Planners will learn about showing leadership in life or death situations from a former SAS commander.

Major Mike Lynch, who served for almost two decades with British Special Forces in the SAS, is one of the headline speakers at this year’s CISI Financial Planning Conference.

The professional body revealed more about the line up yesterday.

In a break from tradition in recent years, the event takes place between from 25 - 27 September rather than the first week of October.

Major Lynch commanded special operations programmes in Iraq and Afghanistan and served two of the longest operational tours in Iraq and Afghanistan in the history of the modern day British Army.

Since retirement, he has used his operational planning and leadership expertise to help businesses. His presentations are known for
‘no holds barred’ Q&A sessions with audience discussion and debate.

Speakers also include Sir Steve Webb, Justin Urquhart-Stewart and Paul Cobley CFPTM Chartered MCSI, director of Oak Barn Financial Planning.

The CISI said that regulation, technological change, soft skills and ethics will be key focuses at the conference, while will retaining core Financial Planning content including divorce planning, intergenerational planning, cashflow modelling, business protection and clinical negligence claims.

Alex Xavier CISI assistant director, member services, said: “Financial Planners can expect to enjoy a range of ‘pure’ financial planning sessions, as well as specialist technical and legal content. Sessions will be interactive with plenty of focus on the sharing of ideas and will provide a fantastic opportunity for planners and wealth managers to build long lasting relationships with their peers. We believe this is the leading Financial Planning conference in the UK.”

Campbell Edgar CFP™ Chartered FCSI, Head of Financial Planning, CISI said: "We are delighted to offer a quality, content rich conference spanning multiple areas of specialism, including dynamic financial planning and critical investment themes, delivered by experts within their respective fields.

“In addition to content, the valuable networking and sharing of working practices within the relaxed environment of Celtic Manor will continue to be a priceless feature of our conference. I encourage Financial Planners, wealth and investment managers to join us in September."