Many UK investors struggle to navigate the complex world of investments, making financial advice a necessity. However, hiring a financial advisor can be expensive and many investors are deterred from seeking professional guidance.
In this analysis, we will delve into the pain points of UK investors looking for affordable and reliable financial advice. We will explore the cost of hiring a financial advisor in the UK in 2023, examining hidden fees, conflicting interests, and other challenges that make finding a trustworthy advisor difficult.
Key Takeaways
- The cost of hiring a financial advisor in the UK can range from one to two percent of the assets they manage, or an hourly rate of £75 to £350, or a fixed flat fee for creating an initial financial plan.
- Factors to consider when hiring a financial advisor include their experience, qualifications, licences, client profile, compensation structure, standard of care, objectivity, and rapport.
- Alternatives to hiring a full-time financial advisor include financial coaching, financial planning, investment advising, brokering, and becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
- Scenarios when people may benefit from working with a financial advisor include when they have a significant amount of money to invest, approaching retirement, receiving a large sum of money, facing a significant financial decision, or needing help creating and sticking to a budget.
Who Qualifies for a Financial Advisor?
Financial advisors are professionals who provide financial services to clients based on their financial situation. They can be independent or restricted, depending on their focus. Most advisors are independent and provide services such as:
- Investment advice
- Budgeting help
- Retirement planning
- Estate planning
- Tax planning
- Insurance advice
- Virtual advice through Edelman Financial Engines, etc
Three main bodies award qualifications for financial advisers in the UK. These bodies are:
- The Chartered Insurance Institute, which offers professional financial services qualifications
- The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, which offers qualifications in securities and investments; and
- The Personal Finance Society, which offers qualifications in personal finance
To qualify as a financial adviser in the UK, individuals must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution. They must also pass the exams administered by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or bodies such as The London Institute of Banking and Finance. Lastly, they must obtain necessary work documents.
Qualified financial advisers can earn between £30,000 and £45,000 per year. Senior financial advisers working with an average-wealth client base can earn even more.
Why Are Financial Advisors in Demand?
The trend for financial advisors is growing due to a number of factors, including:
- The increasing demand for defensive planning and tax and estate planning technology
- The aging client population that seeks income rather than risk and accumulation and
- The shift in demographics and globalization of the world’s economies.
The current market volatility has increased the need for advisors as investors are increasingly focused on what their money can do for them. In fact, the number of financial advisors is expected to increase by close to 51,000 by 2031, according to the U.S Bureau of Labour Statistics.
Think with Google reported that mobile searches for “financial advisor” have grown 75% over the last two years. Mobile searches related to financial planning and management have grown 70%, while mobile searches for “high yield” have more than doubled.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Financial Advisor UK?
When hiring a financial advisor in the UK, it’s essential to understand the costs involved. Financial advisors typically charge a fee based on a percentage of the assets they manage, such as a pension pot.
This fee can range anywhere from one to two percent, depending on factors such as the level of advice needed, the time involved, and the size of the assets. Some financial advisors may also offer their services at an hourly rate, ranging from £75 to £350 per hour, or charge a fixed flat fee for creating an initial financial plan.
Investment platforms may offer one-time advice sessions for a fee from around £300 to £600. According to Which?, the average cost of initial advice from a financial advisor is 2.4% of the amount invested, with ongoing advice costing 0.8% per year, including any underlying product and platform fees.
For example, setting up a £20k ISA with ongoing advice may cost around £589 to £770, while releasing £100k of equity from home could cost around £600. Investing £250k with ongoing advice could cost between £3,000 and £5,000, and consolidating three pension pots worth £250k with ongoing advice could cost between £3,000 and £7,500.
The Pensions Advice Allowance allows people in defined contribution (DC) pension schemes to withdraw up to £500 tax free from their pension pot to pay for professional advice.
In the United Kingdom, overseeing financial advisors falls under the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) jurisdiction. The FCA mandates that all financial advisors obtain authorization and abide by its code of conduct, which outlines the ethical standards they must follow when dealing with clients.
How Much Money Do You Need to Consider a Financial Advisor?
Generally, it is recommended to consider hiring a financial advisor when you have between $50,000 – $1,000,000 in liquid assets. However, most advisors prefer to start working with clients when they have between $100,000 – $500,000 in investable assets.
It is important to note that the amount of money you have does not necessarily determine whether or not you need a financial advisor. Factors such as your financial goals and risk tolerance should also be taken into consideration. Besides, the cost of hiring a financial advisor should be weighed against the potential benefits of their services before making a decision.
Factors That Influence the Decision to Hire a Financial Advisor
When considering hiring a financial advisor, there are several factors to consider. These include the following:
- Experience: Look for a financial advisor with a track record of success and a deep understanding of the financial markets.
- Qualifications: Choose an advisor with relevant education and training, such as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, to ensure they have the knowledge and skills to provide valuable advice.
- Licences: Verify that the advisor is licensed to provide financial services in your state and that they have a clean disciplinary history.
- Client Profile: Evaluate the type of clients the advisor typically works with to see if they have experience managing portfolios similar to yours.
- Compensation Structure: Consider the advisor’s compensation structure, such as fees, commissions, or a combination of both, to determine if their interests align with yours.
- Standard of Care: Make sure the advisor is held to a high standard of care and that they act in your best interests at all times.
- Objectivity: Look for an advisor who is objective and will provide advice free from conflicts of interest.
- Rapport: Choose an advisor with whom you have a good connection and who you feel comfortable communicating with regularly.
By considering these factors, you can find a financial advisor that is well-suited to meet your needs and help you achieve your financial goals.
How Do You Find a Good Financial Advisor UK?
You’ll find several resources available to help individuals find financial advisors in the UK. Unbiased and VouchedFor are two websites that can help you find independent financial advisers in your area.
Citizens Advice Bureau and MoneyHelper also provide free and impartial financial guidance. Additionally, The Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) offers certification for those who wish to become a certified financial adviser.
Benefits of Hiring a Financial Advisor
Hiring a financial advisor can provide numerous benefits to individuals and families seeking to manage their finances more effectively.
A financial advisor can offer an objective perspective and provide expert guidance on various financial issues, from investment strategies and risk management to retirement planning and estate management. They can also help clients save money in the long term by identifying areas where they may be overspending or recommending more efficient investment strategies.
With a financial advisor, clients can also enjoy a sense of relief and peace of mind, knowing that their financial matters are in the hands of a professional with their best interests. Furthermore, financial advisors can assist with tax planning, helping clients minimise their tax liability and take advantage of tax-saving opportunities.
Alternatives to Hiring a Full-Time Financial Advisor
When managing your money, there are plenty of options besides hiring a full-time financial advisor. One alternative is hiring a financial coach who would help you better grasp your financial situation and plan for your financial future. This service focuses on helping you establish healthy financial habits and achieve short-term goals.
Another option is financial planning, which involves creating a comprehensive plan for budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. A financial planner can help you determine your financial goals and devise a plan to achieve them.
Investment advising can also be helpful if you want expert advice on making wise investments. An investment advisor will guide you on the types of investments, how much to invest, and when to buy or sell. They can also help you diversify your portfolio to reduce risk.
Brokering is another alternative: a professional buys and sells securities for you. They can give you advice on what types of securities to buy or sell, but they do not provide investment advice. They make money by charging a commission on each trade.
Lastly, becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) can give you a deeper understanding of the financial world and how to approach investments. CPAs have specialised knowledge that can help them make better investment decisions and avoid errors. This may be worth considering if you’re serious about managing your finances.
When Should You Hire a Financial Advisor?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the right time to hire a financial advisor can vary greatly depending on your circumstances and financial goals. However, some common scenarios when people may benefit from working with a financial advisor include:
- When you have a significant amount of money to invest and want professional guidance on how to grow your wealth.
- When you’re approaching retirement and need help creating a plan to ensure you have enough money to support yourself during your golden years.
- When you receive a large sum of money, such as an inheritance, and don’t know how to best manage it.
- When you’re facing a significant financial decision, such as buying a home or starting a business, and need expert advice on how to proceed.
- When you want help creating and sticking to a budget, reducing debt, and achieving your financial goals.
If you need clarification on whether working with a financial advisor is right for you, you can always schedule a consultation to discuss your specific needs and determine if their services would be a good fit.
Bottom Line: Is it Worth Paying for a Financial Advisor in the UK?
While hiring a financial advisor in the UK can come with a high cost, the benefits of professional guidance can outweigh the price tag. Understanding the costs involved, as well as the factors that influence the decision to hire a financial advisor, can help investors make informed decisions about their investment strategy.
Additionally, there are alternatives to hiring a full-time financial advisor, such as financial coaching or investment advising, that can be more cost-effective. Ultimately, the decision to hire a financial advisor should be based on individual circumstances and financial goals, weighing the potential benefits against the cost.
