Information For IFAS
As financial services in the UK moves towards a brave new world following the FSA's biggest shake up since the Financial Services and Markets ACT 2000 (N2) in the form of the Retail Distribution Review, our aim is to assist IFAs maintain and strengthen their business in the retirement planning sphere.
Having worked hand in hand with IFA firms for over 10 years (see Testimonials section for just a few comments) we know how to make such a collaboration work effectively and profitable for both parties, with the needs of your clients always paramount.
Our IFA 'partners' in business cover a very broad spectrum from one man general practitioners to national IFAs, and include many advisers who are 'qualified' in pensions themselves.
What we offer is a combination of technical expertise (for those who need it) and a robust and efficient management process covering pre and post retirement strategies up to (and sometimes beyond) age 75.
With well over 1,000 drawdown and pre-drawdown portfolios under management, we provide the essential link between the pension advice and the underlying investment strategy and risk management processes, which in order to meet TCF requirements must go hand in hand.
For example, the transition from unsecured to secured pension (drawdown to annuities) - when should this begin? There is no one 'special' day for any client that is the ultimate 'annuity day' where everything changes, and for the vast majority of drawdown investors waiting to 75 is not going to be suitable.
Viewing annuities in a positive light, as another asset class, to be progressively added the 'mix' when market conditions appear favourable, is essential in most cases.
Designing truly integrated drawdown investment strategies with a robust risk management process and regular monitoring, brings all these elements together.
And for those clients for whom alternative exit strategies are appropriate, be that 'third way' products, ASP, or 'scheme pension' we will adjust the strategy to suit.
Meanwhile throughout this process, the IFA firm acts as investment agent, a non advisory but nevertheless essential role since we are an 'advice only' firm and do not carry out investment transactions. This is where the "Partnership" aspect of our relationship with IFAs comes into play.