Choosing an IFA: what qualifications to look for?

gterr

Hi there,

After receiving advice here I am going to help my elderly foster mother to get advice from an IFA regarding her S+S ISA which is underperforming. I know about unbiased.co.uk but I'm not clear what qualifications I should expect the IFA to hold.

Also, is it likely that the IFA would wish to meet with my foster mother in person more than once? She's virtually house-bound, partially blind and very deaf (but has all her marbles!). She's also 400 miles away from me. I can visit to be present for an initial meeting but would find it hard to be there for further meetings if these were required.

Thanks for your time.

dunstonh

I know about unbiased.co.uk but I'm not clear what qualifications I should expect the IFA to hold.

If its just an S&S ISA then you dont really need any more than those required to be an IFA.

Also, is it likely that the IFA would wish to meet with my foster mother in person more than once?

Possibly. Most operate on a two visit basis. Its hard to do much on a single visit.

gterr

Thanks for your quick reply.

dunstonh

If you told the IFA a bit of info in advance and seeing as its just an ISA, they could do some advance prep and if you allocated a bit longer for the appointment then it is possible to get it done in one. I would tell the IFA in advance what your distance situation is and see if they can do something about it.

dunstonh

feesarefare wrote: »

Just an ISA! how does that work then? Haven't you got to get an indepth background on the client,circumstances etc etc before you can think about offering advice let alone even contemplating a recommendation?

If you don't know then it says more about your lack of ability than any answer I can give.