Exciting Times Ahead BACKGROUND NLP Financial Management Limited (NLPFM) was founded in 2005 by Lee Pittal and Adam Katten. Having previously been instrumental in establishing and growing a successful wealth management business within accountancy firm BDO Stoy Hayward, Lee and Adam recognised that there was significant demand for a niche financial planning business, where client service would truly be at the core. CLIENT SERVICE Adam and Lee expect a very high standard of client service, which is ably delivered with the support of a highly qualified team. They regard their clients as partners and treat them as they would wish to be treated themselves – swiftly, fairly and professionally. The team at NLPFM are constantly reviewing and considering their clients’ circumstances and this is reflected in the advice proposition. The company provides an ongoing service with regular meetings; by default biannually. Clients receive a detailed pack analysing the performance of their portfolios since the last meeting. The regular reviews are an essential part of the service to ensure that changing client circumstances are reflected in advice provided and investment decisions made. INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Prior to the end of the tax year, where appropriate, portfolios are reviewed with a view to taking advantage of tax year end opportunities. This will include consideration of pension contributions, use of capital gains tax allowances, investments in ISAs and other tax efficient investments. These will depend on the risk profile of the client and their particular circumstances. NLPFM has a robust client proposition for its 300 plus high net worth clients. Of the approximately £310 million invested through the company, around £160m is held within its Discretionary Management Service with the residue dealt with on an advisory basis. NLPFM believes in “investment advice in a safe pair of hands”as many of its clients who typically have £750,000 to £1 million of funds, do not want to risk the high volatility typically associated with direct stock market investment. The Discretionary Management Service offered by NLPFM is designed with these clients in mind. Its Investment Panel consists of both Adam and Lee as well as an in-house researcher and Michael Ezra, a Chartered Accountant, who during the past twenty years, has focused on financial investments. Michael has a solid pedigree,
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having been an adviser to funds with assets exceeding $1.4bn. Michael oversees the asset allocation strategy and assists with the management of investments for the company’s clients. As NLPFM has discretionary permissions, it constantly studies returns, both in terms of volatility as well as performance, with the aim of producing the optimal mix of both. Weekly meetings take place and reviews of fund performance over various durations are undertaken. Face to face or remote meetings with all the investment fund managers or one of their team are undertaken regularly to ensure that the outlook and remit of the chosen funds are aligned with the aims and objectives of the NLPFM Investment Panel. All of this data is assimilated by the Committee and used to assess the suitability of funds for clients, taking into consideration their individual attitude to risk. ACCOUNTANCY TIES NLPFM has grown steadily over the years by developing strong ties with other professional firms, especially Nyman Libson Paul Chartered Accountants. As Adam and Lee are also Chartered Accountants, they are able to understand the requirements of their colleagues in the profession and are able to mould their offering accordingly. This has stood them in good stead in developing such relationships. NLPFM also provides a wealth management service to the clients of Landau Morley Chartered Accountants, under the label “Lanmor Wealth Management”. EXPANSION PLANS As part of its ongoing, but controlled expansion, the company is actively seeking similar relationships with other firms of chartered accountants and solicitors, who want to provide their clients with an independent, high quality, financial planning and fund management service. The company is also actively seeking highly qualified advisers with a loyal client following who recognise that their respective firms are not yet in a position to meet the demands of the Retail Distribution Review (RDR). The expansion plans include the possible acquisition of client banks or entire trading entities. This will be a steady process as the company will continue to put client care at the forefront of all its dealings. If you would be interested in joining NLPFM as an employed IFA or interested in in the NLP acquiring your business please in the first instance drop an e-mail through to recruitment@ifamagazine.com to arrange a confidential discussion.
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