Frequently asked questions

No, we believe it's important for you to get to know your adviser before deciding whether you would like to work with them. Thar's why the first meeting with our independent financial advisers is a free 'chat', so they can understand your needs and aspirations, and you can decide whether you want to work with them.

As your free first meeting typically takes place at your home, this arrangement usually continues with subsequent meetings. That said, depending on where you live, we can hold meetings at one of our offices if you'd prefer. Alternatively, if a video call would better suit, that can be arranged.

While the first meeting is more of a chat, it helps us tremendously if you can prepare for your first meeting with the financial adviser. If you can provide any of the following it will enable us to gain a clearer understanding of your circumstances and potential needs:

• your income, expenditure and liabilities

• any savings and investments that you have

• details of any property that you own

• a breakdown of your pensions

• any financial protection you have in place

If you cannot provide all or any of these, please don’t worry.

Absolutely not. As the first meeting is more about you getting to know your adviser, we do not expect you to sign up for anything.

Absolutely. We're regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the independent watchdog that regulates financial services in the UK. Our FCA firm reference number is 216704

It is important that you speak to an authorised and regulated advice firm, so always check the FCA's register or call the FCA for free on 0800 111 6768.

We are one of the UK's leading financial advice firms that is still truly independent. This means we have access to the whole market and are not limited in the solutions or providers we can access.

We have extensive experience in the following areas of financial advice:

• pensions and retirement planning

• intergenerational wealth management

• inheritance tax mitigation

• financial protection

• investing

• wealth management

• mortgages

• commercial pensions

• group protection

Through AFH Trusts and Estate Planning, we can also provide help with will writing and creating the right type of trust for your needs.

As a firm, we're committed to providing value for money, as well as transparency and integrity. As such, we are always clear and upfront about all of the costs associated with the advice and service we provide.

Because the charges will depend on the solutions and service recommended for you, your adviser will provide a clear explanation of all the charges involved. This will be carried out before you agree to work with us, as this ensures you will not face any unexpected charges later on.

The group of AFH experts made up of board members, senior economists, investment research representatives and portfolio managers meet on a monthly basis to review the group's investment strategy.

To ensure impartiality, the committee also has external voting members who attend the meetings. With a wealth of experience and a wide diversity of thought, the committee is responsible for:

• oversight and monitoring of investment strategy

• monitoring and managing investment risk

• reviewing performance and compliance

• amending investment portfolios to enhance performance

• recommending and approving policy changes

AFH's bespoke advice and investment service that helps investors to achieve their specific financial goals. It specialises in providing advice on, creating, and managing individual portfolios that offer clients:

• greater levels of flexibility

• more involvement in where and how your money is invested

The service combines traditional stockbroking methods with state-of-the-art technology. This means it offers a wide range of investment opportunities in real-time, covering a myriad of sectors, regions and asset cases.

If you wish to register a complaint, please write to us at AFH House, Buntsford Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 4JE, or telephone 01527 577 775. A summary of our complaints handing procedures is available on request.

No charge will be made by us for dealing with your complaint. If you cannot settle your complaint with us, you may be able to refer it to the Financial Ombudsman Service at www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk or by contacting them on 0800 023 4567.

We are covered by the scheme, which means you may be entitled to compensation in the unlikely event that we cannot meet our obligations. Most types of investment business are covered up to a maximum limit of £85,000, while non-compulsory insurance business is covered for 90% of the claim, without any upper limit. 100% of compulsory insurance is covered. Long-term insurance is 100% protected with no upper limit.

Eligible deposits with any UK-authorised bank, building society or credit union are covered up to £120,000 a person per institution. Higher deposit limits may temporarily apply in certain circumstances.