THE CONSCIENTIOUS INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FIRM TO BE EMULATED SCM DIRECT
Born out of the 2008 financial crisis with a desire to challenge the status quo, SCM Direct launched in 2009 offering investors fair fees and access to high end, modern, totally transparent investment solutions invested wholly via Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). They currently offer their investment ETF portfolios to private investors who can apply efficiently and easily online – in three portfolio strategies, via three investments – Direct Investments (GIAs), ISAs and SIPPs. They also provide investment services to corporate clients, institutional clients, charities and Foundations, and Trusts as well as through Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs). Sitting down with Gina, I really wanted to know how it felt for her and her team to have won this award, Gina shared: “It is always humbling and gratifying to be acknowledged for our services and the care we take in looking after our clients’ money. We believe our 100% transparency across everything we do – including our fees, the straightforward way we engage with clients, as well as the access that our clients have to all members of our team – including myself and Alan. ISSUE 12 | 100
The investment returns we achieve for clients all contribute to our success.” To reach their current position in the investment sector, SCM Direct maintain the human face of investing. They are never tempted or pressured into acting against the best interests of their clients. SCM has no external shareholders or commercial interests that can give rise to conflicts of interest. Treating their clients as they would like to be treated in return is an attribute that has been ingrained in the very DNA of the company – and with the Founders investing significant sums of their own family wealth alongside clients, on the same fees and terms is a great example of this. Gina added, “In terms of strategy, an investment company should focus on fundamentals rather than fashion, be highly diversified to reduce risk, have a contrarian mindset; in that buying shares of stock when most others are selling and vice versa, focus on achieving consistent returns, and