Wealth manager hits asset target a year early

WEALTH management company Smart Financial Planning says it has seen its assets under management grow to £25m as it reached the end of the first year of operation.

Altrincham-based Smart has taken on 12 new clients, and smashed its £25m target a year early , despite the difficult market conditions.

Smart is now looking to expand in its second year with assets under management set to grow by a further 35%, which means it will need to recruit extra staff.

Owner and director Steve Martin said: “Everyone knows that this year has been unprecedented for the financial planning world and we believe our success shows that the professional but very personal service we offer to our clients in terms of helping them clarify their financial and non-financial goals and then working with them over the long term until those goals are achieved really works.”

He added that financial planning is often confused with financial advice and that it is often the case that perceive it as product selling or purely commission orientated.

“This couldn’t be further from the truth and Smart’s independence and impartiality by working on a transparent fee basis rather than receiving commission for selling products is crucial as our clients know the advice they receive is truly in their best interests,” he said.