Turning complexity into clarity: how we helped a business leader secure their future

A senior Partner at a big-four accounting firm, with multiple pension arrangements (£1.25m in combined fund value), sought advice to address concerns regarding: 

• Their existing advisory firm (a well known financial advice firm) – excessive fee’s and underperforming funds 

• Pension consolidation for them and their partner 

• A suitable investment strategy aligned with long-term objectives and goals 

As a result, we were able to address these concerns while also saving our client £12,000 in on-going advice and investment management fees per year.  

The challenges faced 

Our client faced several challenges with their current pension setup: 

• Excessive Fees: Our client’s current scheme had annual ongoing advice and investment fees exceeding 2% per annum, significantly eroding the overall returns.

• Underperformance: Investment strategy was underperforming. 

• Multiple Pension Arrangements: Managing multiple pensions was complex and inefficient. 

• Asset Allocation Concerns: Portfolio allocations were inconsistent across the clients schemes and did not reflect their risk appetite or growth potential. 

• Employer Audit Requirements: Our client needed assurance that their investment strategy met internal corporate audit compliance standards.

Our solution 

We conducted a comprehensive pension review and implemented a tailored strategy to enhance efficiency and improve performance, resulting in:  

• Significant Cost Savings: Identified and halved high on-going advice and investment charges by over 1%, resulting in a combined annual saving of £12,000pa. 

• Pension Consolidation: Streamlined multiple pension arrangements onto a single, platform, simplifying management and improving oversight. 

• Portfolio solution: Designed a portfolio, better suited to our client’s financial goals, demonstrating the potential for improved returns. 

• Company Compliance: We worked directly with our client’s employer, confirming compliance with the firms independence requirements.