We have compiled a list of the questions potential clients most frequently ask deVere. Is investing in investment funds only for institutional and high net worth investors?

Not at all. Investment Funds can be the most cost-effective way for individual investors to optimize their returns as well as diversify risks across many markets. In the U.S., Europe and Japan, individuals have found investment funds to be a convenient and effective way to save for the future. deVere & Partners offers a range of investment services starting from as low as US $160 for regular savings and US$5,000 for lump sums.

Is investing in funds complicated?

It can be very simple. We make it easy by offering you a consolidated service where you can invest in a wide range of funds through one account. We call this pooled funds, or the multi-manager approach. As a client, you can deal by phone, e-mail and fax. If you prefer to see an advisor in person, that’s fine, too. Our advisors are always available to give you professional advice.

Are investment funds risky?

Funds range from conservative money market funds to more aggressive equity funds. By nature, investment funds are effective in spreading risk as the investors’ money is pooled into a collective vehicle and invested into various securities. Funds authorised by financial authorities follow strict diversification guidelines, which normally restrict investments in any one security. An average equity fund will own between 80 to 100 stocks.

Can I make better returns through direct stock or Property Investments?

Investment Funds are a good complement to an investor’s traditional stock, property and cash portfolio in return optimisation and risk diversification forms. While It may be easy for clients to access the local stock market, many investors overlook the risk involved in investing in one stock or one market. Conservative investors, who find direct stock investments too risky, may settle for lower returns from bank deposits without full knowledge of other investment options available.

What are the benefits of using an Independent Financial Advisor when I can deal directly with an investment fund house?

Due to the high volume of business placed by deVere & Partners, investors benefit from reduced initial fees and management charges that are not directly available from the institution. deVere & Partners Independent Financial Advisors provide wider fund choice as well as independent advice. This “one-stop” best advice service is ideal for clients who want to diversify through a spread of fund houses.

Does independent advice cost more?

deVere & Partners does not charge clients extra fees for investment advice. Clients enjoy the benefits of fund choice, independent advice and one-stop convenience by paying the fees charged by the selected fund house. Clients may actually save on cost by investing through our Private Portfolio Service where any fee rebates received by deVere & Partners is passed directly back to the client.

Can I invest through my bank and get the same quality service?

Unlike banks, deVere & Partners focuses its business on investment funds and asset management. For over 10 years, we have helped over 25,000 clients all over the world achieve their financial investment goals. Our dedicated team of research analysts, fund managers and experienced advisors, ensure our levels of service are of the highest and most consistent quality.

When I invest, are my funds tied up for a certain period of time?

That depends on what level of access you require. Most funds are accessible immediately, some without penalty. Some institutions offer bonuses in the form of allocated investment units as a reward for leaving funds invested during an initial period of 1 to 2 years.

Access and flexibility are essential topics your deVere & Partners advisor will discuss with you before recommending an investment or savings strategy. Currently, over 32,000 different offshore funds and product providers exist within the market place. Our advisors allow their clients to design the product and investment portfolio which best suits clients’ particular needs.

How much control do I have over my investments?

As a unit trust investor, you have full control. deVere & Partners provides you with key investment information, transaction advice and consolidated statements to help you keep track of your investments. Investing in unit trusts could not be more simple or rewarding.

Who manages my investments?

A dedicated fund manager of the specific investment fund selected. These experts research the companies comprising the investment fund in order to ensure they offer excellent growth potential. A fund manager also alters the composition of the fund by buying and selling the individual holding to maximize the return.

How secure is my investment?

We recommend companies based in stable environments of the Isle of Man, British Channel Islands or Dublin. These locations offer the necessary investor protection to make certain investments are protected against corporate failure and fund mismanagement.

How do I send my funds to the relevant investment company?

Transfers are always made directly by the client to the major financial institution. For regular investments, a banker’s standing order is the most widely used form of transfer. However, in many cases investment companies collect contributions by credit card, or direct debit from banks in the UK banking system. For capital investments, transferring the funds by telegraphic transfer is the easiest option. A banker’s draft is also acceptable.

Can I contact the relevant investment companies directly?

Of course. All companies issue an account/policy number to every client with full contact details supplied within the investment schedule. While our clients generally prefer our assistance with any administrative procedure, you many contact the company to modify an investment fund switch, inform a change of address and so forth.

What happens if I change residence or relocate to another country?

Regardless of your location (and relocation) in the world, we would keep in contact with you through the normal methods of communication, including facsimile and e-mail. At your convenience, you may also log onto our site and review market summaries, and access information related to financial and investment markets. For clients moving to one of the few locations where we do not have a physical presence, advisors based at our Customer Service Centre (link to Client Services contact us page) in Europe will answer any questions as they may arise.

What is the minimum investment?

While this differs as per Investment Company, a portfolio can be established for as little as US$ 160 per month.

How do I receive the benefits from my investment?

Most companies allow investors to receive their investment in any convertible currency and anywhere in the world. It is a relatively simple process: the investment schedule is sent to the administration department of the relevant investment company, along with your instructions as to where and how you wish to receive the funds. Should the investment schedule be lost or defaced, a replacement can be obtained.

How am I able to obtain this comprehensive advice and ongoing support without being charged by you?

Various international investment and insurance companies, offshore banks and capital management companies do not have the marketing and sales forces to visit prospective clients. Most are not allowed to offer professional advice. Consequently, they offer remuneration to deVere & Partners, as an independent organization, for presenting their products and services when appropriate.

This is a win-win situation. They increase their client base. We are able to operate. You receive comprehensive, unbiased advice and excellent service with no additional cost. #1. What exactly is offshore investing? In the financial sense, ‘offshore’ means a jurisdiction other than the one in which you live.

Established offshore centers such as Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man have laws which may offer financial benefits when you bank and invest with them.

These laws currently range from no or low-tax liability locally (on all savings and investment income regardless of the residence of the investor) - to local tax exemptions for non-residents of that jurisdiction.

What are the benefits of investing offshore?

If you're living and working overseas, investing offshore may save you tax.

All returns on offshore investments are currently paid without the deduction of tax.

You may also be able to reduce your tax liability in your home country by transferring savings and investments to an offshore bank. In addition to the tax savings, offshore banking offers confidentiality, security and greater global access and convenience.

Who can benefit from offshore investing?

Anyone living and working overseas for at least one full tax year may be able to save tax by investing offshore.

So, if I have to pay taxes, what is the advantage of investing offshore?

There are many other reasons to invest offshore, over and above the tax benefits.

Besides providing a legitimate way to minimise your tax liability, other important reasons to consider investing and banking offshore include asset protection, estate planning, confidentiality, and potentially better returns.

If I'm unsure which offshore investment may be best for me, can I talk to someone?

Yes! Simply click here and send us your contact details. We'll give you a ring within one working day.

And don't forget, our advisers can offer help & guidance on everything from investments to life cover, including saving for the future, estate planning, mortgage protection, retirement & estate planning.

If you still have a query, or would like some more information about deVere & Partners please click on the link to take you to our main website deVere & Partners or please contact us directly for an answer.