Review Time
I am very upset about my recent investment guidance. There was no mention of the inherent risk associated with the exchange rate. All I was told was about the 5% annual return. Additionally, my advisor failed to consider that the timing coincided with one of the lowest EUR/USD rates in nearly two decades—a critical support line. Essentially, it was the worst time to exchange Euros for USD. As a result, I'm significantly at a loss despite the promised return. This has turned out to be more of a gamble than a solid investment. My next steps involve filing a formal complaint with the company, but it might be wiser to accept the loss in the New Year and move forward. This will definitely be the last time I put my trust in so-called experts. Had I reviewed the charts, it would have been clear that selling Euros in early 2025 was a poor decision. I believe the issue stems from the overly friendly relationships financial advisors cultivate with their clients, which can lead to complacency. I fell into that trap. Hopefully, this serves as a valuable lesson, albeit a very costly one.
I am extremely frustrated with my recent investment guidance. There was no mention of the inherent risks tied to the exchange rate; I was only informed about the 5% annual return. My advisor also overlooked that the timing coincided with one of the lowest EUR/USD rates in nearly two decades—a crucial support line. Essentially, it was the worst moment to exchange Euros for USD. Consequently, I find myself significantly at a loss despite the promised return. This has turned out to be more akin to a gamble than a reliable investment. I plan to file a formal complaint with the company, but it might be wiser to accept the loss in the New Year and move on. This will definitely be the last time I place my trust in so-called experts. Had I reviewed the charts, it would have been clear that selling Euros in early 2025 was misguided. I believe the issue arises from the overly friendly relationships financial advisors cultivate with clients, fostering complacency. I fell into that trap. Hopefully, this serves as a valuable lesson, albeit a very costly one.
This is a brief account of nearly 17 years of my pension being managed by a financial service in the Netherlands. I transferred my pension in 2009, and it’s now worth significantly less when considering inflation. I have lost a life-altering amount of money due to their investment advice, while they continued to collect their advisor fees. My funds were placed in very risky, non-standard assets, and one fund was closed by regulators, freezing my money for eight years. They merged with another company in late 2013, and shortly after, recommended selling all my non-frozen assets to invest in a fund they partially owned, without disclosing this information. The performance of this fund has been poor, yet my advisor allowed it to remain stagnant for 12 years. I was even discouraged from participating in a class action lawsuit that might have recovered some funds. This year, I was advised to cash in my pension, as UK pensions were deemed not worth maintaining. After 17 years, they simply gave up on my pension. It's evident that investing with this service has been the worst financial decision of my life.
Highly recommend Patrick Macdonald of Blacktower.The administrational procedures transferring my SIPP from Scottish Widows to Novia Global International SIPP were complex owing to Scottish Widows antiquated administrational processes. In comparison Patrick guided me through the transfer process. Blacktower online administrational procedure was excellent. Patrick was there at all times to answer any questions. The advice and guidance from Patrick for the selection of the new International SIPP and relevant fund selection was excellent, as this was new territory for me. Novia Global International SIPP online documentation and pension transfer process again execellent. After pension transfer experience with Patrick and Novia Global excellent. Highly recommend.
We highly recommend Rosemary Sheppard and Black Tower Financial Management. We approached Rosemary for advice on investments and pensions as U.K. expats residing in France, she was very knowledgeable and responsive, and happy to take the time to talk through all the in and outs. There was no pressure to make hasty decisions and Rosemary made sure we were comfortable with the proposals before finalising anything.
Paul Shorten of Black Tower has really gone above and beyond the call of duty in helping us in the complex world of setting up a trust for our child. He is very knowledgeable and endlessly patient and answered all our questions very quickly. Highly recommended!
It was a great experience. However if you are going to the circus at half 2 do not get the pick n mix deal as you only get to do the circus as everywhere closed at 5 unless it is certain days. After we this occurred the kind Finn of Blackpool tower was very helpful and give us two more site seeing venues to use Friday Overall it was still a fantastic experience thank you Finn
I live overseas and was contacted by a financial service to assist with my pension review in both the UK and Australia. After a thorough discussion, I provided personal information under the promise of guidance on avoiding unnecessary taxes and fees. However, after I sent them the required documentation, I received no further communication despite my follow-up emails. It was disappointing to see that once they obtained my personal information, they failed to engage further when I no longer seemed like a viable business opportunity. It’s disheartening that businesses can operate this way without any regard for client relationships.
Rosemary Shepherd was what made my experience first class, as always. She is always very very helpful, knowledgeable and efficient. It is always an absolute pleasure to deal with her. I have absolute confidence in her. Thanks again Rosemary, looking forward to our next meeting.
Claim your business profile now and gain access to all features and respond to customer reviews.
The Blacktower Group was formed in 1986 to provide independent wealth management advice and a bespoke service for both individual and corporate clients around the world.
Having celebrated over 35 years in business, our independent financial advisers continually keep pace with the changing needs of our customers, regulations and legislation. They are led by our Chairman, John Westwood, one of the founders of the firm.
In 1996, Blacktower expanded offshore and opened its first office in the Algarve, Portugal during 2000. Blacktower Financial Management (International) Ltd (BFMI) was formed in 2003 and incorporated in Gibraltar, where the BFMI Head Office is situated. BFMI now has offices throughout Europe and in the Cayman Islands and is continuing with its expansion programme. Our International Head Office is located in Gibraltar, our UK Office in Surrey and Caribbean Office in Grand Cayman.
The world of investment and financial planning services is complex, even if you are financially aware, and finding the right products is time consuming. That’s why we are here. With our knowledge and expertise we can save you time, money and bring you peace of mind.
We want to help you achieve your financial aspirations, and realise some dreams. So, we’re there for you at all the key moments in your life. We believe our role is to listen and understand your needs. Then we use our experience to find the right products for your circumstances, personal or business, home or abroad.
We guarantee, whatever financial planning services you require, you’ll get the same high level of professionalism and attention. We also have Consultants throughout our offices in Europe who as well as speaking English, also speak Spanish, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, French and Italian.
See more
bgenerous.com
peoplescapitalgroup.com
fidelity.com
atfunded.com
365businessfinance.co.uk
jonesrobinson.co.uk
abtcoin.vip
www.franfund.com
spareroom.co.uk
arclegal.co.uk
