From the Trading Floor To Financial Planner with £70 Million AUM

In this episode of the Financial Planner Life podcast, Kanishk Swarup shares his incredible journey from high-stakes equity derivatives trading at JP Morgan and Credit Suisse to launching his own financial planning practice through the St. James’s Place Academy.We explore what it’s really like to work on a trading floor, the burnout behind big bonuses, and the unexpected truth: even successful finance professionals often have no financial plan.Kanishk opens up about growing up in a small town in India, landing a scholarship at LSE, navigating culture shock in the UK, and building a life from scratch — all leading to a career defined by purpose over pressure.He now runs Compound Wealth Planning, a thriving partner practice with £70 million in assets under management.🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The harsh truths behind trading at global investment banksWhy burnout pushed Kanishk to rethink his career trajectoryHow helping colleagues with their bonuses sparked a career shiftWhat made the St. James’s Place Academy the perfect next stepThe mindset it takes to build a successful planning business from zeroWhy lifestyle creep is the hidden enemy of financial freedomHow Kanishk defines success today — and why it’s not about the money✨ Who This Episode is For:Career changers curious about financial planningProfessionals in high-stress finance roles questioning their pathAspiring planners interested in the St. James’s Place AcademyFinancial services leaders looking to attract new talentAnyone who believes in the power of long-term thinking and purpose-driven work🔗 Resources & Mentions:Learn more about St. James’s Place AcademyFollow Kanishk Swarup on LinkedInCheck out Compound Wealth Planning Connect with Sam Oakes on LinkedInFinancial Planner Life is sponsored by Redmill AdvanceWhether you're starting out, already qualified, or building a training academy, Redmill Advance delivers expert-led learning, exam support and CPD from Level 4 to Chartered.✅ Trusted by top UK firms👉 www.redmilladvance.com/fplBe sure to follow Financial Planner Life on YouTube for extra content about  career development within Financial Planning. Reach out to [email protected] in regards to sponsorship, partnerships, videography or podcast production. Want to appear on the Financial Planner Life podcast? Drop Sam a message.