 How engineering principles and a brush with mortality inspired Aspen’s no-nonsense, tech-forward approach to portfolio management

🧠 Why the current risk profiling system fails both advisors and clients, and what a better framework could look like

🌦️ Inside Aspen’s flagship Four Seasons portfolio and the thinking behind modular strategies like core versus satellite investing

💰 A candid breakdown of the false binary between low-cost index funds and high-fee managers, and what real value should mean in MPS

🤖 The impact of AI on wealth management and why the advisor’s human role is still irreplaceable for now

If you’re interested in goal-based investing, fixing broken financial frameworks, and building things that truly matter, this one’s for you.

Oh, and if you haven't already... subscribe to The Blunt Dollar for more raw and honest finance conversations.

New episodes drop every other week! Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.

And last, but not least, don't forget to follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ignacio-ramirez-moreno-cfa/

Enjoy the episode!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Listeners should consult a qualified financial professional before making any financial decisions.

Andrew Spence: From Engineering to Finance to Farming