I was reminded of this survey when chatting with fellow advisers recently. It says we think our clients value trust, empathy and communication, in other words the fluffy stuff, which is what we talk about on our websites. Clients say they want the best possible returns, to ‘reach their financial goals’ and get richer. Are we getting it wrong? I don’t think so. Most of the reviews we get talk about help, guidance and understanding, none mention ‘the yacht I never thought I could afford until I met Philip’. So maybe it’s a bit like dating (from what I can remember, of course). You think it’s all about looks; but you find happiness with someone you can actually talk to.
“Advisers fearful of further compliance and regulation”
We know, of course we know, that regulation is, or at least should be a ‘good thing’. If those who need or should seek advice can be confident that they’ll be told the right thing, that someone has looked at those ’too good to be true’ investments before they’re allowed to take your money; or, in the case of a Woodford, while they’re raking it in to make sure it’s going where it’s supposed to.
