Jeremy Chapman, founder of Integrity Wealth Model
Tell us about your journey! What led you to this point?
When I left school at 18, I made the decision to go straight into financial services. Over the years to come, I worked hard to do the right thing, which eventually led me to start my own wealth management business 25 years ago – helping clients navigate complex financial decisions.
But, as it often does, success came at a cost. I watched as the industry increasingly prioritised profits over people, and short-term wins over long-term trust. As a result, I saw talented advisers struggle to reconcile their professional obligations with their personal values – and I was one of them.
It was then that I realised that integrity wasn’t a nice-to-have, nor was it a mere compliance requirement. Rather, it was a commitment to doing better – much better – not just in business, but as an individual. So, I decided to change my approach. I began to look beyond the popular belief that financial success alone leads to happiness. Instead, I sought fulfillment elsewhere.
At the age of 55, I took on a new challenge: earning a professional doctorate without ever having gone to university before. My research explored the role of values in personal and business decision-making, and helped me build the foundations that would eventually become the Integrity Wealth Model.
The Integrity Wealth Model (IWM) helps financial advisers and their clients navigate wealth with purpose and accountability, and all in a way that is built on strong moral and ethical foundations. My work challenges traditional finance narratives, proving that aligning money with integrity can lead to stronger, more sustainable success for individuals and businesses alike.
Since my doctorate, I have remained engaged with education. Today, I help others with their journeys, inspiring achievement and commitment through sharing my story.
What has been your biggest achievement?
Earning my doctorate at 55 was an extremely proud moment – not because of the title, but because of what it represented. It was proof that transformation is possible with real commitment at any stage of life. Plus, it allowed me to bridge the gap between academic research and practical financial advice, bringing integrity to the forefront of financial decision-making.
But beyond personal milestones, my greatest achievement has been influencing change. Whether it’s helping advisers build trust with clients, challenging industry norms, or guiding individuals towards wealth that is truly meaningful, seeing the real impact of my work has been the most rewarding part of my journey.
What’s the biggest result you help your clients achieve?
As well as advising my own wealth management clients to navigate the complexities of wealth, I help financial professionals and business leaders shift from transactional wealth-building to values-driven financial success. For advisers, this means developing long-term client relationships based on trust rather than just selling products.
It’s an approach to finance that requires a rethink of how we show up in the world, by forcing us to make sense of our own integrity, what it truly means, and how it influences the way we operate in alignment with our values.
Through the Integrity Wealth Model, I provide a framework that has helped countless clients move beyond short-term financial thinking, empowering them to make decisions that lead to sustainable success and lasting legacies. It serves as a reminder that the choices we make today shape the legacy we leave behind.
What would be your biggest piece of advice for readers who want to achieve the same?
Despite the messages we are constantly fed, success isn’t just about how much you earn; it’s about how well your wealth aligns with your purpose. So, I’d recommend taking the time to define what really matters to you – personally and professionally. Once you have that clarity, financial decisions become easier, and success becomes more fulfilling.
And don’t wait. Remember that change can happen at any stage of life! Whether you’re 25 or 55, if you feel something is missing, act on it. The biggest risk isn’t failing – it’s never trying in the first place.
What are the biggest mistakes you see people make, and how can they be avoided?
Chasing money without meaning:
I’ve met people with considerable wealth but nothing to show for it except stress, strained relationships, and a lingering sense of emptiness. It’s proof of the fact that wealth without purpose doesn’t lead to fulfillment – instead, it brings burnout, poor decisions, and regret.
The same applies to those who find success in business but never stop to ask: What am I building this for?
So, start by defining what success truly means for you beyond just numbers. It’s important that we start to recognise that numbers are coveted by society – it is the accepted norm! – and as individuals it is our responsibility to ask questions and challenge these ways of thinking. Often, what is considered ‘normal’ by society is not aligned with who we truly are.
Prioritising short-term gains over long-term trust:
In finance, the temptation to chase quick wins is everywhere; the relentless pursuit of growth is normalised, and the standard metric for success is simply having more. But real success isn’t measured in short-term gains; it’s in the relationships you build and the trust you earn over time.
At the end of the day, clients will remember who stood by them when things got tough. Integrity, like interest, compounds – those who invest in doing the right thing consistently will reap the greatest rewards.
Mistaking compliance for trust:
Following the rules is essential, particularly in highly regulated industries like financial services. But remember that this is only the starting point.
True trust isn’t built on ticking regulatory boxes – it’s built on transparency, honesty, and the courage to do what is right, even when no one is watching. That’s why the most respected professionals don’t just comply with the rules; they commit to a higher standard of professional and personal integrity, because they understand that trust is their most valuable asset.
How do you plan on further growing your business?
My focus is on scaling the impact of the Integrity Wealth Model, making it a key part of how advisers and firms approach financial advice. To make that vision a reality, I’m engaging with regulators, financial institutions, and industry leaders to integrate these principles into practice – not just as a compliance exercise, but as a way to build genuine, long-term trust and sustainable growth.
I’m also expanding The Integrity Centre, working with our remarkable community of Fellows to assist businesses that want to embed integrity into their decision-making and leadership. And I continue to share my insights through lectures, speaking engagements, writing, and collaborations that push for positive change in the financial sector and beyond.
Where can the readers find you?
You can learn more about my work concerning the Integrity Wealth Model at www.integritymodel.uk and The Integrity Centre at www.theintegritycentre.com.
I can also be found on LinkedIn – connect with me here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremylchapman/.
