Mortgage adviser Danny Matthews is on a mission to overhaul the public’s attitude to the finance industry – and is enlisting help from a new online streaming service to get his message across.
Danny, pictured, based just outside Swindon in South Cerney, has worked in financial services for 10 years – including as a mortgage adviser for the last two – and he wants to change public opinion about the sector. 
He has launched a monthly, live show on new streaming service BLAB where he will interview other business people in related sectors. Viewers will be able to ask questions and get helpful information.
And as part of a two-pronged attack, Danny – who goes by the name The Actual Danny online – is also trying to persuade fellow advisers to become more approachable and to build trust with the public, through more effective use of social media.
To help with this he has set up a website called Advisers Edge Media.
He said: “People working in banking, financial services or insurance are in the least trusted industry in the country and given the financial crisis of a few years ago, it’s not surprising.
“I really want to do something about it and it’s in our hands to take action. The way the world communicates is fundamentally changing, whether we like it or not. Social media is the perfect way to be transparent, so people understand we can be trusted.”
Danny started his career working in private medical insurance. He had a spell in recruitment, before returning to PMI and protection. In 2014, he became a mortgage adviser and now trains fellow advisers through Total Mortgage Network.
His BLAB show will include interviews with an independent financial adviser, a lawyer and a property lettings agent, all as part of his plan to provide a helpful service.
Due to regulations governing how advice is given, he will steer away from talking about mortgages other than to provide general information and educate listeners on popular housing and mortgage subjects.
He said: “I think concerns over staying compliant with regulations are what put off a lot of people working in the financial sector from using social media. But I see it as a conversation and helping people in all areas.
“The Financial Conduct Authority regulations in this area give us the perfect opportunity to give value without promotion. People don’t necessarily shop where they socialise.”
Danny’s BLAB show is between 7pm-8pm on the first Wednesday of the month, and can also be viewed later as a podcast.
