W&F 2017 Finance awards

Finance awards wealth&finance2017

ING Luxembourg

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Welcome to the 2017 Finance Awards.

The finance industry is a key driver of the global economy. From asset managers through to bankers, investment advisors to software developers, the 2017 Finance Awards are dedicated to supporting and recognising these talented and dedicated firms, individuals and departments.

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Now in its 4th year, the Finance awards is a prestigious program. It is a badge of honour, a stamp of excellence, and all of our award winners are part of an exclusive and illustrious group comprising of some of the most influential names in the financial market.

Hannah Stevenson, Editor Phone: +44 (0) 203 725 6842 Email: h.stevenson@aiglobalmedialtd.com Website: www.wealthandfinance-news.com AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them.

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The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements.

In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions.

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Contents EI Sturdza Investment Funds Best Investment Management Firm - West London

6. FACET Best New Multi-Asset Fund Manager - United Kingdom 8.

ING Luxembourg Best Wholesale Bank 2017 – Luxembourg & Award for Excellence in Retail Banking

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Clear Capital Management LLP Best Discretionary Portfolio Manager - England

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Fogwill & Jones Best Asset Management Company – Yorkshire & Excellence Award for Retirement Planning Services - Northern England

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Infinox Capital Limited FOREX Broker of the Year 2017 - United Kingdom

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Al Rayan Investment LLC Best GCC Asset Manager 2017

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Are You Owed Money Limited Best Debt Recovery Company 2017 - United Kingdom

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Arkwright Insurance Brokers Limited Most Trusted Insurance Brokers - United Kingdom

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Edward Bond Wealth Management Ltd Best Holistic Planning Financial Advisory Firm - United Kingdom

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Greenstone Financial Planning Ltd Most Trusted Financial Planning Firm - South East England

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MilleniumAssociates AG M&A Advisors of the Year 2017 - Switzerland

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TFS Loans Limited Best Guarantor Loan Provider - United Kingdom

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Treasury Capital Fund Solutions Best Independent ACD Services Provider 2017

24. USCF Best Asset Management Firm - Rocky Mountain States & Best New ETF Product: USOU United States 3x Oil Fund 25.

The Moeller Group Best Investment Management Firm - Missouri

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Pro Group Captive Management Services Best Captive Manager – USA

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EI Sturdza Investment Funds EI Sturdza Investment Funds is a fast growing, independent investment fund company with a proven track record of offering high conviction, award winning strategies to institutional and private clients globally.

We profile the firm to explore the secrets behind its phenomenal success.

Founded in 1999, EI Sturdza is a $3bn multiboutique asset manager born out of the Genevabased Banque Eric Sturdza group.

Over recent years, assets under management (AUM) growth across the global fund management sector has continued to rise and with it, the choice of investment products from active and passive to pure quantitative strategies. As such, firms such as EI Sturdza find that differentiation is central to achieving success.

The firm, which runs 11 UCITS equity and fixed income funds spanning global markets, takes a unique approach when compared to conventional asset managers, by providing its portfolio managers with full independence to manage their portfolios, whilst EI Sturdza is responsible for portfolio and operational oversight, risk management, compliance and legal, as well as marketing, distribution and client relations. By outsourcing fund administration, custody and legal services and not imposing the constraints of an in-house view, its investment teams can focus exclusively on investment decisions. It is a model that aims to provide economies of scale and best execution to end-clients, while also giving them peace of mind that they are focusing on what really counts.

Alongside this innovative approach, the firm has also continued to partner with others in pursuit of this goal, recently forming a strategic alliance with Johann & Graemiger Partners, a local fund distributor in Zurich, to communicate the value of its fund offering in the German speaking regions of Switzerland. With roots in Geneva through Banque Eric Sturdza, Switzerland, is a core part of EI Sturdza’s business and client base, enabling the firm to cement its presence in the region.

Collaboration is at the heart of the firm’s success, and this applies to both its industry peers and its staff. While state-of-the-art technology has become

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essential - underpinning investment models and mitigating risk - the importance of identifying talent should not be underestimated. With the rise of ETFs and other index tracking products, some investors now place less emphasis on investment talent.

Unlike other firms, for EI Sturdza the need to identify and develop exclusive relationships with world class investment managers that hold outstanding track records has remained unchanged.

A strategy that identifies investment talent in their local markets appears to be paying dividends for the business, with its Strategic China Panda Fund led by a highly experienced, Hong Kong based portfolio manager, Lilian Co, returning more than 58% to investors in 2017 alone (at 31 October).

Within the financial market, recent high profile geopolitical events in Europe and North America in 2016, and a string of natural disasters in 2017, reminded us all of the value of effective risk management. EI Sturdza believes risk management is not a “box-ticking” exercise, it is much more.

For EI Sturdza the first layer of risk management is embedded within the investment strategies of each individual investment team, which involves proactive forward-looking risk analysis.

The second layer includes operational risk, regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions and market risk. However, EI Sturdza does not intervene directly in the positions of the portfolios; rather the firm monitors and enforces compliance within the strategy’s guidelines. This ensures excellence for clients and means that they can rest assured that their money is in safe hands.

Looking forward, EI Sturdza’s commitment to nurturing talent and providing investment teams with the independence they need to make returns will remain unchanged. Yet its approach to new, innovative investment strategies will move with the market to provide investors with cutting edge funds spanning global equity and fixed income markets.

Company: EI Sturdza Investment Funds Contact: Adam Turberville Email: a.turberville@eisturdza.com Address: 3rd Floor, Frances House, Sir William Place, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 1GX, Channel Islands Phone: T +44 1481 722 322 Website: www.eisturdza.com

Best Investment Management Firm - West London

L. Georges Gutmans Executive Chairman EI Sturdza Investment Funds

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FACET FACET is a Crawley based fund manager offering a range of investment opportunities to its valued clients. We spoke to Director Christian Holland to learn more.

Founded in 1979, since inception FACET has grown as a discretionary fund manager offering a range of investment services. Recently, the firm has added a full wealth management division, which allows clients to invest in everything from direct equities to multi-asset portfolios whether it be bespoke portfolios or through investment in FACET’s three risk-managed open-ended funds.

Christian explores how this growth has led the firm to provide the service that its clients, who range from individuals to corporations, need.

“At FACET, we saw our expansion as something that would benefit a number of our existing clients and open up the potential for further growth in an age where more and more clients prefer to have all their financial services needs met by a single institution with whom they are familiar and can receive a friendly, accessible and professional service. It is important to us that we continue to offer a personal service from managers who have been with the company for years. We have found that this approach complements the technical risk analysis that we carry out for all clients and, ultimately, underpins a strong relationship with clients to whom we can have honest and frank discussions about what they really want from their investments.

“This is especially important at a time of increased and ever-changing regulation of the financial sector. Our industry has had to innovate and invest in new technology to keep up with, or get ahead of, increased regulation. Of course, having a full understanding our client’s attitude to risk is both necessary and desirable, but one notable change has been a marked pick-up in our number of corporate clients. The reasons for this vary but by far the most important factor is that Facet is able to offer a discretionary wealth management service.

This is attractive for financial advisers who want to de-risk their business by outsourcing investment management to a firm with the technology and expertise to look after their client portfolios in a fully compliant way in a regulated environment.”

Looking to the future, the firm is dedicated to continuing to provide the service and solutions that its clients need, as Christian concludes.

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Company: FACET Contact: Christian Holland Email: christian.holland@facetonline.co.uk Address: 1-2 The Courtyard, East Park, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 6AG, UK Phone: 01293 590066 Website: www.facetonline.co.uk

“Moving forward, 2018 will be an interesting year of consolidating on the significant growth already achieved and we will be looking for opportunities for further expansion in a fast-changing regulatory environment which we are well equipped to deal with. Indeed, our ongoing investment in systems is part of what makes our proposition attractive.

“In addition, it is vitally important to use the experience of the investment management team both to manage the portfolios, given their risk parameters, but also to place an emphasis on wealth preservation in a global market at a time when asset prices are at new highs. Wherever we look, distortions in asset prices resulting from the Great Financial Crisis are evident. We are conscious of the influence of central bank policy which may ultimately dominate whilst the day-today business of managing money for growth and income goes on. “Therefore, it is clear that superlow interest rates have driven investment policy towards yielding assets and set up asymmetric risks between different asset classes. Getting the balance between asset classes occupies our thoughts more than trying to make short term investment calls based on every twitch and turn in sentiment driven by speculation over economic data or geopolitical concerns that come and go as they always have.

“Moving forward, 2018 will be an interesting year of consolidating on the significant growth already achieved and we will be looking for opportunities for further expansion in a fastchanging regulatory environment which we are well equipped to deal with.”

“Ultimately, at FACET, we want to continue to make good risk-weighted investment returns for our clients and ensure that we keep them informed about what we’re doing and thinking. This is especially true when we make significant changes which, generally speaking, we have been right not to make as we work with our partners and clients in an increasingly uncertain world that is changing as fast as we are.”

Best New Multi-Asset Fund Manager - United Kingdom

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ING Luxembourg

Company: ING Luxembourg Email: communication@ing.lu Address: 26, Place de la Gare, L-2965, Luxembourg Phone: 00352 44 99 1

ING is a global financial institution which places customers at the heart of its service offering, with a strong European base offering banking services to retail and wholesale clients in over 40 countries with 52,000 employees. Its head office is located in Amsterdam. We explore the range of services the bank provides.

In Luxembourg, ING is a universal bank with a network of 16 branches and well developed digital channels appreciated

by Retail, Private and Wholesale Banking clients alike, and ranks 4th among universal banks. Our Bank has been present in the country since 1960.

Thanks to its “Think Forward” global strategy, ING is making every effort to empower its clients to stay a step ahead in life and in business so that they can make their projects a reality. This ranges from personal credit used to finance the purchase of a consumer good to more complex credit to finance an industrial project, not to mention the specific needs of private customers.

ING’s purpose is founded on the belief that the role of a financial institution is to support and promote economic, social and environmental progress at the same time as it generates healthy returns for shareholders.

The Think Forward strategy helps ING fulfil that purpose, achieve financial and commercial success and create value for all its stakeholders.

ING’s approach to the customer experience it offers is based on its Customer Promise.

This is a pledge to customers to be clear and easy, available anytime and anywhere, to empower and to keep getting better, by striving to be leaders in the digital customer experience based on easy access, simplified products and services, and tools to help customers make smart financial decisions.

This strategy has started to pay off since ING Luxembourg held up well during 2016 overall: despite a rather modest economic recovery and in a changing environment, ING Luxembourg posted a result before tax of 136.4 million EUR. In addition, the Bank’s

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credit volumes increased in 2016 (+17%), confirming its willingness to contribute more and more each day to financing the economy.

Thanks to its “Think Forward” global strategy, ING is making every effort to empower its clients to stay a step ahead in life and in business so that they can make their projects a reality.

With more than 700 employees within our head office (ING Lux House) and more than 100 in our network of branches, our local presence combined with the support of a solid international group allows our teams to propose a large range of solutions to our individual and business clients via their preferred distribution channel.

Best Wholesale Bank 2017 – Luxembourg & Award for Excellence in Retail Banking

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Clear Capital Management

Company: Clear Capital Management LLP Contact: Martin Vaughan Email: m.vaughan@clearcm.co.uk Address: 35 New Bridge Street, London, EC4V 6BW, UK Phone: 020 3011 5200 Website: www.clearcm.co.uk

Clear Capital Management LLP (Clear CM) is an investment management company that believes in offering something different, and better. We spoke to Senior Partner Martin Vaughan to find out more about the firm and the range of services it provides.

Established in 2013, Clear CM works exclusively with financial advisers and their clients. The firm’s team of investment professionals demonstrates expert knowledge not only in interpreting investment markets and researching funds and other investments but also in the profession of financial planning.

In 2016 the company took a strategic decision to create and manage discretionary managed model investment portfolios and to make them available to UK Financial Advisers on wrap platforms. Clear CM’s background is in regulated financial services, with Martin himself being a Chartered and Certified Financial Planner. As such, he has a clear vision for the firm, which he outlines in more detail.

“Here at Clear CM, our mission is to provide ‘intelligent investment management’. To achieve this, we take an intelligent approach to what we do and look to work in partnership with our clients.

This incorporates elements of education and sharing of our current thinking firmly believing that the sharing of knowledge better informs our clients. This in turn allows them to not only make an informed decision about what we do but also positions them to be able to better explain our model portfolios to their clients.

“Our clients are Regulated Financial Advisers, and as such we strive to provide them with as much collateral as is required for them to be able to effectively make an assessment of the appropriateness of those portfolios for their clients.”

Despite its relative youth, what sets Clear CM apart from its competitors and has helped drive it to the success it enjoys today is its innovative approach to investing, as Martin is eager to emphasise.

“Whilst we are a relatively new company we have had 12 model portfolios in existence since at least January this year. All these portfolios have achieved growth well in excess of their benchmark, the lowest being growth of 38% more than the benchmark. For example, our Classic Balanced Passive Portfolio has achieved 72% more growth than its benchmark since inception. (Source Clear

Capital Management LLP. Figures correct to September 2017).

“The secret behind our success is our investment approach and thorough research; we use a top down investment process. We also use economic data and political thinking from a number of sources to determine our strategic asset allocation for each of our model portfolios and then overlay this with our tactical decisions. We firmly believe that we can influence the returns of the portfolio by managing the asset allocation. Once the asset allocation is determined we use quantitative and qualitative research to determine the actual investment instruments used to populate the asset classes.”

Ultimately, Clear CM aims to build upon its current success moving forward, and continues to offer a client centric approach that meets the individual needs of everyone the firm works with. The firm continually seeks to deploy its intellectual capital and that of its partners to arrive at a package of innovative solutions designed to meet the exacting demands of professional advisers and their clients, as Martin concludes.

“The secret behind our success is our investment approach and thorough research; we use a top down investment process.”

“With our origins within the financial planning community, Clear CM intends to appeal directly to the professional adviser with a range of services and funds designed to precisely dovetail with the tailored financial plan an adviser puts in place for their clients. We do not subscribe to the notion that an investment manager should be free to design a strategy in isolation of how it is to be applied in the real world. Instead, we believe in offering tailored solutions, and remain committed to continuing to do so as we look towards a bright and exciting future.”

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Best Discretionary Portfolio Manager - England

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Fogwill & Jones Fogwill & Jones is known for exceptional, one-to-one, tailor made independent financial advice. Margaret Abrahams provides us with a fascinating insight into the firm and how it works to provide the highest possible standards of support to its clients.

Established in 2000, Fogwill & Jones is proud to be amongst the leading financial adviser firms in Sheffield due to its exceptional quality and reputation. Being independently owned, the firm is able to offer clients an unbiased service tailored to meet their needs. Margaret discusses the firm’s service offering and how it works to provide clients with a high quality service that they can rely on.

“At Fogwill & Jones, we consider how all areas of a client’s situation overlap and interact with each other in order to formulate a strategy for life. We pride ourselves on providing advice which helps our clients to gain confidence, understanding and peace of mind.

“Our mission is to provide our clients with the most complete service we can from Protection in early life, through savings and retirement planning right up to later life care and estate protection. All stages of life involve financial planning to protect our clients and their family.”

Providing such excellent services means engaging dedicated and professional staff, and as such Margaret is eager to emphasise how Fogwill & Jones works to ensure that employees are always valued and supported.

“To ensure true excellence for our clients, the happiness and progression of our valuable team is of paramount importance; without the amazing team that we have we would not be able to progress and provide the level of service we offer to our clients. As with all companies our staff are our most valuable asset and we invest heavily in ongoing training and qualifications.

“Additionally, to keep a great team dynamic, we always aim to promote from within at every opportunity. Formal qualifications are not always top priority when recruiting, as skills can be developed within the company – we believe choosing the right type of person to fit into our team; someone with the right personality to really understand the needs of our clients is key.”

These committed and experienced staff are constantly working to find new ways to support clients and provide them with the solutions they need, as Margaret highlights.

“Our clients, many of whom have been with us for over 30 years, extending to their children and grandchildren, are an integral part of our company.

We contact our clients regularly with newsletters, financial updates, tax tables, Budget updates and regular reminders to use their valuable allowances such as ISA and Capital Gains Tax allowances.

“Regular reviews are conducted to cover not just their financial planning but also legal matters from our own in-house Solicitor. As regulatory changes are made and family circumstances change we constantly review our client’s situation to ensure they are exactly where they need to be at that point in their life.”

Looking to the future, Fogwill & Jones are constantly seeking to hire new staff to grow even further, whilst maintaining their focus on providing the level of service that clients have come to expect, as Margaret concludes.

“Overall, the future is very bright for us as we are a very ‘person to person’ advice firm and are used to, where necessary holding hands with our clients.

Pension legislation, taxation and the legalities involved in Trusts and estates are a minefield and minefields require those passing through to hold hands with a person who is experienced in navigating the mines.

“As such, the firm has also taken steps to ensure smooth succession from the current owner to the staff, ensuring clients will not be worried that a new firm would take it over as this definitely will not happen. Most people, particularly in later life do not like change or uncertainty, and as such at Fogwill & Jones we aim to remove this and continue to provide a bespoke quality service as we have always done.”

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Company: Fogwill & Jones Asset Management Limited Contact: Margaret Abrahams Email: margaret@fogwilljones.co.uk Address: DeVere House, 4 Acorn Business Park, Woodseats Close, Sheffield, S8 0TB, UK Phone: 0114 258 8899 Web Address: www.fogwillandjones.com

Best Asset Management Company – Yorkshire & Excellence Award for Retirement Planning Services - Northern England

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Infinox Capital Limited

Company: Infinox Capital Limited Contact: Jay Mawji Email: jay.mawji@infinox.com Address: Birchin Court, 20 Birchin Lane, London, EC3V 9DU, UK Phone: 020 3713 4490 Website: https://infinox.com/en/

Infinox Capital is a global brokerage, headquartered in London and providing a range of services to its valued clients. We spoke to Jay Mawji to learn more about the firm and how it works to provide the very highest standards of support and service.

Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority since 2009, Infinox offers clients the chance to trade the financial markets through market leading global infrastructure, with cutting edge technology and execution. Supporting a range of clients including Asset Managers and Funds, Corporate Entities, Professional Traders and Retail Traders, the firm works hard to ensure that it provides only the highest possible standards of support, as Jay explains.

“Here at Infinox, our mission is to provide clients access to the financial markets, where their brokerage is working on their side. We achieve this by focusing all our actions on our key brand values; integrity, inspiration, ambition, excellence.

“As such, premium client service is at the core of our culture is the founding pillar upon which we started the company. All of our clients have a personal account manager, supported by a strong client service team that speak multiple languages including English, Italian, Spanish and Mandarin.

Clients can communicate with us via telephone, online chat and email, 24/5. At Infinox, our clients are more than just an account number; they are a person.”

As with any service driven firm, at Infinox staff are vital to creating a successful business. As such, Jay is keen to highlight the firm’s commitment to offering a supportive internal culture.

“Infinox adopts a culture of pursuing excellence.

The firm is focused on finding a better way and refining it. It is a never ending process, the pursuit of perfection never ends. By no means is Infinox perfect, but the adoption of looking through best practice to better practice in terms of technology, execution, regulation and client services reflects in our industry reputation of being ahead of the main stream industry.

“Our strongest asset in the firm is the culture of the team. It is a conducive environment that allows for an eclectic mix of experienced and talented professionals working alongside apprentices on government schemes. There is an open path in the firm for individuals to move across within the business where their skills and interests lie. We have had examples of young graduates moving through the firm to take senior positions on our risk desk, client service team and compliance department. With a team that is so committed and passionate about their work and the company, providing a premium client service comes naturally.

“To ensure that we always attract team players who are happy to support us and work with our clients to achieve excellence, our recruitment policy is open and friendly. We are fortunate in that our reputation in the industry means that we tend to have strong candidates for roles that become available. Whilst we are very clear and specific in who we believe can fit into our teams, we do not adopt a laborious employment process and always leave space for candidates to impress.”

Ultimately, the future looks bright for Infinox, as the firm seeks to grow even further and build upon its current achievements, as Jay proudly concludes.

“Overall, 2017 has been a busy year at Infinox. We have achieved some key goals within the business in terms of delivering on projects and strategies as well as posting a strong growth. Looking ahead, 2018 will begin with us introducing a new product focused on our retail clients, giving them the tools and information they will need to see the financial markets in a new light.”

“The life settlement industry has grown at a phenomenal rate over the last decade, and the Luxembourg Life Fund has been able to take full advantage of this growth.”

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FOREX Broker of the Year 2017 - United Kingdom

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Best GCC Asset Manager 2017

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Company: Al Rayan Investment LLC Contact: Akber Khan Email: ari.info@alrayan.com Address: Al Rayan Investment, Grand Hamad Street, P O Box 28888, Doha, Qatar Phone: +974 4423 5606 Website: www.alrayan.com

Al Rayan Investment LLC Al Rayan Investment (ARI) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of one of the largest Islamic banks in Qatar, Masraf Al Rayan, and draws on its parent company’s vast experience to offer clients innovative solutions which meet their needs. We profile the firm to explore the secrets behind its success.

Established in 2007, ARI was the first Shariacompliant firm to be authorised by the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority. The asset management business offers money market, global sukuk, GCC public equity and global REIT fund of funds solutions.

Testimony to the success the firm has achieved over recent years is the fact that AuM is in excess of $800 million with SWFs, pension funds, insurance companies, family offices and other institutions 98% of client assets. ARI manages the largest Sharia-compliant GCC public equity focused fund in the world, the $100m Al Rayan GCC Fund. This absolute return fund has returned 40% since inception in 2010 compared to a 2% return for regional Sharia-compliant equities.

Since inception, ARI has benefited from a stable and experienced team of professionals with asset management led by Akber Khan. Akber has been in the investment industry for more than twenty years and in each year since 2012, has featured in MENA Fund Manager magazine’s Power 50 list of the most ‘influential, innovative and powerful figures’ in the MENA asset management industry.

ARI’s five person cross-asset class investment team has rich experience in regional and emerging market equities and fixed income with the most valuable attribute being intellectual curiosity.

Ultimately, ARI aspires to become a client’s trusted investment partner, building a relationship over an extended period of time. As such, hard-selling and aggressive product pushing are alien concepts at ARI with the key being problem solving and

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genuine value addition by offering bespoke solutions. Trust is the foundation for a long-term relationship and ARI aspires to have the lowest fees in the market; their philosophy is to generate significant medium-term investment performance and approaching fees from a client perspective is an important aspect of this.

As such, looking to the future, to remain differentiated among regional peers, and ahead of the pack, ARI is currently in the process of launching an ETF that will track Sharia-compliant Qatari equities and be listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange. This would be only the 15th Shariacompliant equity ETF globally, and will offer the firm many exciting new opportunities for growth and further success.

Best Debt Recovery Company 2017 - United Kingdom

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Company: Are You Owed Money Limited Contact: Daniel Fletcher Email: DFletcher@ayom.co.uk Address: 6D Lockside Office Park, Lockside Road, Preston, PR2 2YS, UK Phone: 0800 130 3357 Website: www.areyouowedmoney.co.uk

Are You Owed Money Limited Are You Owed Money Limited (AYOM) is a Preston based debt recovery firm operating across the UK. We spoke to Daniel Fletcher to find out more about the firm and the services it offers.

Established in 2014, AYOM has been building its brand from local to national level over the past three years. Daniel discusses the firm’s service offering in more detail and how the firm has expanded this over the years to meet the needs of its valued clients.

“Here at AYOM, we support businesses of all sizes, from sole traders to SMEs and larger, with a wide variety of debts. We can help individuals with personal debts reclaim their money and companies in need of chasing unpaid invoices. We also chase those with CCJs and high court judgments.

“Additionally, our services cover all aspects of debt collection. We conduct credit checks on individuals/ businesses, we offer tracing services, we can help with process serving to ensure court documents are delivered directly into a debtor’s hands and we

can provide mediation/ dispute resolution. All these services are offered individually or as part of fully chasing a debt for a client.”

system. We intend to give customers an improved experience from initial enquiry to completion.

Eventually we aim to offer our successful strategy and ensuring customer satisfaction is optimal.”

Bespoke solutions are key to the firm’s success, as it works to ensure every client receives the solution that meets their needs, as Daniel highlights.

“The firm’s mission statement is to ‘provide a diverse and successful debt recovery solution for businesses and individuals’. To have the best chance of doing so we offer a fully tailored strategy to each customer. This provides full flexibility over how much a client wants to take care of or entrust to us.

“To help us achieve our mission, we recently invested in more customer sales representatives and are undertaking an overhaul of our CRM

Looking ahead, AYOM’s ongoing focus is on strengthening its online presence and providing greater virtual resources for clients, as Daniel concludes.

“Recently at AYOM we re-launched our website with a fresh, clean, customer friendly look which we hope will provide plenty of useful information for customers moving forward. We are posting regular articles relating to industry changes and will continue to do so. We want to ensure we are the most up to date, relevant brand available providing information that clients not only find useful, but engaging too.”

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Most Trusted Insurance Brokers - United Kingdom

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Company: Arkwright Insurance Brokers Limited Contact: Elyas Mogra Email: elyas@arkwrightinsurance.co.uk Address: 115 Blackburn Rd, Bolton, BL1 8HF, UK Phone: 01204 392 525 Web Address: www.arkwrightinsurance.co.uk

Arkwright Insurance Brokers Limited Arkwright Insurance is an independent insurance broker authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Elyas Mogra talks us through the firm and how it works to ensure excellence for its clients.

Arkwright Insurance provides a wide range of insurance products giving customers a personal service that makes the whole process efficient, effective, affordable and understandable. Elyas explores the firm’s mission in more detail and how it aims to achieve this through its service offering.

insurance industry as customers do not just want a policy, they want assurance as when they have any concerns they can turn to their broker for help.

We are available in person, on phone and also via e-mail which allows our customers to reach us in any way they prefer.”

generally receive updates via major insurance providers and also from financial news magazine and news outlets we have subscribed to, ensuring that we always know what is happening in the markets and are able to adapt to ensure excellence for our clients.”

“Here at Arkwright Insurance, our mission is to provide a first-class service with ensure that our customer’s come first. As we are high street based, our clients and customers can visit us in person with their queries and requirements or even just for a coffee. We ensure that we treat our clients and customers as a person, and not a number.

Thanks to its close relationship with its clients, as well as with its industry peers, Arkwright Insurance is able to stay at the forefront of emerging market developments, as Elyas highlights.

Overall, with a 15% financial growth over the past 12 months, Arkwright Insurance looks set for a bright and opportunity filled future, as Elyas concludes.

“To ensure that we offer clients only the most cutting edge support and services, we keep ahead of the new developments within the financial and insurance industry we stay in close contact with the stakeholders and the companies who we work with, as well as our customers themselves. We

“Looking ahead, at Arkwright Insurance we are looking to expand our marketing strategies and employ new way to ensure growth which will hopefully help to hire new talents which can then help with the company moving forward to the next stage of its financial growth plans.”

“Fundamentally, we have a strong focus on providing first class customer service which is we believe one of the most important things in the

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Best Holistic Planning Financial Advisory Firm - United Kingdom

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Company: Edward Bond Wealth Management Ltd Contact: Sue Hoang Email: Services@edwardbondwm.co.uk Address: London House Business Centre, Thames Road, Dartford, Kent, DA1 4SL, UK Phone: 0345 625 3237 Website: http://edwardbondwm.co.uk/

EDVVARD BOND WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Edward Bond Wealth Management Ltd Edward Bond is a UK advisory business devoted to helping individuals with their financial planning, by providing advice that is clear and easy to understand. Sue Hoang talks us through the firm and explores the range of services it offers.

Founded in 2010, Edward Bond is a successful and growing financial advisory business with financial advisers located throughout the UK. Sue outlines the firm’s service offering in more detail.

Operating in such a competitive industry, it is vital for firms such as Edward Bond to differentiate themselves, particularly from unregulated, unethical firms, as Sue is keen to highlight.

“Here at Edward Bond, we offer a multitude of services, including your pensions, mortgages, investment, savings or protection policies. We not only review these areas, but make sure that you have them in place in order to meet your needs and objectives.

“Currently, in the UK, people tend to either leave their pensions without really understanding where it is invested or where it even is. A challenge that we face is building trust with our clients. We understand that there are firms out there who are not regulated and promise to ‘unlock’ pension, but we stand apart from these firms, and work hard to prove this to our clients. We are FCA regulated and trusted firm which only advises on the best interest of everyone we work with.”

“Our protection service is one of the most important area clients need and we ensure they have the right protection in place to protect themselves and their loved ones. We cover areas such as life insurance, income protection, home insurance, private medical insurance and buildings and contents insurance.”

“Overall, the last 12 months have been rather productive for Edward Bond, we have immersed ourselves in raising money for a range of charities, developing our initiative programmes to support the local community, as well as expanding our valued team. Over the last year our adviser and client base has grown substantially enabling outstanding commercial success, which has allowed us to provide our services all over the country, in line with the demand for financial services.

“Moving forward, our aim is to continue to grow our client base as well as maintaining to keep a high level of service to our existing clients.”

Looking ahead, Edward Bond intends to continue to grow and prosper, whilst continuing to offer the level of excellence that has helped it achieve the success it enjoys today, as Sue concludes.

Wealth & Finance International - 2017 Finance Awards 19

Most Trusted Financial Planning Firm - South East England

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Company: Greenstone Financial Planning Ltd Contact: Catherine Greeves Email: catherine.greeves@greenstonefp.co.uk Address: 78 Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5ES, UK Phone: 07736 46 99 69 Website: http://greenstonefp.co.uk/

Greenstone Financial Planning Ltd Greenstone Financial Planning is a boutique financial planning firm based in London and Kent. Catherine Greeves talks us through the firm and the range of services it provides.

Established in 2015, Greenstone was born from a shared desire to provide financial planning and advice of the highest quality to those who want to take control of their financial futures with the guidance of a skilled planner, as Catherine is eager to emphasise.

“Greenstone began two years ago because we felt there was a gap in the market for a firm which focused on building client relationships rather than asset acquisition alone. As a result, we have a wide range of clients including business owners, those with inherited wealth and those who received payments as a result of injury or illness. We also attract high earning PAYE clients who historically haven’t thought about tax planning issues but because of changes to legislation, now need more complex advice.

“To support them, we provide a bespoke range of services that meet their needs. We are very conscious that there is a high degree of misinformation and distrust in financial services.

Personal financial advice is going through a transition period from industry to profession.

RDR has been a very important and positive step in this evolution and the Greenstone team have embraced it. Michael and I are Chartered Financial Planners and I also hold the coveted Certified Planner CFPTM designation.”

Looking ahead, Greenstone has a bright and invigorating future in store as it seeks to build upon its current success, as Catherine concludes.

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“Despite the success we have achieved so far, there is no resting on laurels here at Greenstone, and both Michael and I view Fellowship as the next logical step. We also plan to achieve Chartered Firm Status by 2019.

“To ensure our continued success, we have been careful to grow at a sensible pace over the past two years. At the beginning of this year we set some challenging financial targets for the business and are delighted to have met those. The vast majority of our income is recurring but, as with many financial planning businesses, our clients are growing older, so we are considering a number of ideas to attract younger clients, all of which, we hope, will provide Greenstone with many exciting opportunities for the future.”

M&A Advisors of the Year 2017 - Switzerland

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Company: MilleniumAssociates AG Name: Ray Soudah Address: Kreuzstrasse 54, CH-8008 Zurich Telephone: +41 580 710 47 00 Email: info@milleniumassociates.com Web Address: www.milleniumassociates.com

MilleniumAssociates MilleniumAssociates is a leading M&A and Corporate Finance advisory firm based in Zurich and London.

We profile the firm to find out more and explore the secrets behind its success.

Founded in 2000, MilleniumAssociates provides M&A and other corporate finance advice to the financial services sector as well as corporates and entrepreneurs across the globe. Assignments include supporting clients with both global and national strategies as well as supporting those clients seeking to determine their ideal strategic options including partnerships and alliances or asset disposals.

The firm’s high calibre team of M&A experts provide independent and un-conflicted advice with regard to the strategic development, mergers, acquisitions or disposals of companies. The team is supported by a Global Advisory Board of independent senior professionals with significant international experience and a network of likeminded strategic partners providing worldwide coverage.

What sets the firm apart in a competitive market is that, because MilleniumAssociates is not part of an integrated investment house it is uniquely positioned to offer independent and un-conflicted advice in order to maximize shareholder value for its clients. The firm does not carry out related financial activities that often lead to conflicts within financial services groups. MilleniumAssociates is in the sole ownership of its employees and thus fully independent.

Internally, the firm are an entrepreneurial company at heart, so whilst there is an excellent foundation in corporate finance and over 200 man years of collective M&A experience, the team at MilleniumAssociates also see matters from all sides and understand its clients’ needs and values.

This deep understanding makes every transaction that the team work on personal and inspires every member of staff to strive to achieve the best possible outcome for the client.

Collaboration is also deeply embedded in the firm’s internal culture, and as such MilleniumAssociates have two dedicated teams of M&A and Corporate Finance specialists supporting the M&A needs of clients from the Financial Services Sector and well as Entrepreneurs and Corporates. The firm’s extensive experience, professionalism and independence means that clients can be confident of receiving the best non-conflicting advice, and the international reach means that they can give a global perceptive as well as tap into an extensive international investor network.

Originally focused on the financial services industry, MilleniumAssociates has recently developed a new team that builds on this M&A expertise and experience in order to extend their services to corporates and entrepreneurial business owners beyond the financial services sector, and this will remain its ongoing focus as it looks towards a bright and exciting future.

Wealth & Finance International - 2017 Finance Awards 21

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Best Guarantor Loan Provider - United Kingdom

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Company: TFS Loans Limited Contact: Ranjit Narwal Email: ranjit.narwal@tfsloans.co.uk Address: Brook House, 26 Brook Road, Rayleigh, Essex, SS6 7XJ, UK Phone: 01268 740750 Web Address: www.tfsloans.co.uk

TFS Loans Limited TFS Loans offers a unique approach to lending, allowing those who struggle to find credit elsewhere to borrow money through a safe and supportive system. We invited Ranjit Narwal to talk us through this innovative lending technique.

Established in 2003, TFS Loans specialises in Guarantor Loans for people who have had a poor credit history, or have no credit history, and find it difficult to get a loan from their banks, credit card companies or other online lenders. Ranjit provides more detail on this creative approach to lending and how the firm has created a loan system that benefits a wide range of customers.

their past. The present is what matters to us. We are aware they have probably been rejected by a number of other mainstream lenders and we are cognisant of the level of sensitivity we need to show, whilst at the same time ensuring we give customers all the information they need in order to make good financial decisions.

Customer service is vital to the firm, as it seeks to ensure that everyone it supports receives the very highest standard of service and the solution they need, as Ranjit explains.

“Secondly, we work hard to help our customers build their credit score by providing them with a product that allows them to demonstrate credit worthiness, so that they can access mainstream lending in the future. In addition, we provide useful content to them via newsletters, blogs, social media and our website to encourage good financial management, tips to improve credit scores and how to save. Our thorough application process ensures both the Borrower and Guarantor are fully conversant with the product and are in a position to take on this type of financial commitment. Our follow up customer service ensures we add value to our customers throughout their time with us, which has resulted in consistent month on month increases in repeat custom. Our commitment to our customers was evidenced by us winning overall runner up at the Consumer Credit Awards against Barclaycard, MBNA, Experian and others, for Treating Customers Fairly - an award which was won entirely based on customer feedback and votes. All of our staff are continuously trained to ensure they are furnished with the latest information to deliver great customer service.

“Customers are at the heart of the TFS brand, everything we do revolves around our customer promises. The first is to always treat customers fairly: we do not judge our customers based on

“Alongside our customer promises, our passion for customer service is reflected in our mission statement: TFS Loans strives to be responsible providers of finance on reasonable and transparent

“At TFS Loans we exclusively offer Guarantor Loans, taking an alternative approach to lending than the rest of the financial market. A Guarantor Loan is a type of loan which isn’t based on the borrower’s credit score. Instead, it is based on their Guarantor, a nominated person who agrees to let their credit score and financial stability secure the loan.

“This allows people who have had unfortunate events in their financial history, to still access credit. A Guarantor Loan can be used for any legal purpose, and most of our customers use the loan to consolidate debts that they are paying off at much higher rates on payday loans / store cards / credit cards etc., or to start a small business, buy a car or make home improvements. Our Award-Winning Guarantor Loan product is the only product in the UK to offer loan values of £10,000 - £15,000.”

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terms to customers and businesses requiring an alternative to the mainstream funders in the UK. By making customer service, satisfaction and product innovation our primary focus we will ensure we meet our shareholders aims and objectives and those of the regulator. We monitor customer feedback continuously via Feefo ratings and reviews, surveys and NPS scores. We have a committee internally who implements changes off the back of customer feedback. We ensure our product remains competitive at all times.”

Moving forward, there are many great opportunities in store for TFS Loans as the firm continues to raise awareness on its pioneering approach to lending, as Ranjit highlights in his concluding comments.

“With regards to the future, in the financial industry the subprime marketplace continues to grow and as mainstream lenders tighten their lending criteria more people will look at alternative lending solutions to fulfil their lifestyle goals. We will continue to spread awareness of Guarantor Loans; particularly as an alternative to much higher rate loans like Payday loans and Store cards.

“Additionally, in order to benefit our customers and build upon our current success, we are looking to expand our product set in 2018 so that more people will be able to take out a Guarantor Loan.

In response to customer feedback we are also looking to move more processes online so that existing customers can service their accounts whenever and however they choose. Overall, we are continuing to increase marketplace awareness of what a Guarantor Loan is, who it is suited to and how to apply.”

Best Independent ACD Services Provider 2017

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Company: Treasury Capital Fund Solutions Contact: James Gardner Email: james.gardner@tcfundsolutions.com Address: Bow House, 1A Bow Lane, London, EC4M 9EE, UK Phone: 0203 405 8030 Web Address: www.tcfundsolutions.com

Treasury Capital Fund Solutions Treasury Capital Fund Solutions (TCFS) is an innovative London based FinTech firm offering unique solutions.

We profile the firm to find out more.

Established in 2003, TCFS offers a comprehensive UCITS and AIFMD fund structuring and fund operation service.

At the heart of TCFS’s operating model is independence, as the firm believe that independence is the key to maximising Investor protection and for delivering positive investor outcomes. To support this belief, TCFS has developed a Fund Operator that is completely independent from all key operational service providers.

This open architecture approach allows the firm to work with a range of strategic supply partners in each of the core operational components (Fund Accounting, Transfer Agency, Fund Audit, Legal services, Depository and Custody). This removes the conflicts of interest and bias often seen within Fund Operators with an in-house or single supplier model.

Fundamentally, TCFS’s ability to support its clients in both the UK and across Europe means that they are able to support managers as they explore multi jurisdiction distribution channels, as well as those looking to launch mirror propositions in either the UK or Europe. This approach helps to remove the uncertainty created by the UKs decision to leave the EU, all through a single relationship, ensuring that its clients continue to prosper despite the ongoing uncertainty.

equivalent of an Independent ACD or Management Company). Equity Trustees acts as Responsible Entity or Trustee for 100 + leading Australian and international Investment Managers.

Recently, in October 2017, TCFS became an EQT partner business, with EQT Holdings Limited (EQT) acquiring a 60% shareholding in TCFS’ parent company - Treasury Capital Ltd. Equity Trustees Limited is a subsidiary of EQT Holdings limited, an Australian ASX-listed business (ASX: EQT) with over A$70 billion in assets under administration. The company has a 130-year history and is widely recognised in the Australian market as the market-leading provider of Responsible Entity services (the Australian

Overall, TCFS is on a mission is to be the premier provider of Independent Authorised Corporate Director (ACD) and Management Company services and solutions across the UK and Europe, and the strategic partner of choice for Asset Management professionals globally.

Going forward, this will remain the firm’s continued focus as it seeks to build upon the success it has achieved so far.

This new partnership with EQT, provides an additional layer of stability while allowing the team at TCFS to aggressively pursue their mission of becoming the leading provider of Independent Fund Services and Solutions in Europe.

Wealth & Finance International - 2017 Finance Awards 23

Best Asset Management Firm - Rocky Mountain States & Best New ETF Product: USOU United States 3x Oil Fund

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Company: USCF Contact: Katie Rooney Email: krooney@uscfinvestments.com Address: 1999 Harrison Street, Suite 1530, Oakland, California, 94612, USA Phone: 001 614 775 1246

USCF USCF is an investment management firm that operates 15 exchange traded funds (ETFs) and one mutual fund.

We caught up with John Love, President and CEO to gain a fascinating insight into the firm and the solutions it offers.

Established in 2005, USCF operates on the leading edge of product innovation as an asset management firm offering ETPs, ETFs and mutual funds, as John is keen to highlight.

“Here at USCF, we develop, operate, and market commodity and alternative funds. USCF is an innovator in the ETF space, offering products that help investors grow and protect their portfolios via diversification. We achieve this with our organization of specialists focused on non-traditional assets. USCF is constantly on the lookout for investment ideas, themes, and strategies that, in a public product, offer investors diversification that would otherwise be much more difficult to achieve. For example, our first ETF, the

United States Oil Fund, allowed investors to trade oil without opening a futures account.”

Looking to the future, USCF’s ongoing focus will be on providing its clients with the very highest standards of service to meet their needs, as John concludes.

“Moving forward, we just launched two new ETFs that offer a ground-breaking way to seek Private Equity like returns using public equities as the building blocks. Private Equity is hard to access for the average investor – fees are high, you likely need to already have high net worth, and you may have to agree to lockup periods. On top of that, your money is not liquid.

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“While our new ETFs are not actually private equity firms, they are based on research that shows private equity like returns can be obtained via careful selection of public equities, and unlike an actual private equity investment, ETFs are liquid, much cheaper, and anybody can purchase shares. There’s a saying that “diversification is the only free lunch.” Offering investors another way to diversify via these new ETFs is exactly what USCF’s mission is.”

Best Investment Management Firm - Missouri

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Company: The Moeller Group of Wells Fargo Advisors Address: 14567 North Outer Forty Drive, Chesterfield, MO 63017-5759 Phone: 636-530-6111 Email: themoellergroup@ wellsfargoadvisors.com Website: www.themoellergroup.net

The Moeller Group The Moeller Group of Wells Fargo Advisors is privileged to build upon the heritage and successful legacy of its founder, Ron Moeller, an experienced investment advisor dedicated to supporting his clients. We profile the firm and explore how his legacy is continued through this dynamic client focused company.

Founder Ron Moeller began his career in the financial services industry with A.G. Edwards in 1966. He provided exceptional personal investment advice and money management services to clients throughout his career of 42 years building lifetime family relationships.

Mike Moeller joined his father in 1995 and is currently Managing Director – Investments and a Private Investment Management (PIM) portfolio manager with Wells Fargo Advisors. As a PIM© portfolio manager, Mike is able to make discretionary investment decisions based on his knowledge and expertise according to the client’s stated objectives. Mike has consistently been recognized as a member of the Chairman’s Council within the Premier Advisors program of Wells Fargo Advisors. In addition, he served as a member of the Wells Fargo Advisors Advisory Board.

Today, the collective professionals of The Moeller Group have over 100 years of experience and manage over $1.4 billion in client assets. Each one of these committed experts is passionate about helping their clients achieve their investment goals while serving them with the same personal values of trust, integrity, and service, as exemplified by the company’s founder.

The overall mission of The Moeller Group is to help clients be good stewards of capital. The Moeller Group advocates a tangible approach for clients seeking to preserve and increase wealth. The organizing principle of all Tangible Return Strategy accounts is that investors, either now or in the future, seek a rising stream of investment income.

The group’s investment process is oriented toward downside resilience, lower volatility, and consistent returns over full market cycles. Concerning equity selection, they focus on high quality, dividend growth companies of all market capitalizations and geographic locations. With regards to fixed income, the group utilizes a disciplined approach of laddering maturities seeking to provide income and stability with the emphasis on limiting interest rate risk and preserving principal. Securities may be sold if they are considered to be selling at a significant premium to intrinsic value or if the fundamentals deteriorate and greater dividend growth can be found elsewhere.

In order to gain a thorough understanding of the client’s needs and goals, the group uses the innovative Envision® process. Combining goals-based advice with sophisticated statistical modelling analysis, Envision helps the firm to create an effective, easy to understand, investment plan tailored to the specific needs of the individual client. The most important part of the Envision process is the way the group is able to monitor the client’s progress toward their financial goals in realtime. Asset allocation, individual investments, and spending adjustments can be made proactively to ensure the highest probability of success.

Ultimately, The Moeller Group believes that exceptional service is needed to help clients realize their goals. Communication with clients is ongoing and frequent. In addition to monthly account statements, clients receive a personalized, comprehensive quarterly performance evaluation along with timely and topical electronic communications. The Moeller Group performs regular client reviews to discuss life events, changes in objectives or needs, and anything else to help clients in the successful stewardship of capital.

Wealth & Finance International - 2017 Finance Awards 25

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