Leaving a lasting impact: The adviser’s role in guiding clients toward meaningful legacies
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Clare Stirzaker, Partner at Boodle Hatfield and Chair of Remember A Charity’s Wealth Adviser Committee, reflects on the evolving role advisers play in shaping clients’ long term intentions. She highlights how legacy conversations, though sometimes complex, can create deeper clarity for clients and help them define what truly matters.
Clare explains that while charitable gifts have already been included in the Wills of half of UK millionaires, the advisory sector still plays an integral role in ensuring philanthropy becomes a consistent part of wealth planning. She notes that the traditional, highly technical approach to charitable giving is no longer enough on its own; clients increasingly want advisers who can support them holistically, exploring their values, responsibilities and aspirations for their wealth. By creating space for these reflective conversations, rather than jumping straight to tax structures or governance, advisers can build more meaningful and enduring relationships that extend far beyond the planning process.
She also emphasises the importance of collaboration across the wider advisory ecosystem. Effective philanthropy doesn’t happen in isolation, but through coordination between legal, tax, financial planning, investment and community experts. Clare highlights the growing momentum behind Remember A Charity’s adviser education programme and the committee’s ambition to strengthen confidence, understanding and integration of legacy giving across the sector.
Ultimately, she reinforces that when advisers empower clients to explore the purpose they want their wealth to serve, they not only support better planning but help clients shape legacies that truly reflect their values.
The full article was first published by Remember A Charity in January 2026.
