Richard Zeng, PhD

Can the right protection help you become more financially resilient?

Have you heard of the ‘protection gap’? You probably know someone who’s fallen into it.

Most of us know to get travel or pet insurance, or even just insure our mobile phone. But when it comes to really big life events, cover can easily get overlooked – causing a gap.

Far too many people aren’t properly protected against life-changing events, like losing their job or not being able to work because they’ve fallen ill. Which means that when these things do happen, they can have a much bigger impact than they need to.

Luckily, cover like income protection and critical illness can help people become more financially resilient. So, if you do have a financial shock, it doesn’t have to turn everything upside down. And it can be surprisingly simple and affordable.

If you’ve had a big milestone recently, or a change in your circumstances, it might be the right time to relook at your protection needs.

Reach out to me and I’ll be happy to help.

What Led me to Financial Planning

My interest in personal finance started young. When I was 12, I made my first investment, a mutual fund I picked simply because the name sounded appealing. It was a naïve choice, but it sparked a lifelong curiosity about how money works and eventually led me into my career.

Fourteen years later, I earned a PhD in Accounting from London Business School and became a lecturer at the University of Bristol. Over nine years in academia, I taught and researched a wide range of accounting and finance topics. The work involved thinking critically, analysing complex data, and communicating clearly with audiences ranging from complete beginners to experts.

While I enjoyed the intellectual challenge, I eventually realised I wanted to apply that expertise in a more personal and practical way. I found myself most energised by the conversations that helped people make sense of complex choices. Some of the most rewarding moments at work came when a student or colleague asked for my opinion, and together we worked through their thinking until they had clarity on their next step.

Even outside of work, friends and family often turn to me for perspective when they face difficult decisions. I may not always have the perfect answer, but I always do my best to help.

That’s what led me to financial planning. It allows me to combine technical expertise with something that has always come naturally: offering clear, thoughtful guidance when it matters most.

Outside the Office

I stay active with gym workouts, tennis, and golf. I also love music, wine, whisky, and good conversations. I continue to teach part-time at university and enjoy bridging academic thinking with real-life financial planning.

Download Richard's Chinese biography.