If you’re looking for a financial adviser, you probably have questions so here is some useful information based on common questions.
Are you regulated, and by whom?
Holborn Assets LLC is licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE. Holborn Assets (DIFC) is registered with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).
We have the highest level of regulation in the UAE, and strict compliance and regulatory procedures.
Are you independent or tied to specific providers?
I am an independent financial adviser and always have been. That means I am not restricted to the products of one insurance company.
Plans, policies and products are often required to achieve a goal but I can choose the best of what is available, what really suits you. I can “cherry-pick” so you get the best solutions.
I would also point out that banks tend to be linked to a single company so can only sell their limited products, not give real advice.
Where are you based?
I live in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
My clients are mostly in the UAE and I also advise people living in the other GCC countries – Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain.
Do meetings need to be in person?
The majority of meetings take place over Zoom. This works well for everyone’s time management and sheer convenience.
Even if you are also in Dubai, Zoom is preferred in most cases as we all know how bad the traffic can be.
There are Holborn office in Barsha Heights (Tecom) and in DIFC if we need to meet in person but this is rarely needed, or wanted, these days.
How are you paid – commission or fees?
Both – and with transparency. I will always tell you how I get paid and I offer choices too.
For some services I charge a fee, for some I receive an intro fee, some products pay commission but, in all cases, I will explain how it works and you will know what it costs you.
If a product is recommended, I explain the costs clearly before you decide anything.
Professional advice needs to be paid for but you will know what and how.
What does a first meeting cost?
Most first conversations are complimentary unless you are simply seeking tax advice.
A first meeting is an opportunity to understand your situation and see whether working together makes sense, for both of us.
Do you only advise people living in Dubai?
The majority of my clients are in the UAE, but I can assist people living anywhere in the GCC.
Borders are no longer barriers. We can do everything over email and oer Zoom. It’s easy these days.
Do you only advise Brits?
Absolutely not. While I do have many British clients, I deal with people of all nationalities.
Do I need to travel to your office to have a meeting?
I know how bad the traffic can be and nearly all meetings take place over Zoom. That works well and is great for time management and sheer convenience.
Most paperwork is dealt with over email or digitally and I try and make everything as easy as possible.
How long have you been in the UAE?
I moved to Dubai in 2006, so this is my 20th year here. This means I really understand your life as an expatriate, as a resident in the UAE or wider GCC.
Before this I worked in the UK, as an independent adviser for over 15 years, and I am still more than qualified to work in the UK (a highly regulated environment).
What types of clients do you work with?
I work largely with individuals and families, although I also advise small business owners too.
Comprehensive planning is available to everyone but I have a real interest in protecting families as I think this is so important and is often overlooked.
The main criterion is to be nice. Seriously! Life is too short and too stressful to deal with people you don’t like.
Do I need to be wealthy to need financial advice?
No. Just about everyone can benefit from some financial planning.
The idea that real planning is just for the well off is not helped by the awful title that many advisers, or often salespeople use, of “wealth manager”. It’s misleading as well as frequently incorrect.
You don’t need to have much money to get started as you are likely to need some life cover for your family, an offshore banks account, a will, some advice on budgeting, some objective advice to get you on track.
These are just some FAQs and I will add to this as I get other queries but if you have a question, just ask me.
Get in touch for a friendly conversation.
Check me out on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerenbobker/
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