How much do you charge for a Financial Planning Consultation?
There is no charge for this, and you are under no obligation to follow any of our
recommendations. In the event that you do decide to follow any of our recommendations, a fee
or commission is generated for The Spectrum IFA Group from the financial institution(s) providing your chosen product(s). Our fees are not deducted off the monies/premiums you payto these institutions. They come from budgets allocated by these companies, as industrystandard practice, to support their assurance, securities & investment activities.
Are you interested in the smaller investor?
Yes. Spectrum offers a full financial planning service. Whatever your circumstances, it isimportant to identify, set, and plan to meet financial objectives. Due to the breadth of our clientele and the volume of transactions we collectively arrange for our clients, The Spectrum IFA Group is often able to negotiate special terms (including .smaller. investors) and access to holdings that may normally carry prohibitively expensive entry levels. Even for .wealthy. investors this can mean the difference in being able to truly diversify their holdings.
Can you continue to look after my affairs if I move to another country?
In principle, yes; Spectrum has advisers based in many European locations and we can continue to advise you on the range of contracts affected on your behalf. (We may recommendthat you seek further advice on the tax implications in certain jurisdictions). Your Spectrum adviser is, of course, always contactable by telephone, fax and email and many institutions allow you access to your unit statements and other account information, via the Internet.
Are you really independent?
Yes. The Group has no corporate shareholders, and therefore Spectrum advisers can select products and services from a wide range of financial institutions. Spectrum values its independence and monitors service from providers that it uses, on a regular basis.
How do I know I am receiving good financial advice?
All Spectrum advisers are highly experienced and qualified professionals. The Spectrum IFAGroup also requires that the recommendations of all their advisers are scrutinised by an independent Compliance Officer to ensure that good advice has been given and is appropriate to a clientīs budget, objectives and attitude to risk. Additionally, each financial institution is subject to compliance checks and strict regulatory supervision governing the business they accept.
Are you legal?
When selecting an IFA we always recommend to clients that they check that the IFA is registered and licensed in the relevant Country. In Spain, the Spectrum IFA Group member company is Baskerville Advisers S.L. with the head office in Paseo de Gracia 63, Principal, 2A, 08008 Barcelona. Our CIF no is B 63-137 920 and we are regulated by the Correduria de Seguro, register number RDGS J2306.
Who manages my investments?
The underlying funds that are associated with any insurance/investment products we recommend are managed by leading investment professionals who have been specially selected for their strengths by the product provider or insurance company. Through one investment plan you will normally be able to access a wide range of fund managers; high-calibre household names such as Black Rock, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, Fidelity, New Star, Rothschild and Zurich are typical. These are often highly diversified funds of a general nature but specialist funds such as those focussing on particular geographic areas, industries or asset classes are also usually available. In all cases the investment decisions are made to maximise return whilst adhering to your investment objective and risk profile.
How secure is my investment?
European legislation requires financial institutions to hold guarantees or assets matching the value of investment premiums they receive. Other jurisdictions, such as Jersey and the Isle of Man, have a similar but self-imposed regime ensuring the highest levels of investor protection and corporate governance.
Does The Spectrum IFA Group hold investment funds?
No. In all cases, the payment is made directly to the institution. Spectrum does not operate a clientīs account (i.e. the contributions you pay do not pass through our hands). Depending on the product and institution you select, funds may be transferred by telegraphic transfer, bankerīs draft, or standing order. Some companies are able to collect contributions by credit or debit card so you can build those Frequent Flyer miles! In addition to statements and other correspondence sent directly to you by your product provider/s (or available to you by internet access), we will be pleased to provide updates upon request. Your adviser will arrange to meet with you personally at least twice a year to conduct a review and in the interim will be pleased to inform you of any pertinent information relating to your holdings. For more information, contact Barry Davys by Email: barry.davys@spectrum-ifa.com Mob. 00 34 645 257 525 Tel. 00 34 972 623 671 Fax. 00 34 93 636 56 11 www.expatfinancialadvicespain.com People do not plan to fail, they just fail to plan.