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Contents 4. Gresham Investment Management: Diversified Commodity Investment Management Company of the Year 2024 6. Madison Sixty LLC: Best Private & Strategic Investment Consultant 2024 – New York 7. Synpulse: Most Trusted Wealth Management Consulting & Advisory Firm 2024 and Client Service Excellence Award 2024 8. Investortools: Best Fixed-Income Investment Management Platform 2024 9. Epworth Investment Management Ltd: Best Ethical Investment Management Firm 2024 - London 10. Daniel Wealth Management: Best Wealth Management & Holistic Planning Firm 2024 - Southeast USA 11. J M Finn: Best Bespoke Wealth Management Firm 2024 & Client Service Excellent Award 12. Top Three Things Advisers Should Know About a Knowledge Intensive (KI) EIS 13. Protect Your Cryptocurrency With These Five Expert Tips 14. Financial Services Organisations Can Generate Competitive Advantage By Reducing Cost To Serve 15. Bridging The Gap: The Importance of Bringing Finance Closer To Business Operations
4 | Wealth & Finance, Wealth & Asset Management Awards 2024 Diversified Commodity Investment Management Company of the Year 2024 Gresham Investment Management offers a range of strategies which leverage exposure to a broad range of commodities and commodity groups. These strategies are backed by the expertise of inveterate leadership averaging over 20 years of industry experience and a plethora of strategies to maximise futures returns, yield on collateral, and protect against inflation. Gresham has been managing client assets since 2005. It was originally founded by The Falconwood Corporation and has since honed its strategies for the management of diversified commodity portfolios. The firm is associated with many professional bodies, including the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and the National Futures Association. Thus far, it hasn’t simply existed within the commodity investment space, but has pioneered it. For instance, through a joint venture with Caixin Insight to develop the first Chinese Commodity Indices. The firm’s flagship strategies outline its approach to commodities asset management, namely, the Tangible Asset Program® (TAP®) and Risk Dispersing Portfolio (RDP) strategies. The TAP® began trading with Falconwood in 1987, predating eminent commodity indices such as the S&P Goldman Sachs index and Bloomberg Commodity index. It is a longonly futures strategy which provides exposure across over 30 commodity markets, relying on complex quantitative and fundamental analysis for strategic implementation. Ultimately, TAP® serves as an inflation hedge, boasting a significant degree of security against market forces. The firm’s enhanced index strategies make use of broadly diversified long-only commodities futures. They aim to provide above-benchmark returns while simultaneously adjusting for risk. These strategies include, respectively, integrations with TAP®, adherence to the Bloomberg Commodity Index, and tenors up to 36 months, relying upon complex quantitative analysis of trading models under GreshamQuant. The GreshamQuant research team empowers Gresham’s Alternative Commodity Absolute Return strategies, leveraging a predictive analysis of markets by a multi-billion-dollar commodity-focused team. Long-standing broker relationships and an in-depth knowledge of alternative commodity markets combine with technology-led trend tracking to form a leading methodology. It navigates markets which occupy the periphery of the established futures landscape, focusing on incentives which rely upon production and consumption decisions as opposed to speculation. Gresham’s strategies are, at their heart, fuelled by a strict adherence to its core values, which include diversified holdings, thorough riskmanagement, transparent client reporting, and a collaborative work ethic. These values have been intrinsic to its long-term success within the commodities asset management space. “We view every single investor at Gresham as our business partner, which leads to a strong alignment of interests in that we share in our collective success and failures.” These values include the firm’s responsibility to the environment. Its Environmental Social and Governance Committee oversees research into the potential integration of sustainability and environmental protection measures into current and future investment strategies. It has developed the market’s first commodity futures index to incorporate environmental and social governance considerations. This aims to drive Jun24016 Gresham Investment Management LLC has been a major name in the commodity investment space for many years, demonstrating an unparalleled understanding of the markets in which it operates. Here, we speak with members of its management team to understand the winning attitudes and formulae behind the firm’s success.
exposure to commodities with stronger sustainability profiles, ultimately promoting an environmentally conscious investment space. The firm has remained well-poised to respond to investor demand in recent years as more turn to commodities to benefit from inflation protection, portfolio diversification, and liquid real assets exposure. It is one of the leading forces in the commodities space, providing security against market volatility through experience-backed active and discretionary management. Historically, commodities have proven a reliable source of protection against inflation and unexpected spikes. Gresham’s reputation for excellence is not solely bolstered by its knowledge and expertise, but also a strong, companywide belief in addressing client queries thoroughly and reporting transparently, fostering trust between investors and the team. It considers this transparency vital to ensuring productive and sustainable partnerships. This trust and dedication to satisfaction also permeates Gresham’s internal culture, which the leadership describes as “collaborative and engaging.” They go on to say that “given the smaller size of the firm, we prioritise our personnel’s cross-training within teams, proactivity in problem solving, and celebrating accomplishments of the firm and members of staff.” Forecasting 2024, the leadership believes that another inflationary surge may loom as central banks begin to reverse the rate hikes seen in 2022–2023. While central banks have kept recession narrowly at bay and Diversified Commodity Investment Management Company of the Year 2024 avoiding disorderly repricing of financial assets, it is Gresham’s opinion that the potential for prolonged crises is a question of political expediency. “The trajectory of global debt and the associated servicing costs remain precarious, and any economic slowdown will compound the problem and result in rapid deterioration in debt ratios. This, in turn, will provide added incentive for central banks to cut rates sooner rather than later.” Despite the recent calming of inflation, Gresham urges investors to consider it “a dormant force rather than a spent one.” The team advises that investors address structural underweights against the benchmarks for commodities and precious metals, which is likely to prove an effective way to combat the effects of another inflation surge. Gresham Investment Management maintains a superb reputation by managing $7.1 billion for a wide range of clients with expertise, diligence, and consistently performing strategies. Clients enjoy knowledgeable service and an advanced knowledge of commodities futures and alternative markets. The firm’s cutting-edge quantitative trading models comprise a platform that’s weathered many a financial storm and yielded consistent returns throughout. Contact: Quinn Cullum Email Address: [email protected] Company: Gresham Investment Management Web Address: www.greshamllc.com
6 | Wealth & Finance, Wealth & Asset Management Awards 2024 Best Private & Strategic Investment Consultant 2024 – New York In 2014, Luis E. Jimenez founded Madison Sixty to provide clients with access to highly vetted, direct investment opportunities, ranging from private credit and equipment leasing funds to customised structured credit opportunities. It also established an affiliated consulting service (LJI Consulting) advising on real estate lending and corporate loans. In the years since, these offerings have attracted a broad base of clients including sovereign wealth funds, large family offices, pension funds, financial institutions, and a growing number of registered investment advisors (RIAs). Madison Sixty is admired for a culture focused on integrity, transparency, accountability, and has earned a reputation for unsurpassed due diligence and risk management oversight. Taking pride in its role as a trusted investment consultant, it often co-invests alongside clients or supplies seed capital for new ventures. Strategic foresight, agility, and the maximization of investment potential in less crowded markets are paramount among the firm’s core values, which is why it pursues investments that target capital preservation with prudent growth. “Private credit encompasses these dual objectives,” explains Luis. “Through our investments, we seek to deliver equity-like returns while benefiting from the protections inherent in debt instruments.” A notable example is Madison Sixty’s skilled nursing home private lending program. Eight years ago, it entered a strategic relationship with an investment advisory firm specializing in the healthcare industry. Since 2016, that partner has completed over seventy-five individual loans to portfolios of nursing homes totalling over $6 billion in bridge loans. Those loans, according to Luis, “have been successful and continue to meet their expected yield targets of 12-14% net of fees, with no monetary or material defaults to date. Madison Sixty has provided a significant amount of the invested capital and our investors have received 12.0% to 13.4% asset weighted net IRR since inception of the program.” In this rapidly developing industry Madison Sixty maintains its preeminent position through proactive engagement and market intelligence, rather than merely monitoring competitors. Ongoing dialogues with leading hedge fund managers, asset managers, industry specialists, and other allocators enable it to identify emerging trends early. “By allowing the market to reveal opportunities,” says Luis, “we capitalize on its cyclical nature to uncover areas where genuine value exists.” Always strategic, never reactive, Madison Sixty leverages its deep structuring expertise to provide investors with enhanced downside protection. Every project it embarks upon is supported by rigorous research and thorough evaluation. “Our competitive edge lies in our ability to interpret market signals and translate them into shrewd investment opportunities, all while maintaining a robust risk management framework,” says Luis. “This forwardthinking and adaptive approach ensures we remain at the forefront of the industry, continuously delivering value to our investors.” The firm’s commitment to quality is evident in its careful selection of both projects and clients. “We recognise that a ‘build it and they will come’ model is flawed, often leading to mismatches between client expectations and investment objectives,” says Luis. “Instead, we tailor our solutions to the specific needs of regulated entities, RIAs, and family offices, ensuring alignment with their investment nuances.” Through this approach, Madison Sixty ensures that its clients feel valued and informed throughout their investment journey. The firm is committed to exceptional client service, which for Luis begins with a deep understanding of each client’s individual needs. He takes pride in the way his team listens attentively to clients and anticipates their concerns, while always responding with innovative solutions. Another crucial facet of ensuring success is through fostering strong, mutually beneficial relationships with investors worldwide. Recently, the firm has made considerable progress in establishing dialogue and relationships with Middle Eastern investors keen on accessing US private credit markets. Through building international connections, Madison Sixty is simultaneously expanding its global footprint and providing clients with unique investment opportunities. Looking ahead, Luis tells us, “2024 looks to be a remarkably busy year. We are poised to expand our private credit business by introducing two new offerings that will further diversify our portfolio and enhance our service to clients.” We recommend keeping a close eye on Madison Sixty as it continues to take the finance industry by storm. Contact Details Luis E. Jimenez & David A. Anderson Email: [email protected] ℓ [email protected] Company: Madison Sixty LLC Web Address: www.madison60.com May24352 Madison Sixty is a leading consulting and investment boutique widely acclaimed for its specialised expertise in private credit, investment structuring, due diligence, and strategic alternative investments. Based in New York, Madison Sixty has received a prestigious title in the Wealth and Asset Management Awards 2024. Below, we learn more from Founder and Managing Member, Luis E. Jimenez.
May24628 Most Trusted Wealth Management Consulting & Advisory Firm 2024 and Client Service Excellence Award 2024 Synpulse Portrait: Asset & Wealth Management Consulting Having spent over 27 years leading the financial services sector, Synpulse is a Swiss-founded global consulting firm whose detailed domain expertise sees it influencing the industry on a daily basis. Through an extensive network of over 100 ecosystem partners, the firm is able to guide clients through their respective transformation journeys, be it assisting with strategy, development, implementation, or management. Regardless of the request, Synpulse is proud to play a pivotal role in elevating others, and we explore just how it goes about doing so below. “Synpulse offers global consulting for wealth and asset management. We help our clients with their digital transformation, from strategy to implementation. ” Proud to blend the ever notorious Swiss precision with a wider, global vision, Synpulse is a diverse wealth management consulting and advisory firm that has consistently gone above and beyond to provide its vast clientele with long-lasting, technologically empowered solutions. Operating across 21 offices worldwide in a whopping 20 countries, the collective brings together over 1,200 of the industry’s greatest professionals to deliver a unique blend of sustainable services in this ever-evolving sphere. Partnered with its ‘tech powerhouse, Synpulse8’, Synpulse has succeeded in becoming a pivotal part of its client’s transformative ventures. However, to Synpulse, wealth and asset management is about more than simply managing investments. Instead, it is about understanding its clients’ goals and aspirations – learning what makes them tick, delivering client-centric financial consulting, and adapting to ensure they achieve their financial aims via a holistic approach. In this vein, Synpulse ascends beyond the traditional expectations of the industry; its services embrace the unique requirements of each client, granting them a certain value that its clientele simply cannot overlook. This very approach acts as the foundation of Synpulse, and it is what has allowed the firm to consistently cultivate long-term relationships that have been born from trust, transparency, and mutual respect. Internally, this mutual trust and respect is held in high regard amongst Synpulse’s team members. With People & Culture as the backbone of all the company does, Synpulse ensures that it can maintain its competitive edge through its client-centric approach. Cultivating an environment where people feel part of something truly impactful, Synpulse’s team guarantees it can deliver seamless services and an overall positive experience for all. As any financial expert will tell you, the realm of wealth and asset management is constantly shifting. It is a competitive landscape that invites challenge, and Synpulse has gladly risen up to accept it. By applying its knack for proactive innovation and its professionals’ deep understanding of the market’s dynamics, the firm manages to stay ahead for the sake of its clients. In doing so, it not only elevates itself, but collects the tools necessary to ensure that it secures the same for its respected partners. In essence, Synpulse can be trusted to always provide the most advanced and effective solutions, while simultaneously bringing a distinctly tailored approach to the table. If we were to outline what makes Synpulse special, we feel it only right to turn our attention to the abundance of industry expertise, global presence, and collaborative culture the firm boasts. Be it through its Plug & Bank platform – through which it showcases its expertise via scalable core banking solutions for digital banks – or its Wealth Cockpit – a solution that helps wealth managers in streamlining their operations when onboarding personalised client experiences – Synpulse champions the art of doing things differently. Additionally, its Banking-as-a-Service solutions are simply revolutionary, leading to an adaptable, futurefocused attitude that underpins each of its services. To close, we would like to share some words from Synpulse itself – “Synpulse believes the future of wealth management lies in the seamless integration of technology and human expertise. Our commitment to innovation, excellence, and client success will continue to guide us as we navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.” Technology is arguably the biggest asset our world has developed in recent years, and Synpulse is not afraid to delve into the detailed capabilities of the medium in order to construct more effective and efficient wealth and asset management solutions. We are pleased to have the opportunity to share Synpulse with the readers of Wealth and Finance International. Through its ingenuity and affinity for transcending tradition, Synpulse has fostered an award-winning approach to wealth and asset management that, in the years to come, will no doubt continue to impress and astound clients across the globe. We extend our congratulations to Synpulse, and we eagerly anticipate its next step forward. Contact: Natalia Condoluci [email protected] www.synpulse.com Synpulse UK Ltd 25 Worship Street London, EC2A 2DX
8 | Wealth & Finance, Wealth & Asset Management Awards 2024 Best Fixed-Income Investment Management Platform 2024 Investortools offers a comprehensive suite of five best-in-class products within a single platform, delivering a holistic solution for fixed-income professionals that spans the entire investment lifecycle. At the core of the Investortools software suite is Perform, a portfolio, order, and execution management system. Perform facilitates performance attribution, model-based trade allocation, pre- and post-trade compliance, and electronic trading connectivity, enabling a seamless straight-through-processing experience. A pivotal component embedded in Perform is the Investortools Dealer Network (IDN), a first of its kind platform that has transformed the fixed-income trading landscape. The IDN offers unrivaled trading connectivity with realtime, persistent FIX connections supporting the end-to-end processing of execution details and custodial allocations. In addition to live offerings, it provides buy-side clients access to alternative trading systems (ATSs), direct connectivity, the ability to facilitate Bid Wanteds, and intra-day reference pricing from multiple sources. This comprehensive, all-to-all trading connectivity delivers unprecedented market depth, ensuring best execution and no missed opportunities. By consolidating markets into a single ecosystem, the IDN provides the most comprehensive view of the live, secondary market. The IDN serves as a centralized trading cockpit with direct click-to-bid, click-to-trade access to liquidity. Users can lift, bid, and negotiate trades without the need to pivot away from the system. This enables users to rapidly respond to opportunities as they appear while reducing trading errors. Complementary to the IDN is Perform’s automation toolkit. Perform’s automation workflows offer unparalleled search capabilities and empower users to execute trades en masse. Once traded, bonds can then be automatically allocated to optimally construct portfolios. These automated processes, combined with the IDN, allow clients to conduct transactions with remarkable efficiency. Clients have reported they are able to reduce the time required to transition from cash to a fully invested portfolio from weeks to hours. The IDN and automated processes are essential in fuelling accounts under management (AUM) growth, especially in the separately managed account (SMA) space. By leveraging the IDN’s connectivity, market data integrations, and proprietary portfolio management objectives, SMA managers can achieve significantly more with their trading desks. The automated workflows enable clients to reduce account minimums, spend more time enhancing precision in data-driven decisions, and expand their client base while maintaining staff levels. Users are empowered to scale operations and manage workloads more effectively, achieving a higher degree of operational efficiency and effectiveness. The Co-Head and Chief Product Officer explains, “We take a long-term perspective when we build products and work with our clients. The effort to build deep analytics, credit research, and customizable workflow tools is now combined with the live tradable market, and it’s changing the game for our clients. The fixed-income market is moving rapidly, and we’re excited to be a part of driving that innovation.” Underpinning this constant drive to innovation is Investortools commitment to operating on a continuous release cycle. To ensure regular updates, enhancements, and new features, all Investortools’ products adhere to a six-week release cycle where all changes undergo rigorous testing, including staging, development, and production testing phases. Investortools’ excellence is defined not only by its technical expertise but also by its commitment to delivering an unmatched customer experience. A dedicated support team of client representatives and developers are always available to provide immediate assistance and customize solutions to meet clients’ unique needs. This seamless blend of innovative technology and hands-on support has established Investortools as the industry’s preferred software solution. Positioned at the intersection of innovation and personalized service, Investortools tackles challenges with creativity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. This dedication has enabled the firm to partner with Fortune 500 companies and 38 of the top 40 SMA shops. Contact Details Contact: Jessica McDaniel Company: Investortools Web Address: https://www.invtools.com/ May24556 Having continually innovated to serve the needs of the fixed-income marketplace for over four decades, Investortools’ systems have become a prerequisite for success in investment management. Investortools is a trusted partner at hundreds of financial institutions for retail and institutional SMA managers, fund managers, broker-dealers, and fixed-income market participants who manage over $1 trillion in assets within the platform.
9 | Wealth & Finance, Wealth & Asset Management Awards 2024 Best Ethical Investment Management Firm 2024 For just shy of 30 years now, Epworth Investment Management Ltd has served as a dedicated investment manager catering to the needs of a number of churches, charities, and retail clients across the UK. As stewards of its investors’ money, the team here make investments that are meticulously chosen based on the Christian ethical criteria, meaning that they care about both people and the planet. Managing approximately £1bn worth of client assets, this firm always invests faithfully. Epworth is immensely proud to be wholly owned by the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church, or the CFB, which was established back in 1960. With almost 65 years of history on its side, the CFB stood as a pioneer of ethical investing far before it was seen as the fashionable thing to do. Today, Epworth manages all three aforementioned client groups using these same standards, ensuring that the difference it makes is a positive one in a landscape where, more often than not, this is not the case. The inspiration that Epworth takes from the CFB can be traced back to its forming of one of the UK’s first ethical invest committees back in 1974, this as a response to the support provided by London-listed companies for South Africa’s pro-apartheid Government and the voices of protest from CFB’s clients that followed. This has ultimately served as the basis for 50 years and counting’s worth of strategic investments that align with the Christian faith and cherish the diversity of all clients and stakeholders equally. Across its operation, Epworth is trusted with managing the money of some of the UK’s most respected and important charities. But its responsibilities far extend just financial returns, and by considering the impact that any investments made have on people and the planet in the long term, this team are ensuring that a client’s money is invested ethically, something that a price cannot be put on. Furthermore, in today’s business landscape, people are more likely to invest in something that is promoting positive change, making this a win-win scenario. Many investment firms claim to invest ethically, but what truly sets Epworth apart is the way in which it informs its ethical priorities. As CEO David Palmer tells us, “our approach recognises the power of our client’s voices in helping set the ethical priorities of the firm and seeks on a regular basis to gather the ethical insights and priorities of our clients and stakeholders.” This allows the team here to work towards identifying issues as they begin to emerge, foster increased engagement, and satisfy the personal ethical goals of clients. Detailing this approach, which begins with Epworth’s client management team, David tells us, “we produce a survey where the recipients can list the top ethical issues that concern their respective organisation. The results of these surveys are compiled and, through committee and consultation, collated into common ethical themes.” After this has taken place, Epworth brings the results to the Joint Advisory Committee on the Ethics of Investment, before a final priority order is set that adheres to both the necessary policies and Christian teaching. Things do not end here, and the priorities of the churches, charities, and retailers that Epworth partners with are uncovered further in review meetings held annually. This gives the firm a chance to demonstrate how the surveys it carries out shape the work that it does, as well as affording it a deeper insight into its clients wants, needs, and concerns. For David and the team, this personable approach is a major step forward in the field of ethical investing, setting a new gold standard where consulting with one’s clients is vital in making a real difference. The difference that Epworth makes can be seen in other ways too, with one defining accomplishment being its championing of climate action in the world of banking. In fact, Epworth’s Chief Responsibility Officer, Andrew Harper, was interviewed for ITV after it was revealed that HSBC was supporting expansionist oil and gas projects, thus going against its climate pledges. The team at Epworth escalated this by using the power of the press to encourage the company to change its ways, which it has subsequently agreed to do. Wholly passionate about ethical investing, Epworth Investment Management Ltd is continuing to leverage Christian teachings to pioneer lasting change for our planet and its people, making it more than deserving of being named as the Best Ethical Investment Management Firm 2024 – London. Contact: Simon Woolnough Company: Epworth Investment Management Ltd Web Address: https://epworthim.com/ P I L L A R S OUR THEOLOGICAL GROUNDING
10 | Wealth & Finance, Wealth & Asset Management Awards 2024 Best Wealth Management & Holistic Planning Firm 2024 - Southeast USA Often identified by clients as the most caring collective of its trade, Daniel Wealth Management is a down to earth wealth management and planning firm whose holistic nature has resonated with families and individuals alike. From the moment a connection is established, clients will find themselves immersed in an experience that prioritises listening and understanding, ultimately allowing the collective’s consultants to deliver bespoke advice in line with any request. Having spent its years valuing relationships, organisation, knowledge, and training, Daniel Wealth Management consistently succeeds in exceeding client expectations. As the organisation’s mission statement details – “Daniel Wealth Management strives to create a “WOW” client experience. We tailor and customize strategies to be consistent with your family’s principles and traditions. We take pride in serving you, just as you have taken in caring for your family.” This highly personable nature brings an entirely new approach to the realm of wealth management. As opposed to being overwhelmed with jargon and stringent processes, clients can appreciate a planning experience that genuinely values their input and individuality. In this vein, Daniel Wealth Management truly is a master of communication. In essence, Daniel Wealth Management is an award-winning advisor who has accumulated years of experience in focusing on specific needs, before customising strategies that align with a client’s financial goals. Whether collaborating with individuals or families, or working alongside trusts, foundations, non-profit organisations, or business owners, it allocates ample amounts of time to building authentic relationships. Only possible through the brilliance of the collective’s united team of experts, Daniel Wealth Management has effortlessly introduced the market to a wealth management entity that truly understands what goes into making every client feel heard, seen, and respected. From the moment Daniel Wealth Management entered the market’s space, it has been demonstrating a different perspective on finances. Unlike the majority of its large scale competitors, profit is not the organisation’s end goal – instead, it focuses on ‘helping people dream big, and accomplish their future vision in life’. By utilising such an inspired approach, Daniel Wealth Management has earned an abundance of appreciation from grateful clients, each detailing how overjoyed they are to have received such personalised and thoughtful guidance from the organisation’s team of experts. To us at Wealth and Finance International, discovering those who are skilled at elevating any client’s experience in the world of finance is paramount. One must demonstrate an exceptional understanding of what their primary target audience is seeking, and has to remain dynamic in order to meet these varying needs. Daniel Wealth Management is a collective that demonstrates this very ability across each of its practises. No matter the complexity of a client’s request, Daniel Wealth Management is pleased to enrich their experience by any means necessary. Combined with its team’s avid passion for its craft, the organisation guarantees effective planning in tandem with impeccable customer service. Recognising this, Wealth and Finance International is pleased to attribute the title of Best Wealth Management & Holistic Planning Firm 2024- Southeast USA to Daniel Wealth Management. As it proceeds into the future, we are certain it will continue to act as a kind companion throughout any client’s financial journey. Contact Details Contact: Brianna Rudd Company: Daniel Wealth Management Web Address: https://www. danielwealthmanagement.com/ May24534 Planning for the future is a notion that all of us must take seriously at some point in our lives. It’s what can ensure you enter the next stage of your life without monetary strain, or guide your business through a difficult spot. Whatever way you approach it, financial planning is essential to the security of your future, and no Southeast USA wealth management firm understands this quite like Daniel Wealth Management. Recognised by Wealth and Finance International, Daniel Wealth Management is a focused wealth management and holistic planning entity whose processes guarantee a client experience unlike any other.
May24486 Best Bespoke Wealth Management Firm 2024 & Client Service Excellent Award JM Finn stands out from the UK investment crowd as a paragon of integrity and service. Its commitment to a highly varied client base across many budgets and degrees of knowledge evens the playing field for those seeking to build or protect wealth. Its mission evolves on a person-to-person basis, shaped by individuals’ investment goals, which the firm realises with consistent diligence and flexibility. Since 1946, JM Finn has delivered personalised wealth management with a unique focus on every client. This translates to simplified investing, an alignment with clients’ personal goals, and wealth fostered and protected across generations. Among a crowd of peer companies led by process and profitability, JM Finn prefers the human touch, seeing the importance of the person behind the wealth its team is trusted to manage. The services on offer range from comprehensive portfolio management and advisory services to retirement and pension planning. They span a client’s lifetime, tailored to large and small accounts alike. Regardless of the sum of money a client would like to invest, JM Finn provides a bespoke solution, be that expert advice or taking control of investments on clients’ behalf. As a privately owned company, shareholders’ needs do not take precedence over those of its clients, and it is therefore comfortable making informed long-term decisions without the driving pressure of short-term gain. The firm primarily serves private clients, and it positions wealth managers as their first point of contact, which ensures that each client benefits from a consistent relationship with the person who is responsible for their portfolio. JM Finn believes that this promotes accountability and a true alignment with clients’ needs. Client success remains both a priority and a continued metric of success for the firm, building long-lasting, mutually profitable relationships. JM Finn’s mission to deliver transparent and accessible investing solutions includes a pricing model which matches a client’s means to the services on offer. Investment management services are charged based on the amount that’s invested, and wealth planning is charged at an hourly rate which adjusts based on the seniority of the planner. These charges are broken down simply and comprehensively, assuring a no-surprises transaction whatever the service. Its discretionary portfolio management approach pairs each client with a dedicated manager, allowing for 24/7 access to their portfolio and associated documents, and places an emphasis on face-to-face communication when convenient. For those without the time or requisite knowledge to manage their investment journey, JM Finn steps in to provide the ideal solution. “Whatever stage of life you are at, we can help you to cultivate and protect your finances. Our comprehensive wealth service incorporates two distinct but complementary services: wealth planning and investment management. ” When clients give an investment manager control of their portfolios, the firm is well aware of the level of the trust this implies, and it certainly does not take it for granted. Tight security is among the pillars of the firm’s business, meaning assets are secured by layers of advanced cybersecurity and ringfencing which separates client assets from the company’s. Withdrawals are also subject to strict procedures as part of the effort to combat fraud. It is not solely corporate responsibility, but the firm’s profound respect for its clients’ protection and investing experience which drives efforts to protect them at all costs. JM Finn knows that to support its clients, it must first support its staff, and this attitude shines through in the supportive atmosphere its people enjoy. It works with the combined attitudes of accountability, integrity, and respect. Individual thought and responsibility is encouraged, as well as a focus on how decision-making affects staff at every level. The firm aims to maintain optimal working conditions and drive outstanding performance, though it refuses to compromise its principles in the pursuit of excellence, instead aiming high in strict accordance with its core values. It is rare to find a company which displays the virtues which run through every facet of JM Finn’s service. Clients are respected and offered first-class, transparent, and bespoke investment and wealth planning services which uphold exacting standards of security and diligence. Its distinguished record of client satisfaction is not at all surprising, yet it continues to outdo itself, honing its offering further with every passing year and every client served. Contact: Oliver Tregoning Company: J M Finn Web Address: www.jmfinn.com
12 | Wealth & Finance, Wealth & Asset Management Awards 2024 Top Three Things Advisers Should Know About a Knowledge Intensive (KI) EIS Enterprise Investment Schemes (EISs) are a powerful way for clients, who are comfortable with the risks, to target high growth investments. For a company to qualify for EIS funding it must be early stage and not listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange. These companies often have the potential to grow much faster than their larger, listed counterparts, providing investors with a unique opportunity to participate and benefit in their growth journey. Investors regularly choose an EIS Fund structure, so they have a portfolio of EIS qualifying companies, sometimes in various sectors, to mitigate some of the risk involved in early-stage investing. Focusing specifically on Knowledge Intensive EIS Funds (or approved funds as they are also referred to by), 80% of the portfolio needs to be in companies involved in research and development (R&D) or innovation, playing a pivotal role in advancing technology and healthcare solutions. Knowledge Intensive companies typically have higher operating costs and longer development cycles due to the nature of their work in R&D. Recognising this, the UK government offers enhanced benefits under the EIS for investments in these companies. This includes higher investment limits and extended periods for companies to meet qualifying conditions. So, what are the benefits on offer for investors? 1. KI EIS Funds make tax planning a lot easier: The investment date for income tax relief purposes is the date the fund closes. This means investors know they can receive all their income tax relief in the tax year the investment is made (or under current EIS regulation, can carry back to the previous tax year). It is also a lot simpler as investors receive a single EIS5 certificate, instead of individual EIS3 certificates (one for each company the fund invests in). However, it is important to note that this EIS5 certificate is not issued upfront. The fund manager still must deploy the capital raised and only when the fund is 90% deployed, can it apply for the EIS5 certificates to be issued by HMRC. If you are reading this article, then the chances are you are already familiar with the substantial tax benefits on offer. Investors can claim 30% income tax relief on investments up £2 million for Knowledge Intensive funds, potentially reducing their income tax bill substantially. In addition, EIS investments offer Capital Gains Tax (CGT) deferral, and the gains are CGT free, inheritance tax (IHT) relief after two years, and loss relief, which can be offset against income tax. 2. High growth potential: KI EIS funds invest in small early-stage businesses with high growth potential, particularly in sectors like technology and healthcare. These investments offer the chance to be part of exciting growth stories, with the potential for significant financial returns. However, they are not suitable for every investor, as they require more advanced knowledge and risk appetite. The key is to match up risk appetite and interest with the manager’s investment strategy and sector specialism. Track record is, of course, key. Exits are the holy grail - the way a manager can prove their investment strategy is to show they have successfully grown and sold a company. 3. Support for innovative UK companies: In the recent spring budget, the Chancellor continued to show his passion and understanding of UK start-ups and their role in rejuvenating the UK economy. This sentiment was further reinforced by the introduction of the new British ISA, carrying all the same tax benefits as the existing ISA system, and encouraging more people to invest in UK assets. The November Autumn Statement saw the Chancellor extend a sunset clause for EISs to 2035. Initially set to expire in April 2025, this extension alleviates the uncertainty that has surrounding EISs. This announcement not only secures the future of the schemes but also reinforces their role as a vital component in the funding ecosystem for UK start-ups. For investors, this means a more confident environment to invest, combining the potential for attractive returns with significant tax advantages, and the opportunity to be part of the UK’s thriving innovative and entrepreneurial spirit. By investing in a KI EIS, clients are gaining access to the companies driving the UKs ability to grow as a global R&D powerhouse. Francesca Rayneau, Director at Calculus
Protect Your Cryptocurrency With These Five Expert Tips In 2023, it is estimated around €2.3 billion was lost by investors to scams, rug pulls, and hacks. Although the technology is becoming more secure and stable, and many users are more aware of the tricks used to steal assets, there are still ways for thieves to extract your crypto if you aren’t careful. Experts at Smart Betting Guide have provided a guide on the best ways to keep your crypto safe in 2024. 1. Do not store your password and seed phrase on the Cloud For many people, the best and most convenient way to access crypto is through an exchange or a crypto wallet. Cryptocurrency wallets store users’ public and private keys while providing an easy-to-use interface to manage crypto balances. These exchanges require you to create an account with a password, and wallets give you extra security through the use of a seed phrase. Seed phrases are a sequence of random words that store the data required to access or recover cryptocurrency on blockchains or crypto wallets. Hackers will often attempt to steal these to gain access to your crypto and steal it. It is vital that these passwords and phrases are not stored in the cloud or on a device that could potentially be hacked. Instead, write these down, or get them engraved on a metal card (to protect against water damage or fire) and store them somewhere secure within your property. Finally, no crypto protocols or their customer support staff will ever ask for this information from you, so if someone asks for it they are trying to steal your crypto. 2. Use a hardware wallet instead of an exchange If you want to ensure your crypto is completely protected, a hard wallet is the best choice. This is a device such as a USB thumb drive that securely guards a crypto user’s private cryptographic keys in offline or “cold” storage, ready to be used online to complete a crypto transaction whenever you are ready. These are much safer than keeping crypto on an exchange; like with the FTX collapse, users lost billions of dollars of crypto stored in their wallets. Hardware wallets ensure that your crypto is safe from hackers and exchange collapses alike. Pros: Cannot be accessed by anyone online and is completely secure from online attacks, also prevents loss of crypto from exchanges collapsing Cons: Could be lost or damaged physically, rendering the crypto useless (although some come with backup features now) 3. DYOR – Do your own research A rug pull is a scam where a cryptocurrency or NFT developer hypes a project to attract investor money, only to suddenly shut down or disappear, taking investor assets with them. These scams can often be well disguised, which makes them very difficult to spot. Many may be advertised across social media and entice investors through the promise of making lots of money. This is why it’s important to do your own research before investing your money in any cryptocurrency or NFT. Here are the things to look out for when thinking of investing in a new or unknown crypto: Developers Investors should consider how credible the team behind the project is. Are they known in the crypto community, and do they have a good or bad track record? Be sure to check the legitimacy of social media accounts. Have they just been created, or is there a clear history that the person is who they say they are? Anonymous developers are a red flag, and any projects are approached with caution. Anonymous developers are a red flag, and any projects are approached with caution. Whitepaper It is important to check the quality of the white paper; this is a document that explains the purpose of a project and how it works. For a cryptocurrency, the whitepaper is a guide to its technology, features, and goals. If the whitepaper seems vague or doesn’t offer a valued use case or tokenomics, then it could be a potentially risky investment. No liquidity locked One of the easiest ways to distinguish a scam coin from a legitimate cryptocurrency is to check if the currency is liquidity-locked. With no liquidity lock on the token supply in place, nothing stops the project creators from running off with the entirety of the liquidity. Investors should also check the percentage of the liquidity pool that has been locked. A lock is only helpful in proportion to the amount of the liquidity pool it secures. Known as total value locked (TVL), this figure should be between 80% and 100%. No external audit It is now standard practice for new cryptocurrencies to undergo a formal code audit process conducted by a reputable third party. One notorious example is Tether, a centralized stable coin whose team had failed to disclose that it held non-fiat-backed assets. An audit is especially applicable for decentralized currencies, where default auditing for DeFi projects is a must.However, potential investors shouldn’t simply take a development team’s word that an audit has taken place. The audit should be verifiable by a third party and show that nothing malicious was found in the code. 4. Verify fake apps and fake crypto exchanges These are a very popular type of scam and target many investors, however, new investors are more likely to be impacted by these as they may be unsure of what to download. These fake apps can be used to steal money, cryptocurrencies, or seed phrases and passwords. The best way to avoid these scams are: • Never search for crypto apps directly from an app store. Always find the direct download link or redirect link to the app store from the company’s official website or whitepaper. • Check for the number of app downloads and number of reviews – if these are low, this is a red flag • Check the developer of the app, this should be verifiable and come from the official company. Check for spelling mistakes and also other apps made by the developer. 5. Take extra security measures Finally, there are some basics that should be adhered to, which can protect your day-to-day date and accounts as well as your crypto. • Never click links on emails you are unsure of where they originate from. • Set up Two Factor Authentication (2FA), this means hackers would need your phone to hack you even if they have all your other account details. • Don’t click popups or links that come up on the internet or social media • Be cautious of any messages you receive from people who say they can ‘make you money fast.’ These have become popular across social media and utilize fake accounts to try and get your money. A spokesperson from Smart Betting Guide commented: “Hacks, scams and rug pulls not only pose a threat to individual investors but cast a shadow on the broader narrative of cryptocurrency as a revolutionary force in finance. They erode trust, stifle innovation, and impede the progress towards a more inclusive and decentralized financial future. Therefore, the task at hand goes beyond personal security; it is a shared responsibility to fortify the foundations upon which the future of finance stands.”
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