Financial Adviser moving to Spain

Good afternoon everyone,

I have joined the forum to ask a question if I may:

I am a professional UK Financial Adviser of 15 years standing thinking of a move to Spain with my partner Lesley who is an Insurance Adviser (life, critical illness etc).

I lived in Palma de Mallorca for 5 years (been back in the UK since 2008) and speak fluent Spanish, a bit of French and sketchy German.

When I lived in Mallorca I had a holiday from Financial advice and took up my hobby as a profession (photography).

My partner Lesley does not speak Spanish but would learn quickly (speaks French though).

I wonder whether all you expats out there could comment on how you see Financial Advisers in Spain (good and bad). Any names would be brilliant, especially the good ones.

I will only contact professional firms with whom you folks have had good experiences and avoid the cowboys.

We are thinking of Mallorca but not exclusively, could be Alicante, Xabia etc. I know Spain very well having travelled around following the Fiestas for best part of a year when I first arrived.

Your help would be massively appreciated.

Sandy

Mister P 

What qualifications do you have as an Adviser as many so called advisers operate in Spain with no PI insurance and out of date qualifications ripping clients off investing into exotic investments etc.

Love Hugh

Great username ! In reply to your question I have CeMAP which is the required qualification for Mortgage Advice and DipFA the qualification needed to be an Independent Financial Adviser in th UK.  I work under stringent compliance rules and always treat my clients fairly. Part of this is full disclosure of my fees and remuneration which is kept appropriate for the work done. 

I appreciate what you are saying about the rogue element in Spain, hopefully this will be brought under control soon. I the meantime if you know of any reputable firm I can approach it would be appreciated. 

Cheers Sandy

Blevins Franks is one of the most well known and prominent firms in Spain They seem to be the financial Gurus for everything . 

Hi Camposol,

I know the Blevins guy in Mallorca and I gather they are well regarded or at lest widely visible. They will be on my contact list for sure. 

Thanks for the help. 

Sandy

Hi again everyone and thanks for all the contact so far. I will be getting in touch with the following firms so far:

• Scottsdale
• Blevins Franks
• AES International
• Speed Financial
• Spectrum

If anyone has any first hand experience of them please let me know as my partner and I ar planning to come over to Spain towards the end of May to meet with a few firms.

Speak soon.

Sandy & Lesley

Hi Sandy

If you can apply the same standards on the Coast professionalism and ethics as in the UK I cannot see why you won't do quite well.

It seems you are heading to the Costa Del Sol area  and as a UK based adviser working FCA directly regulated I looked at it myself some 10 years ago but decided to build my UK firm up and I am glad I did.

I do know the area very well but do not promote our services here as we are exceptionally busy back home and I mainly come down to holiday but I do have a few clients whom I review and manage there investments mainly offshore versions who live permanently near my holiday home.

I would say however that it will be very hard work, very hot and how Spain does things may frustrate you most firms seem to be registered in Gibraltar and operate a licence via the regulator there 

I hope my view on things helps and I am sure if you can pass Dip FA you are a pretty clever guy 

Regards 

Rod 

Hi Rod, thanks for the input. I know what you mean about Spain driving you mad, I lived 5 years in Mallorca but speaking fluent Spanish helps massively. Keep in touch. 

Sandy

Hi everyone,

We have decised on a firm to join and will be authorised in July so we will be letting everyone know soon.

Sandy