W&F Issue 2 2018

www.wealthandfinance-news.com 26 Wealth & Finance International - Issue 2 2018 Located in the small village of Liphook, Hampshire, MAP Financial Ltd also have offices in London and facilities on the South Coast. The firm deals with a wide variety of clients, ranging from High and Ultra High Net Worth individuals with complex financial needs to first time buyers, simply looking to get on the property ladder. As they are also registered with the Equity Release Council, they also regularly deal with elderly clients that are asset rich and cash poor. With around 200 years Financial Services experience between the team, there is not much the Company has not seen and dealt with during its time. Andrew tells us about his role within the firm. “I run the Company on a day to day basis, as well as looking after my own valued clients. My days are usually a mixture between running the business, advising clients and concentrating on my own personal development. I have worked in the industry since 1984, originally starting as one of ‘The Men from the Pru’. I went on to form MAP Financial Ltd in 2001. We started initially, with just one IFA and two Mortgage Advisers. Since those early day, we have continued to expand and grow and have been fortunate enough to win several Awards along the way.” Differentiating itself from its competitors, MAP Financial treats clients and customers as they would expect to be treated themselves. Andrew comments on the rigorous fact-finding regime and investigative work which the team undertake in order to make sure they understand the client’s requirements and expected outcomes. “Here at MAP Financial, we firmly believe all clients should be treated in the same way. As a result, we spend time investigating and helping our clients describe their own specific financial goals, a bit like a ‘financial counsellor.’ Once we have got theses aims written down, our review process ensures that we keep clients firmly on track towards hitting their personal targets. “Our mission statement is ‘to give your dreams direction’. We believe that to help you achieve your financial goals, it is crucial to work alongside the right financial adviser. It’s important to have a financial plan to identify the events in your life that Impartial Advice of the Highest Quality Established in 2001 as Mortgage Advisers, the business evolved and grew and as such, became a full IFA firm in 2011. The firm’s Director, Andrew Pople provides us with an overview of the company and the services that he offers. 1802WF16 “...we try and embrace change and look for where increased or altered regulation can benefit our clients. We are only in business because of what we do for them. If we fail our clients, the business fails.” need significant capital and to plan for them. These could include; affording the lifestyle that you’d like to have when you retire. Or moving up the property ladder, making sure you can pass your wealth onto your children. By working together, we can help you to make informed decisions about your financial future.” Providing an overview of the financial industry, Andrew comments on the outside influences which are affecting the firm, before explaining what he and his team do in order to overcome these challenges. Embracing these issues and turning them into opportunities is a key aspect of MAP Financials’ achievements, and he is quick to praise what part clients’ play in the firm’s success. “Within the UK, Financial Services is a complex business. We have one of the toughest regulatory regimes of any industry. The latest challenges include MiFID 2 and GDPR. However, we try and embrace change and look for where increased or altered regulation can benefit our clients. We are only in business because of what we do for them. If we fail our clients, the business fails. “Furthermore, we firmly believe that people buy people. The latest threat to our industry is with so called ‘robo-advice’. Our belief is that in the long term, this simply will not work. Clients generally have complex issues, and computer programmes are simply not good enough to deal with the intricacies of financial problems. We keep our knowledge sharp and we solely focus on client outcomes. Without them, we would have nothing.” Regarding the internal culture within the organisation, Andrew believes that the working environment and attitude of staff will contribute greatly to the firm’s future, as MAP Financial aims to firmly establish itself as a leader within the industry. “Ultimately, MAP Financial possesses a ‘can do’ attitude. Linked to our mission statement, we pride ourselves on our client service standards. Moving forward, we plan to continue to expand; develop and achieve. Most of all, we want to ensure our clients get the best service at the right price.” Company: MAP Financial Ltd Address: Midhurst Road Chambers, 2A Midhurst Road, Liphook, Hampshire. GU30 7ED Phone: 0330 3300013 Twitter: @map_financial Website: www.mapfinancial.co.uk