Guidance: The adviser said an initial sit down would involve a 15-minute chat, where he would outline the business and how it operates, and discuss the situation and their approach in more detail. He did not give any more details about the specifics of responsible investment solutions, but said it was possible to blend investment portfolios to suit the specific needs of the client. 3/5
Knowledge: The adviser showed some knowledge of the situation and clarified how the business charged for advice. He explained what kind of documentation would be needed from the shopper and that any decision would largely depend on the shopper’s attitude, and capacity, for risk. But did not give elaborate any further. 3/5
Website: https://www.armstrongwatson.co.uk/
Email: bryce.niven@armstrongwatson.co.uk 5/5
Verdict: The adviser explained the payment method but was unable to give further details about the different types of funds and what they invest in, without knowing more about the shopper's situation and financial records.
31/35
Adviser: Aberdein Considine & Co (independent)
Address: 108 Byres Road, Glasgow, G12 8TB
Speed: The shopper left a message at 11:30am and an adviser called back later in the day at 5:30pm. 4/5
Telephone manner: Friendly and professional. 5/5
Qualifications: Chartered financial planner with APFS. 5/5
Payment method: Following an initial free consultation, there would be a £200 an hour fee. But depending on the situation, a fixed fee was also an option. 5/5
Guidance: The adviser would need to look over the shopper’s latest annual pension statements, and ask more questions about her finances and future goals, which would include an assessment of the shopper’s attitude towards risk. He suggested the shopper look at her current pensions arrangement, if she had a pension through her current employer, as there was likely to be an ethical solution on offer. He added that the screening for ethical funds in a pension ranged from light to stringent and that this was something they could look at together. 4/5
Knowledge: The adviser said the shopper could get ethical fund access through a pension or an Isa, or a mix of both. While a pension was more tax efficient than an Isa, the funds would be locked in until age 55, so splitting it between the two could be a good option. He explained that a standard personal pension usually already offers a pool of ethical funds. 4/5
Website: https://www.acandco.com/
Email: gcrozier@acandco.com 5/5
Verdict: The adviser called back as promised, and discussed the payment method and process for gathering information, and some of the factors that are key to ethical decision-making, such as risk appetite. He was reluctant to give more details over the phone.
32/35
Adviser: Fitzroy Wealth Management (independent)
