All you want to know about using an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA)

Treating Our Clients Fairly

We adopt a rigorous policy of 'Treating our Clients Fairly'. In summary this policy includes:

 - Giving our clients what they have paid for

 - Not taking advantage of our clients (e.g. through 'pushy' sales 

   tactics; the use of jargon etc)

 - Offering our clients the most suitable solution(s) we can

 - Offering as much flexibility, empathy and consideration in dealing

   with our clients

 - Exhibiting clarity and transparency when dealing with our clients

DFM guide to the advice process

1. Contact our office to arrange a free and confidential meeting. This

usually takes 60 - 90 minutes and will normally be conducted at your preferred venue and at a time to suit you.

2. Your adviser will 'sum up' the meeting by agreeing your priorities, discussing and agreeing remuneration (fees, commission or a combination of the two); and explaining the next step.

3. Research will be undertaken and recommendations prepared. These will usually be presented in person at a further meeting.

4. Recommendations are 'fine-tuned' and specific actions agreed.

5. We will ensure that any necessary documentation is completed

and you are kept informed of progress.

6. We will arrnage to keep in regular contact with you and review your situation as frequently as you request.

How do I know DFM Ltd is independent?

Independent advisers will help their clients select the correct product for from the wide range available on the market, which is what we at DFM Ltd do. Potentially, we can recommend any product from any insurance company providing it suits the customer's needs and objectives. With such a great choice of companies, investments and saving tools you can therefore be reassured that you are not simply being provided with a standard recommendation but getting really bespoke advice.

To ensure you do get bespoke advice we'll need to gather certain details about you and your circumstances so we can advise you correctly. The more information you can provide us with, the more accurate we can be when making our recommendations.

The Financial Services Authority (FSA)

The FSA is the government watchdog that regulates all financial and insurance firms, from large multinational banks to the one-man financial adviser. The FSA handbook of rules and guidance lays down the laws to which all IFAs must adhere, and the way they treat customers is governed by the 'Conduct of Business' (COB) rules. The rules are freely available from the FSA's website at www.fsa.gov.uk

What protection do I have?

When we advise our clients on regulated products (including investments, insurance and mortgages) they have the protection of the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) and the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Further details can be provided upon request.

Are all products and services regulated by the FSA?

No, (for example, buy-to-let mortgages or general taxation advice). We will always inform you if the advice we are giving you is on an unregulated product. It is important you are happy with the advice as you do not have the added protection of FOS or FSCS when dealing with some unregulated products.

What if I am not happy with the service?

If for any reason you are unhappy about the advice or service you have received please talk to us about this. We value our clients and will do our best to put things right.

Should you remain dissatisfied you can refer your complaint to the FOS who will investigate the complaint independently and make a ruling. The FOS work with customers and financial advisers to resolve a complaint, and where they do have to make a ruling it is binding upon the firm. If you try to contact a firm about with a complaint, and the firm is dissolved, or unable to meet its obligations you may have recourse to the FSCS. This is a service funded by all the companies within the industry to protect customers where firms have closed or gone into liquidation.

For an informal discussion about your requirements please call 01223 846726 or email info@downingfinancial.co.uk