In the Spotlight – Introducing Carole Maeers

Behind the scenes at Montfort we have a team of specialists all working collaboratively to provide a high-quality service to our clients. Through our blog, we will be introducing you to our friendly staff so that you can gain a true insight into the specialist services they each provide and the benefits.

This month Carole Maeers, Financial Adviser, enters the spotlight. Carole brings a wealth of experience and a long line of well-regarded qualifications. Here, Carole provides an insight into her experience and role.

Q: When did you embark on your career in the financial services industry?
A: My first role was as a bookkeeper for a firm of independent financial advisers in 1987. I went on to work with the investment director of the firm and assisted in client meetings and report writing. I subsequently became a qualified financial adviser and during my 30 year career have worked with a number of well-established firms.

Q: Has the industry changed over the years?
A: It has changed a great deal, especially since the Retail Distribution Review in 2013. This has helped to bring about more transparency in the investment industry and, on the whole, improve services for clients. Financial advisers no longer receive high commissions from insurance providers, so clients can now receive truly unbiased advice from trusted firms.

Pension Freedoms is another significant change for the industry. From April 2015, anyone over the age of 55 with a private pension has been able to take money directly from their pension pot. They no longer have to buy an annuity or be limited on how much they can draw down from their pension. This radical change provides greater flexibility but if anyone is thinking of taking a lump sum from their pension pot, it would be wise to seek appropriate financial advice.

Q: What is your area of expertise?
A: Over many years I have provided financial advice and wealth management to high-net-worth individuals – often assisting with complex issues and finding the best possible solutions. I have managed a wide range of client portfolios as well as tax planning and inheritance tax planning. To build on my knowledge I have gained a number of industry qualifications including tax, equity release and long term care. I have also passed the Advanced Investment Exam.

Q: Why did you decide to join Montfort?
A: Montfort’s specialist focus on international financial planning has provided me with the opportunity to expand my knowledge and work with an expatriate client base. I was delighted to join the team to focus on this complex and niche area of financial advice.

Q: What does your role entail on a day-to-day basis?
A: My role is varied, and I regularly meet with new clients to discuss their needs, or existing clients who require ongoing advice and portfolio management.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your role?
A: I find great satisfaction in working closely and helping our clients. Problem solving is a large part of my role and it is very rewarding to provide clients with solutions that result in positive outcomes.

Q: What are your hopes for the industry?
A: Recent events such as trade wars, US interest rate policy and BREXIT have caused uncertainty in global stock markets so my hopes would be for a period of low volatility for our clients and their portfolios.

If you would like to discuss your financial planning requirements with Carole, please contact us today