Checklist for choosing a reputable financial adviser in the UAE

From checking a company is properly regulated to ensuring fees are paid upfront, rather than on a commission-only basis, UAE expats must be ruthless when looking for a financial adviser they can trust with their savings.

Make sure you do your research before settling on a financial planner. istockphoto.com

Finding a financial adviser you can trust can be a minefield in the UAE, with many UAE expats duped by commission-hungry agents that do not have their financial interests at heart. Here AES International, one of a handful of financial advisory companies in the UAE that charges upfront fees rather than commissions, reveals its checklist for finding a reputable adviser you can trust, saying the list will ensure your outcomes are substantially better than relying on a friend’s referral, free lunches, corporate sponsors, seminars organised by your employer or accepting a meeting with a cold caller.

When doing your research, make sure you can answer “yes” on all the following points:

On the Firm

• The firm is regulated by a ‘proper’ financial regulator (ie, one that enforces high standards and its rules) such as the UK FCA, the Dubai FSA, the US SEC, or the Singapore MAS.

• You have checked the firm’s claims to be authorised and regulated against a regulators public register.

• The website has photos of the people behind the firm and their full professional biographies.

• The person you are dealing with is professionally qualified to at least UK level 4. They can clearly evidence this and a history of providing regulated financial advice.

• The firm is recognised as a leader in its space and has received widespread recognition in the consumer press, by client feedback on objective platforms, and by independent peers.

• The firm is sufficiently large and has a long enough trading history (in excess of 10 years) as to confer stability and experience in dealing with international and cross-border investment.

• The firm has a clear regulatory statement on its website explaining how licensing works in your jurisdiction and what to do if you are ever dissatisfied.

On the Advice Process

• You are provided with clear terms of business and have read and understood them.

• All the advice you receive is detailed in writing in a suitability report which you have read and understood.

• You are not locked into any contractually binding investment period where you have exit penalties.

On the Investment Service

• The firm has an investment philosophy, which invests in low cost, globally diversified index funds.

• Your portfolio is constructed according to your specific needs, taking into account your investment objectives, time horizon for the assets, cash flow needs and other factors specific to you.

• You get a disciplined approach to your investment strategy that goes beyond just stock picking or selecting investments based on their past performance.

• The firm rebalances your investments annually as investments stretch your portfolio out of shape.

On the Fees and Charges

• The firm provides you with a written confirmation of all fees and charges that you will be expected to pay.

• The firm does not accept commissions and does not pay its advisers on commission.

• You’ll have competitive, transparent fees that align the firm’s interests with yours. If your portfolio does better, they do better. As opposed to paying them for years of work upfront on day 1 (which in all likelihood will never get done).

• You know exactly what you pay for the investment advice and services and this is clearly separated from product charges instead of bundled altogether.

Follow The National's Business section on Twitter