Our Financial Planning Process

Step 1: Introduction

An initial meeting to get to know each other, set expectations and establish a mutual respect and trust. Above all, it is an opportunity for both parties to ask open questions and ascertain that there is a good ‘fit’ and commitment to work together.

Step 2: Discovery

Collation of meaningful personal information that will guide the planning process. This will include quantitative facts about your family situation, work and existing financial provisions as well as discussion around ‘softer’ elements such as your life goals.

Step 3: Planning

Presentation and collaborative refinement of your personalized Financial Life Plan which will map out a clear pathway to achieving your financial and life objectives.
This will include any relevant product recommendations and a clearly defined plan of action. Your feedback and participation will be actively encouraged to ensure that the end solution is the perfect fit to your personal requirements.

Step 4: Implementation

Mobilisation of recommendations and completion of any necessary paperwork to put the agreed plan into action.

Step 5: Monitor, Evolve & Coach

A regular review process to monitor and evolve your Financial Life Plan and keep pace with the changes in your life as they occur. As part of this process, we provide ongoing coaching and support to ensure you continue to make the right financial decisions.

Our Service Proposition

Review Service

• A complete annual review of your financial objectives
• Unlimited face-to-face access with your advisor between review dates
• We will provide full details of the performance of your investment portfolio at our annual review

Day-to-Day Standards

• Unlimited telephone and e-mail access to your advisory team
• You will have a single point of contact for all administrative queries
• Communication will be tailored to your specific requirements

Professional Advisors

• We will communicate effectively with your other professional advisors (accountant, lawyer etc) as required, ensuring that all advice you receive is co-ordinated
• We will endeavour to introduce you to other suitable professionals as and when needs arise
• We will make ourselves available to consider new ideas from whatever source they may originate

Portfolio Construction

• We will conduct an in-depth assessment of your risk tolerance and agree a suitable investment strategy
• We will recommend a suitable asset allocation to meet your investment objectives
• Our asset and fund recommendations will be based on rigorous and robust investment processes and methodologies

Portfolio Management

• Online access to your portfolio valuation
• We will monitor the performance of funds in which you are invested and contact you should we feel a change is warranted
• We will re-balance your portfolio regularly to ensure that it remains in line with the agreed asset allocation
• We will provide access to a discretionary management service if appropriate
• We will provide portfolio valuations on request

Hassle Free Administration

• Utilising EBG International takes the complexity and hassle out of administering your financial life
• We will minimise the administrative burden and complexity of dealing with your financial affairs
• We will transact business on your behalf and ensure your files are up to date

Review Service

• A complete annual review of your financial objectives
• Unlimited face-to-face access with your advisor between review dates
• We will provide full details of the performance of your investment portfolio at our annual review

Day-to-Day Standards

• Unlimited telephone and e-mail access to your advisory team
• You will have a single point of contact for all administrative queries
• Communication will be tailored to your specific requirements

Professional Advisors

• We will communicate effectively with your other professional advisors (accountant, lawyer etc) as required, ensuring that all advice you receive is co-ordinated
• We will endeavour to introduce you to other suitable professionals as and when needs arise
• We will make ourselves available to consider new ideas from whatever source they may originate

Portfolio Construction

• We will conduct an in-depth assessment of your risk tolerance and agree a suitable investment strategy
• We will recommend a suitable asset allocation to meet your investment objectives
• Our asset and fund recommendations will be based on rigorous and robust investment processes and methodologies

Portfolio Management

• Online access to your portfolio valuation
• We will monitor the performance of funds in which you are invested and contact you should we feel a change is warranted
• We will re-balance your portfolio regularly to ensure that it remains in line with the agreed asset allocation
• We will provide access to a discretionary management service if appropriate
• We will provide portfolio valuations on request

Hassle Free Administration

• Utilising EBG International takes the complexity and hassle out of administering your financial life
• We will minimise the administrative burden and complexity of dealing with your financial affairs
• We will transact business on your behalf and ensure your files are up to date

Our Costs

We have a number of ways in which we can work and we employ a flexible charging structure to enable us to adapt to all client circumstances. The relevant model will depend very much on the nature of the advice given and we will discuss with you the most appropriate charging method as part of the discovery process:

Commission: In some cases we earn a commission from a product provider when we set up a policy. In this case there would be no direct payment from you to EBG International, all would be taken care of within the product charges of the policy.

% Initial Fee: We agree a % of capital invested as the fee for setting up a policy. This usually applies to investment of a fixed sum of money and the % would reduce on a sliding basis as the amount invested increases.

Fixed Fee: In this case we would agree a fee with you that reflects the expected work to be undertaken. This typically applies to clients who wish to concentrate on financial planning only or who wish to engage with us on a more transactional basis.

It is important to note that the discovery process does not carry any charge. This is an essential step that allows us to establish which of the 3 models is most appropriate to your personal situation and needs. Our regulation requires us to be clear and transparent on all charges. They will be clearly stipulated and agreed with you before proceeding with any recommendations.

What we expect from you

Openness

The plan we design for you is only as accurate as the information you provide to us. We ask that the information you share with us is complete where possible and that you are honest with us and yourselves when taking part in the planning process.

Commitment

We want you to be successful and we want your Financial Life Plan to ensure that you meet all of your life goals. Building wealth is a long-term process and the biggest influence on success or failure is your own financial behaviour. We will ensure that we do our part, putting the right structures in place, sharing the burden of decision making and keeping you on track along the way. That said, the only way we can truly support you through all life’s ups and downs is if you are as committed as we are to achieving your goals.