saint james place

blueheron · 13 January at 11:50AM

Is SJM a safe place to invest in ? And does it perform well compared to other investment options ?

MarkCarnage · 13 January at 12:12PM

Short answer:

1) Very probably
2) Very probably not (high charges).

LHW99 · 13 January at 12:32PM

You will find various threads on SJP if you search the forum.

A good proportion (majority) of people here DIY, so generally SJP are regarded as expensive for what you get, with funds that are generally not at the top of the tables.

SJP advisers are not independent, but are tied to the company, so it is recommended here that an independent financial adviser (IFA) is best.

That said they are not scammers, and are regulated and some feel that their customer service is worth the cost.

MEM62 · 13 January at 2:30PM

Define 'safe'

As most on here would tell you, they are not independent financial advisors (i.e. restricted products / investments), the performance of their investments is average at best and their charges, including exit fees, are high. Far from the best choice you can make.

Ibrahim5 · 13 January at 2:45PM

The IFAs on here recommend IFAs. They are all financial advisors. All financial advisors can charge any amount they like. It's up to the customers whether they are happy to pay the fees. The fees are generally all excessive for the service provided.

Albermarle · 13 January at 3:05PM

IN 2023 SJP were investigated by the Financial Conducts Authority, looking at their opaque and sometimes unfair fee structure, for recommending inappropriate products in some cases and for not arranging regular reviews in some cases.
Some clients have been able to claim compensation.
St James Place Under FCA Probe for Mis-selling and Fee Transparency - Thom Tax

Gary1984 · 13 January at 3:19PM

Yes. And No. Search the forum and you'll find plenty of threads. SJP are expensive and their funds do poorly when compared to their peers. They also tie their customers in with clauses that penalise them for leaving. That being said they aren't going to lose you all your money, there's probably just better alternatives such as using an IFA.

dunstonh · 13 January at 3:35PM

Is SJM a safe place to invest in ?

You don't invest in SJP unless you happen to buy SJP shares.

And does it perform well compared to other investment options ?

Assuming you mean their retail investment funds and not SJP itself....
SJP is one of the most expensive distribution channels. They only offer their own funds and many of them poor to average.

Usually, the choice given here is to either DIY or use an IFA. Not to use a sales force restricted to their own product.

Diana_Mackintosh · 23 April at 4:41PM

I profoundly regret ever investing with SJP and I do hope you haven’t! I’m trapped in the property fund suspension and cannot access my investment until SJP allows and there is only a vague possible 2 year wait. Quite outrageous. Other investment firms got out of property long ago. This has been the worst decision of my life.