
How To Decide Which Financial Adviser To Work With
Finding a financial adviser you can trust is essential for securing your financial future. With so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Discuss the following key aspects with any potential adviser to ensure they offer the right level of expertise and protection and align with your financial goals.
1. Qualifications and Professional Standards
When selecting a financial adviser, check their qualifications. In the UK, advisers should hold a Level 4 qualification or higher, which is the industry standard. Many UK pension providers now require all advisers—regardless of location—to meet this level.
Some advisers also hold specialist qualifications or are Chartered by professional bodies such as:
– The Chartered Institute of Securities & Investments (CISI)
– The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII)
Being chartered indicates that an adviser undergoes continuous learning, recording at least 35 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) annually. This ensures they provide the most up-to-date financial advice.
2. Licensing and Regulatory Oversight
Regulation determines the level of client protection you receive. The highest standard in the EU is a full MiFID II licence, which allows advisers to provide comprehensive investment advice and ensures professional indemnity insurance in case of disputes.
Some advisers operate under an Insurance Distribution Directive (IDD) licence, which only permits them to recommend insurance-based financial products. If an adviser is offering broader investment advice without a full MiFID II license, they may be working outside regulatory guidelines.
3. Investment Strategies and Transparency
The type of investments an adviser recommends can indicate their approach to risk and ethics. Ask whether they primarily use:
✔️ Main market funds and ETFs (exchange-traded funds)
⚠️ Structured Notes (often marketed with “guaranteed returns” but carrying hidden risks)
Structured Notes can be risky and may lose value immediately after purchase. While they may yield profits in some cases, alternative investments often offer better returns with lower risk. Some advisers receive high commissions for selling these products, which may not always align with your best interests.
4. Choosing a Financial Adviser Abroad
If you’re considering a financial adviser outside the UK, be extra cautious. Licensing standards vary, and not all countries enforce strict oversight. Check whether the adviser is backed by a reputable regulatory body and offers full disclosure on investment strategies and fees.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a financial adviser is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make.
Look for:
✅ Recognised qualifications and regulatory compliance
✅ Investment strategies that align with your risk tolerance
✅ Clear fee structures with no hidden commissions
By taking these steps, you can ensure you work with an adviser who prioritises your financial security and long-term success.
Ingenium Financial meets all the criteria outlined above, holding the highest industry qualifications, full regulatory compliance, and a commitment to ethical, client-focused financial advice.
Looking for Chartered Financial Adviser operating under full EU MiFID II licence? Get in touch with us for a free complementary consultation.