So, what are these qualities and if they are not measurable in the same way as investment performance and other stats, how do you recognise them when you are choosing an investment adviser?

What does your gut tell you?

When we talk about “intangibles” we are often talking about “human” factors. These are the aspects of an investment adviser’s service that are down to chemistry, instinct, intuition and their ability to communicate with you in a way you understand. This should boil down to a question as simple as, “How does your adviser make you feel?” For example, if you feel comfortable and have a sense that your adviser is putting your interests above all other considerations, that’s definitely a positive. Whereas as if you have a sense that the adviser is simply looking to sell you a product, you should take note. As human beings we are adept at analysing hundreds of verbal and non-verbal cues within a very short space of time. We may not be aware of it, but often what we are left with is a “gut feeling” based on more than our conscious brains are aware of. First impressions can be wrong, but they are also important in our decision making process.

Are you getting a personalised service?

Blacktower Financial Management’s ethos of professionalism, attention to detail and always putting the client first is the backbone of our offering in the financial services industry.

We believe this is the intangible element that gives us the edge with our client relationships. We are a firm of multilingual, international consultants who bring a personalised and one-to-one wealth management service that advances our clients’ financial interests while also forging strong relationships between clients and advisers. As high-net-worth individuals, our clients typically don’t wish to become involved with mainstream, high street routes for financial advice. In contrast, our offices provide comfort, luxury, privacy and an expert team offering a range of solutions based on the longterm needs of the individual client; from tailored market investments and private banking, to a robust DFM investment process. Additionally, our compliance department is on hand to ensure that all advice offered is suitable for the specific client involved.

Blacktower financial management, professionalism with a personal touch

Clients seeking financial advice want to engage with a firm that is competent, but competency should be fairly easy to determine even without any face-to-face interaction between client and adviser. For example, the first Portugal office was opened by Blacktower in 2000.

Advice from Blacktower

The Blacktower Group was formed in 1986 and has earned it’s reputation providing wealth and management and pension planning advice to clients in the UK as well as those who are resident abroad. Our proven bespoke service can help you accomplish your financial goals. With offices in the Algarve and Cascais and representatives servicing expats all over Portugal, we can help you today by calling 289 355 685 or 214 648 220 or email info @blacktowerfm.com.

All companies under the Blacktower Group are Regulated/Licenced in the locations they are positioned. For full details on how and who we are regulated by please visit www.theblacktowergroup.com

We have offices throughout Europe. We are a fully-regulated firm, and have helped numerous high-net-worth expat clients to protect and grow their wealth. Our competency in the financial advice sector is clear. But competency is not enough to attract and, crucially, to retain clients. It is only when a client has confidence in both the tangible factors and intangible factors relating to financial advice that they can begin to develop trust in their financial adviser. Once trust is established the client can feel confident that the adviser is truly working with them to further their long-term, best interests. Our expat clients in Portugal usually stay with us for a minimum of 10 to 20 years, so creating positive, trusting and lasting relationships is an absolute priority. Blacktower Financial Management is a proud part of the community in which we work.

For help structuring your wealth in a way that serves your long-term interests, taking full advantage of the NHR scheme and the renascent Portuguese economy, contact us today.