Has Your Financial Adviser Firm Recently Been Taken Over & Rebranded?
What That Means for You as an Expat Client?
In today’s rapidly evolving financial services landscape, consolidation has become the norm. Financial advisory firms are frequently being bought out, merged, or rebranded as part of broader strategic shifts. If your financial adviser firm has recently undergone such a transformation, suddenly, a new representative will appear and inform you that your previous adviser has left the business, and I will be managing your account. And now you may be wondering: “What does this mean for me and my financial future?”
This question is particularly relevant for international expatriates. With complex needs that span multiple countries, currencies, and tax jurisdictions, expat clients require clarity, consistency, and truly global advice. A buyout or rebranding might offer new opportunities, but it can also bring risks that should not be ignored.
I have two main concerns regarding the trend of larger companies consolidating in offshore financial markets: the potential return on investment (ROI) for investors and the difficulties of delivering personalised financial advice. Are advisers focused more on meeting sales targets, or do they genuinely have the time to prioritise your needs?
Understanding our client’s needs and aspirations is crucial, especially during the accumulation stage of investing. It’s also important to grasp the investment risk profile of each individual, as navigating a financial journey can be quite complex. If a new adviser steps in without a comprehensive financial plan tailored to each client’s unique circumstances, it can create significant gaps in the advice and support they receive. This issue is made worse when advisers juggle numerous clients, often leading to a one-size-fits-all approach that fails to consider the specific details of an individual’s financial objectives.
In this article, we’ll explore what a corporate takeover and rebranding could mean for you as an expat investor. We’ll weigh the potential benefits, flag possible downsides, and help you decide whether the new arrangement truly works in your favour.
Why Do These Changes Happen?
Before jumping into the implications, it’s helpful to understand why advisory firms undergo mergers or acquisitions.
In most cases, the motivation is growth. Larger firms seek to acquire smaller ones to expand their geographical reach, client base, and product offerings. For the acquiring company, it’s about gaining new market share, often in lucrative sectors like international or expatriate wealth management.
Rebranding is typically part of this process. A new name, logo, or structure may be introduced to align the acquired firm with the parent company’s branding and service model.
But while these decisions make sense from a business perspective, the impact on clients—particularly international ones—can be far-reaching.
The Positives: How a Buyout Can Benefit You
Greater Global Reach and Infrastructure
For expats, access to global services is essential. A larger advisory firm may have a presence in multiple jurisdictions, meaning better support whether you're in Dubai, Singapore, or returning to the UK. You may also gain access to global investment platforms, multi-currency account options, and specialists in cross-border financial planning.Improved Technology and Reporting
Bigger firms tend to invest in better infrastructure. That might include advanced client portals, secure digital document vaults, and more transparent investment performance reporting. This can enhance your experience and provide better visibility into your financial health, especially important when you're managing wealth from overseas.Stronger Compliance and Regulation
With size often comes more stringent oversight. Larger advisory firms are frequently subject to international compliance standards and broader regulatory scrutiny. For expats, who may already be concerned about FATCA, CRS, and other cross-border tax requirements, this can offer a sense of security.Access to Broader Expertise
An expanded firm might bring in-house specialists you didn’t previously have access to, such as tax experts, estate planners, pension transfer consultants, or discretionary investment managers. This can be particularly valuable for expats who need tailored advice on QROPS, SIPPs, or international trust structures. However, all the additional personnel need to be compensated.
The Negatives: What to Watch Out For
Of course, not every change is necessarily for the better. There are valid reasons to scrutinise a buyout or rebranding closely, especially when it comes to fees, product selection, and client service.
Higher Fees and Complex Charging Structures
One of the most immediate changes clients notice is a shift in fees. Larger firms often come with larger overheads, and unfortunately, these costs are frequently passed on to clients.
You may find that:
→ Adviser fees have increased
→ Platform charges have been added
→ Fund management costs are higher
→ Exit fees or lock-ins are introduced
Some firms may bundle fees in ways that make them harder to interpret. As an expat client, this lack of transparency can be particularly risky when you're managing finances remotely.
Promotion of In-House Products
Larger firms often operate on a vertically integrated model, which will restrict the client from leaving or, in some cases, charge an early withdrawal penalty (EWC), as they manage their own in-house funds or investment platforms. While this can streamline operations, it also presents a conflict of interest.
You might be moved into proprietary investment funds—not because they’re the best fit for your goals, but because it’s more profitable for the firm.
Ask yourself:
→ Have I been offered alternatives especially structured notes?
→ Are the new products truly better—or just “branded differently”?
→ Are these investments more expensive or less liquid than before?
Loss of Personalised Service
If you originally signed up with a boutique adviser who understood your situation, you may now find yourself working with a new representative. Since this new person may not fully grasp your personal circumstances, you might experience a decline in service quality after the acquisition. Your trusted adviser might be replaced by a relationship manager, or your account might be transferred to a team in another location.
For expats with nuanced and dynamic financial needs, a one-size-fits-all service model is simply inadequate.
Changes in Investment Philosophy
Firms often adopt a different investment style following a rebranding, and encourage you as the client, perhaps moving to model portfolios, which could have a detrimental effect on your investments if the markets are not in your favour. If your personal goals, risk tolerance, or time horizon don’t align with this approach, it could lead to disappointing results or unintended risks.
Always ask whether your current investment strategy has undergone any changes behind the scenes, and whether it still aligns with your original plan.
How Should Expat Clients Respond?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you stay in control:
1. Schedule a Full Review Meeting
Request a one-on-one with your adviser (or their replacement) to discuss:
Any changes in fees, service levels, or investment products
Whether your current plan still reflects your goals
How the firm is now being compensated
The firm’s regulatory status and compliance structure
2. Demand Fee Transparency
Insist on a full, written breakdown of all costs: advisory fees, platform fees, fund charges, and any other layers of cost.
Understanding your total expense ratio (TER) is crucial for evaluating whether you're getting good value.
3. Ask About Regulatory Oversight
Ensure that the firm remains properly licensed to operate in your country of residence. This is particularly important for expats in Asia, the Middle East, or Africa—regions where financial regulation varies widely.
You should know:
Who regulates your adviser
What professional qualifications they hold
Whether they are operating under MiFID, FCA, or another recognised regime
4. Get a Second Opinion
If you're unsure about the changes or the adviser is using industry jargon and not explaining things in plain English, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion. An independent adviser can conduct a full audit of your portfolio, fee structure, and product suitability, and help you assess whether you should stay or seek alternatives.
So, Was the Move Right for You?
The answer depends on whether the benefits of the new firm outweigh the drawbacks for your specific situation as an expatriate.
If you're receiving better technology, more international expertise, and enhanced support, great.
If you’re paying more, receiving less personal service, and being pushed toward in-house funds, it may be time to reassess.
Hebden Consulting Can Help
At Hebden Consulting, we specialise in supporting international expats who are navigating complex financial transitions. If you are planning to return to the UK, a meeting with one of our advisors would be invaluable. Additionally, if your advisory firm has recently been acquired or rebranded, we offer assistance during this transition. If your adviser firm has recently been bought out or rebranded, we offer an independent, in-depth fee and service comparison, and if you are not sure, do feel free to reach out to us, as there are many people who are seeking help just like you. We are here to help you determine whether the change has resulted in better value or simply higher costs.
Want to know if and how we can help you? Get in touch!
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