A financial investment adviser (also known as a CIF) is a professional who guides individuals in managing their investments. Their expertise lies in providing personalised advice on the best way to invest your money. The suggested strategy is designed with your profile and objectives in mind.
Responsibilities of a Financial Investment Advisor
The responsibilities of a CIF are varied and include:
- Advising on various financial investments This can include shares, bonds, Sicav shares, FCP units or SCPI units.
- Providing advice on atypical investments This could include works of art, antiques, renewable energy, etc.
- Advising on the provision of investment services This can include portfolio management, asset allocation, order execution, etc.
On the other hand, a French FIA, unlike a genuine international FIA, is not authorised to manage a client's portfolio of financial instruments on his own behalf. In other words, they can only receive funds from their clients to pay for their business.
Why use a CIF?
Calling on a financial investment advisors is a safe way of obtaining personalised advice on a financial investment, given the strict regulations that govern this profession. It is particularly useful if you are looking for advice on different types of financial investment or if you are new to finance.
An FIA must work in complete transparency with his client. They are obliged to explain how the advisory service is provided. To do this, he will proceed in stages:
- Drawing up a balance sheet Your advisor must assess your financial situation, your objectives, your investment horizon, your financial knowledge and experience, your appetite for risk and your capacity to sustain losses.
- Writing an engagement letter Your advisor must inform you about the advisory service, how it is to be provided and how much it is to be paid.
In short, using a CIF ensures that you have access to personalised financial investment advice that meets your objectives, and is totally transparent.
The different types of CIF
Depending on your assets, your investment objectives and the level of advice and monitoring you require, you can choose from different types of FIA:
- Traditional banks Your bank offers all financial products and services, including financial investment advisers. The advantage is that you are already a customer and have access to all the services grouped together in the same establishment. However, the investment products on offer are generally limited to those offered by the bank itself.
- Private banks Investment Advisory Services (IASS): Reserved for large assets, they offer tailor-made services. This gives customers access to investment opportunities outside the bank.
- Family offices Investment advisors: Reserved for customers with assets of more than €10 million, they provide their customers with support and transparent advice on the investment products on offer.
- Independent asset management advisers (IFAs) They work with private individuals and professionals to help them make the most of their assets, optimise financial investments, prepare for the transfer of assets, etc.
Criteria for choosing a financial investment adviser
Choosing a financial adviser should always be a carefully considered decision. You need to pay attention to certain criteria if you are to benefit from financial investment advice that is relevant and tailored to your situation.
First, you need to check that the CIF is registered with the ORIAS (unique register of insurance, banking and finance intermediaries). You can then base your decision on the following criteria:
- Tailor-made investment advice Your financial adviser should draw up an investment strategy that matches your profile and financial situation.
- A clear strategy A financial adviser must clearly explain the strategy they have developed and the financial investments they are proposing.
- An adapted management method A financial adviser should draw up a genuine strategy based on your needs, not on his or her personal convictions.
Financial advisers in France and abroad
It is important to note that the role of an FIA can vary from country to country. In France, for example, a FIA is not authorised to invest his clients' money, but can only give advice. However, a financial adviser working for an international company, such as de Ravel Finance, is fully qualified to make investments.
The key is to choose an adviser who matches your needs and financial goals. Whether you're in France or abroad, good communication and a high level of trust are essential for a successful relationship with a CIF.
Conclusion
Choosing the right financial investment advisors can make a big difference to achieving your financial goals. Whether you're looking to invest in stocks, bonds, art or renewable energy, an FIA can help you navigate the complex world of finance.
At de Ravel Finance, we are committed to providing you with quality financial advice that meets your specific needs. Our team of experts is ready to help you develop a personalised investment strategy that will help you achieve your financial goals. Please contact us to find out more about our services.