Why use an investment and financial planner?

Your investment and financial planner should be viewed as a long-term strategist who focuses on achieving your individual or business financial goals. Trained to think laterally and break down complex issues into a series of straightforward steps, they remove emotion from financial analysis and help you to understand the financial implications of your decisions. A planner will recommend strategies and help you to access the most appropriate financial solutions that will suit your needs.

Whom do we represent?

Netto Financial Services is totally independent. We have contracts with all reputable South African assurance providers and have access to a wide range of international investment solutions. Our recommendations are made based upon objective analysis of benefits and costs. We hold no personal shareholding in any product supplier.

Are we qualified and authorised to provide financial advice?

All our financial planners have all the relevant knowledge and expertise to offer appropriate advice. All our planners are certified financial planners (CFP™) and some are also chartered accountants. Our certification may be verified by visiting the Financial Planning Institute (FPI) website www.fpi.co.za. Netto is licensed by the Financial Services Board as both financial advisors and asset managers.

Our financial planners are authorised by the Financial Services Board (FSB) to render advice and intermediary services in respect of:

• Asset management
• deposits, shares, bonds, investments and foreign currency denominated investments
• pension products
• all classes of long-term insurance policies
• health service benefits

You may verify this by accessing the FSB website www.fsb.co.za, selecting the FAIS option and entering our Financial Service Provider (FSP) number 17699. We are also members of professional organisations such as Financial Planning Institute (FPI) and South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA).

Do we comply with statutory requirements regulating financial planners?

We fully comply with all statutory requirements regulating financial planners in South Africa. Our compliance with the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services (FAIS) Act is regularly monitored by Compli-Serve SA (Pty) Ltd. In terms of the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA) we are obliged to report to the authorities any suspicious and unusual transactions that may facilitate money-laundering.

How do we control the quality of our investment decisions?

We are committed to the continuing professional development of our financial planners. They are regularly briefed by research and technical specialists so that they are fully up to date with the latest financial matters. We work closely with strategic business partners who advise us on appropriate strategies. We use a disciplined process to evaluate your needs and provide the appropriate solution. We also use comprehensive investment analysis tools to prepare investment and financial plans.

Will we complete a comprehensive financial needs analysis and strategy implementation?

Your complete portfolio is assessed with you at each review meeting or as and when your circumstances change. In order for us to provide best advice, we require that you provide sufficient particulars of your financial affairs. Failure to make a full disclosure may result in our advice being compromised. Our high-calibre support personnel have extensive experience within the financial services industry and use comprehensive practice management systems to offer you prompt and efficient service at all times.

How do we charge for our services?

Our first exploratory consultation with you is complimentary; thereafter financial planning is undertaken on a fee basis. Consultation fees are charged per hour but are fully rebated should you make use of our full planning and implementation service. Implementation fees are incurred in the drafting and subsequent implementation of an investment financial plan. These consist of sliding-scale fees on investments or statutory commission on insurance solutions. Asset-based fees are calculated using a decreasing sliding scale on funds under management. We will fully disclose all our fees and agree these with you prior to commencing any services. Our financial planners receive an annual salary. In addition they may receive bonuses based on the delivery of service standards and are not influenced by the choice of product or supplier.

Do we ensure confidentiality of your personal information?

We maintain a record of your personal information and any recommendations made to you. Your personal information is made available to others only on your instruction. We also take all reasonable steps to protect your personal information from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.

How do we protect your interests?

We accept responsibility for financial services rendered within agreed mandates and hold professional indemnity insurance on behalf all of our financial planners.