Our approach
A goal without a plan is just a wish. We help you make the plan — and act on it.
What is the one thing you would most like to do in your life? For many of our clients, it is to be ready for retirement. If that’s true for you, we’re here to show you how.
What we believe
Risk is the chance you won’t reach your goal.
Those who judge their portfolio by its performance against some narrow benchmark are focusing on an issue that is largely irrelevant to their ultimate financial success. The benchmark that matters is whether you are on track to accomplish your goals.
So, using a financial planning framework, we design portfolios with a high historical probability of meeting the goals in your plan — not portfolios intended to beat everybody else’s.
Above all, we help our clients so that they do not run out of money in retirement. We try to make a complex subject easy, even enjoyable. We respect your time, and we are experienced at translating your needs into action quickly.
Past historical probabilities do not guarantee future outcomes. Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks.
The ABC of long-term returns
Asset allocation, Behaviour, Compounding.
Much of the financial world is busy picking the next winning stock or fund. In our experience, over the long run, three simpler things decide far more of how a family’s money grows. We build every plan on them.
Asset allocation
How your money is divided between equity, debt and gold, set for each goal and how far away it is. It shapes most of the journey, far more than which fund or stock you pick.
Behaviour
Staying with the plan when markets are noisy. Avoiding panic in a fall and greed in a rally is usually worth more than any clever trade.
Compounding
Giving money time to grow. Starting early, investing regularly and not interrupting the process let returns earn returns.
This describes our approach, not a promise of returns. Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks.
What we help with
One plan that brings your financial life together.
Retirement income
How much you need, when you can stop working, and how to draw a monthly income from your savings in a sensible order.
Goal-based investment advice
An asset allocation for each goal — retirement, children’s milestones, a home — matched to your risk profile and reviewed over time.
Insurance and health cover
Whether your life and health cover is adequate, especially as premiums rise and employer cover ends at retirement.
Tax-aware decisions
Thinking through the tax side of withdrawals, regimes and investment choices, working alongside your chartered accountant.
Cash flow and liabilities
A clear picture of what comes in, what goes out, and which loans to close first.
Passing it on
Nominations, joint holdings and the paperwork that makes life easier for your family, in coordination with your legal adviser.
In the past we have not been enthusiastic about high-return, high-commission or aggressive-category products. Our solutions are simple, and our clients and we are comfortable that way.
How it works
A conversation first, then a simple five-step method.
It usually begins with the Financial Health Checkup (opens in a new tab). Based on your answers, we get in touch for an introductory conversation to understand your needs and whether we should work together. There is no charge, and no advice is given on it.
- 1
Onboarding
We sign an agreement that sets out our fees and any conflicts of interest, complete your KYC, and assess your risk profile.
- 2
Discovery
We learn about your family, income, expenses, assets, liabilities and the goals that matter — retirement first among them.
- 3
Planning
You receive a written plan: how much your goals need, where the money will come from, and how it should be invested.
- 4
Execution
Our execution desk helps you put the plan in place through registered platforms, in your own name and on your instructions.
- 5
Review
We meet regularly and whenever life or markets change. Our engagements are long-term; this is where we add the most value.
Words we work by
“Two men were walking along the waterfront near the New York Stock Exchange. One pointed to the elegant yachts at the dock: ‘Those belong to the celebrated stockbrokers of Wall Street.’ The other asked, ‘Where are all the customers’ yachts?’”
“Let every man divide his money into three parts, and invest a third in land, a third in business, and a third let him keep in reserve.”