BGFS Associates

First meeting
Second meeting
Third meeting
Document delivery
After service

We are very aware that the level of ongoing service provided to clients is the main reason why we are recommended to others

If a client is not provided with their required level of service they very soon become an easy prospect for our opposition. Customer service is an area frequently undervalued by many companies. Many organisations are so busy chasing new accounts or customers, that they fail to deliver service to their existing clients. The promise of after service may have been a key factor in a client’s decision to conduct business with a company.

A car salesman is “always available” when you’re a buyer, however, often unobtainable once you have bought. Remember all those phone calls!

Would you buy your next car from the same showroom if you had other choices?
Would you refer the car showroom to others?

First meeting

This is usually held at the (potential) clients’ office, or perhaps a location allowing a relaxed conversation to take place, such as their home or a hotel lounge area. This meeting would usually take around 30/45 minutes. If previously arranged, the first meeting may be extended to include what would ordinarily be covered in a second meeting.

Information will have been provided prior to the first meeting, so that would-be clients have a good feel for what we do as a company, and what will happen at meetings with an adviser. Apart from making a personal introduction and outlining financial services experience the BGFS adviser will provide an in-depth view of the company, including its history, investor security, and how we can be of benefit to expatriates. Having received an amount of information prior to this meeting, people often attend with an area of financial planning already in mind.
At the conclusion of this meeting, provided need areas have been identified, supported by a willingness to address them, a second meeting is scheduled.

Second Meeting

The second meeting is important though straight-forward, in that it involves completion of a personal fact-find. It is suggested that, if a partner or spouse is to be involved in the decision process, then it could be beneficial if they were present at this and future meetings up to the application stage. This action may be viewed as important should advice involve spousal or family protection. Having all interested parties present could avoid confusion at a later stage. For example, in the event of a death claim.

Depending on the complexity of the situation, fact-find meetings generally take around one hour. The main areas covered during the meeting are as follows:

Fact-find content

Personal circumstances
Existing arrangements
Needs and wants
Time frames involved
Risk v reward profile
Investment areas
Available funds/budget Great effort goes into the preparation of a suitable recommendation for a client. Once need areas are identified, funds/budget are confirmed, and then the recommendation is prepared and delivered.

At the conclusion of the second meeting provided parties present are of the opinion that progress can be made, work starts regarding the preparation of a suitable recommendation.

Once prepared, the recommendation is delivered by email together with all supportive materials (brochure, key features, fund info, tech info). Any questions can be added under the relevant sections and emailed back to the adviser. Once all questions have been satisfactorily addressed and a wish to progress the matter is indicated then a third meeting is arranged.

Third meeting

The third meeting is usually where any final non-major questions (perhaps admin) are answered. Necessary paperwork in completed in order that an acceptable application can be submitted to the relevant investment/protection provider.

Applications must be supported by proof of the applicant’s residential address and identity. Suitable proof of residency may be a copy of a residency permit, utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement showing the address of the applicant. For proof of identity a copy of the main (photo) page of the applicant’s passport is acceptable.

Document delivery

Following the issue and subsequent delivery of relevant documentation by the product provider to BGFS Associates, the documents will be checked for accuracy. Assuming all is in order an appointment is arranged for the BGFS adviser to deliver them to the client. Documents are delivered by hand in order that they are fully understood and to confirm the printed details with the client. If not previously covered this meeting is an ideal time to explain administrative requirements related to such matters as future withdrawals, changes to personal circumstances, or perhaps even a claim on a policy.

Another subject covered at this meeting is the client’s future service level requirements.

After service

BGFS believes that, where geographically possible, a meeting should take place between the client and their adviser at least six monthly. This gives the client the opportunity to let their adviser know of any changes to their circumstances (current or pending), which may impact on advice already in place. Such information would allow the client to receive advice on the most suitable course of action to protect or maximise existing benefits.

Where clients are investing into stock market related investments the meeting is a great opportunity to discuss progress, and if believed appropriate, make changes regarding investment areas previously selected. In some cases clients may prefer to be seen on a quarterly basis.

Each week all clients will be sent “Market Update” information via email. The purpose of this information is to help clients keep abreast of what’s happening in world stock markets.

Quarterly valuation statements are sent to clients regarding their investments. These may be issued monthly by arrangement.

Should a client require advice or information regarding their current investments/policies, or help with another matter, they can contact the company either by telephone during the hours 9am and 6pm weekdays or via email (see the “Help Me With” page). Emails received during business hours Monday to Friday will be replied to as soon as possible, or within 24 hours.