When making major money decisions, particularly those that can have a long-term effect, it is important to take the time to ensure you’re making the right choices. Speaking with an expert like a financial adviser can alleviate any confusion or worries you may have, so you feel confident planning for your financial future.

Here, we’ll cover the different types of Financial Advisers, such as ultra-high-net-worth Financial Advisers, and the services they offer to help you navigate your finances at different times in your life. From there, you’ll be able to find the best Financial Adviser for your needs.

What is a Financial Adviser?

A Financial Adviser is a professional who offers their expertise across all areas of finance and money management, to help you make informed financial decisions. Financial advisers can offer you guidance across several areas, from investments and savings to retirement planning. They should inform you of any fees you need to pay upfront, and agree with you on how you’ll pay them beforehand.

There are several different types of Financial Advisers available to suit your individual needs. But regardless of their title, all Financial Advisers in the UK are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which means they must follow certain rules and regulations when working with you.

Independent Financial Adviser (IFA)

When looking for a Financial Adviser, you can choose between independent or restricted. An Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) gives you unbiased advice about all types of financial products from the whole of market, without restriction. Alternatively, a restricted adviser offers a more narrow, focused range of products and providers. For example, they may recommend one pension provider. Restricted advisers can also specialise in just one area, like investments for example, and then only offer a small panel of products from a handful of companies.

Ultra high-net-worth Financial Adviser

As the name suggests, ultra high-net-worth Financial Advisers specialise in financial advice for those with a high net worth. They concentrate on managing large investment portfolios and working with wealthy clients. One of the biggest challenges for those with a high net worth is how best to manage their wealth effectively, for the short and long term. Ultra high-net-worth Financial Advisers can help you to organise your finances, diversify your investment portfolio, find the best interest rates, and guide you on how best to structure your wealth. 

While you may be financially comfortable right now, this may not be the case forever. An ultra high-net-worth Financial Adviser can help you minimise financial risk, and help you to grow and protect your assets, to give you financial peace of mind.

Financial Planner

A Financial Planner is similar to a Financial Adviser. They both offer helpful financial advice to their clients, but there are some key differences between the two. Financial Planners are more likely to focus on long-term planning and strategies such as retirement, tax, and estate planning. They tend to take a more holistic approach to finance, considering their clients’ personal goals and future financial milestones.

Financial Investment Adviser

Financial investment advisers, also known as stockbrokers, can advise you on the smartest ways to invest your money. They manage and monitor the performance of your investments to help you meet your financial goals. They should also monitor market trends on your behalf, to help you minimise risks that may affect your portfolio and offer you peace of mind.

AI Financial Adviser

Artificial intelligence (AI) is now being used to offer financial advice. Through the powers of algorithms and machine learning, AI Financial Advisers can offer investment recommendations and financial advice by analysing market trends. AI could be used to analyse your accounts, and identify both opportunities and risks to your finances.

But while AI has the capacity to be a Financial Adviser, it does also come with its risks. AI may not be able to account for unexpected changes in the market the same way that a human can. You may also be hesitant to use an AI tool for financial advice due to its lack of transparency, particularly around how it makes its decisions and what data it holds.

Financial Adviser fees

Many Financial Advisers provide a free introductory consultation. You probably won’t receive financial advice in this meeting - instead, they’ll talk you through their service and any fees you’ll need to pay going forward. From there, you can decide if they’re the right fit for you.

How much your Financial Adviser will charge you depends on several factors such as the service they’re offering you, their experience, and their location (if you’re in London for example, it may be more expensive). They may charge you an hourly rate (this will vary but the average rate in the UK is around £150 an hour), a set fee for a specific piece of work such as a pension transfer, a monthly fee, or an ongoing fee.

Commission-based Financial Adviser

Commission-based Financial Advisers can earn money through commission if they offer advice on certain financial products, such as mortgages and life insurance. But as of 2013, Financial Advisers aren’t allowed to earn commission when advising on your pension, investments, or retirement income products.

Considering financial advice?

If you need support in navigating your finances, working with an expert can give you valuable professional advice to help you make informed decisions.

This article is not advice. If you would like to receive advice on your savings and investments, consider speaking to a Financial Adviser.