Read the latest insights on risk profiling, suitability, financial planning, portfolio planning and the advice industry at large from our internal experts.
Professional Accountant and Institutional Sales Head transitions to Investment Advisor and Portfolio Manager to help individual investors protect and grow their wealth. “My business and financial background has allowed me to offer a key differentiator to my clients – I engage with them at a deeper, more personal level and research and analyze their portfolios…
Professional financial advisors understand the importance of aligning clients’ risk tolerance with their long-term objectives. Unfortunately, the trade-off is too often an unacceptable compromise — reduce the objectives to stay within a client’s risk tolerance range or have the client take on a level of risk that is beyond their comfort level in an effort…
Nicki Potts, Director of Product Management at Morningstar (former COO & SVP, Product Development at FinaMetrica Pty Ltd), shares historical data that shows FinaMetrica risk scores across the globe remain relatively stable through stock market volatility. This research demonstrates that Advisors who perform a valid risk tolerance profile for their clients are more likely to see their clients stay the course during severe market downturns. -Mike Barad, Head of Financial Planning Software, Morningstar, Inc.
A letter from Mike Barad, Head of Financial Planning Software, Morningstar At Morningstar, we believe the advice industry is evolving from being product-centric to goal-focused, with the best interests of investors at the center, and financial planning will become even more central to what successful advisors do. This is why, in April, we announced the…
Samantha Lamas, Behavioral Researcher, Morningstar As the market pendulum continues to swing back and forth, many investors may be struggling to rein in their emotions. During these troubling times, financial advisors can use behavioral coaching tactics to help their clients manage their emotions and avoid making rash decisions. However, we know this is easier said…
Illiquidity is a multi-headed beast, like the Hydra water serpent of Greek mythology. The mere scent of the Hydra was deadly, just as a whiff of illiquidity can be deadly for cash-flow projections and financial plans. And cutting off just one head is not enough to protect you from trouble. There are multiple threats from…
In a normal world a financial plan is, usually, the plan that is going to be followed. But in a fast-changing world, like the one we are living through now, a more flexible and nimble approach may be required. The ‘A’ plan might need to be backed up by contingency plans B and C. What…
What don’t we know about the financial instruments that our clients are invested in? Have any delivered any nasty surprises in the current market? Or have they behaved as anticipated? This is not a question of absolute market performance — rather, it is asking if the product has displayed the characteristics and behaviors that it…
We are all in this together We recognize this can be a stressful time for many people and we wish you and your family both health and safety as we all learn to cope with difficulties that none of us could foresee. In recent weeks, we’ve seen the human and economic effects of COVID-19, but…
It has never been a more important time to be a financial advisor. Your clients are likely fearful and confused, while some are facing dramatic changes to their financial circumstances. They need you now – and you have the tools, training and experience to help. The economic fallout of the coronavirus is far-reaching, and plans…
