Explore the transition from portfolio reviews to client reviews in the financial advisory industry. Emphasizes the significance of prioritizing the client's personal experiences and relationships over investment strategies. Discusses the importance of the order in which advisors present performance and capital markets information to clients during a review.
Client reviews should focus on building trust and enhancing the advisor-client relationship, rather than solely discussing investments.
Advisors should start client reviews by asking if there are any specific concerns the client wants to cover, establishing boundaries and demonstrating attentiveness.
Deep dives
Importance of Client Reviews in Advisor-Client Relationship
Client reviews are a crucial aspect of an advisor's role, yet often lack creativity and thought leadership. As advisors focus on building practices with higher net worth clients, they realize that traditional review formats are inadequate. The historical relationship between advisor and client, where the focus was solely on investments, has evolved significantly. The advent of fee-based asset management led to the accidental emergence of client reviews. However, it is essential to redefine client reviews as an integral part of the relationship development between advisor and client. The conversation should encompass a broader scope and facilitate client growth across the different life stages.
Setting the Stage for a Productive Client Review
The way an advisor starts a client review sets the tone for the entire interaction. Advisors should approach the meeting with a clear mindset of their purpose, ensuring that the client feels valued and understood. The review should continue the ongoing conversation and relationship building that started from the initial meeting with the client. By formally framing the conversation, advisors establish boundaries and time expectations, giving the client confidence that their concerns will be addressed. Initiating the discussion by asking the client if there is anything specific they want to cover demonstrates attentiveness and respect. The structured approach allows advisors to be in control while focusing on the client's needs.
Understanding the Client's Life Context
Before delving into the portfolio review, advisors should genuinely understand and engage with different aspects of the client's life. By exploring areas such as nuclear and extended family dynamics, vocations and avocations, advisors demonstrate a deeper commitment to the client's well-being. This comprehensive perspective reflects the client's significance and fosters trust in the advisor's ability to guide them effectively. Taking the time to address the impact of personal experiences and values adds a human touch to the review. Remembering to inquire about pets, which often hold great importance in clients' lives, further enhances the understanding and connection between advisor and client.
Transitioning to Capital Markets and Performance
After understanding the client's life context, advisors can smoothly transition to discussing capital markets and portfolio performance. It is crucial to educate clients about the market's impact on investments and the advisor's competency in navigating these dynamics. By starting with a review of the market environment, advisors alleviate personal responsibility for any performance outcomes. The capital markets discussion offers an opportunity to showcase knowledge and expertise, instilling confidence in the advisor's abilities. Subsequently, addressing the portfolio in real dollar terms and discussing any changes in the client's drawdowns ensures clarity and transparency. By following this choreographed approach, advisors can enhance the client's understanding and emotional response, further strengthening the advisor-client relationship.
As advisors transition from asset managers to holistic wealth advisors, their assumptions about client reviews must change to reflect a different business model. In any advisory practice, there are only a few times a year when advisors can meaningfully impact the relationship they have with a client. Typically, after the intake interview process is completed and the client is onboarded, the client and advisor speak only occasionally and mainly about the investment process and the client’s financial needs. This is why it is critical to manage review meetings in such a way that builds the trust and enhances the advisor-client relationship. Here, Scott and Ken explore how to structure a review meeting that focuses on clients, not their investments.
The information contained herein reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of this production. AllianceBernstein L.P. makes no representation or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this publication. This video segment is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor's personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AB or its affiliates. References to specific securities are presented solely in the context of industry analysis and are not to be considered recommendations by AB. AB and its affiliates may have positions in, and may affect transactions in, the markets, industry sectors, and companies described herein.
It is important to note that not all Financial Advisors are consultants or investment managers; consulting and investment management are advisory activities, not brokerage activities, and are governed by different securities laws and also by different firm procedures and guidelines. For some clients, only brokerage functions can be performed for a client, unless the client utilizes one or more advisory products. Further, Financial Advisors must follow their firm’s internal policies and procedures with respect to certain activities (e.g., advisory, financial planning) or when dealing with certain types of clients (e.g., trusts, foundations). In addition, it is important to remember that any outside business activity including referral networks be conducted in accordance with your firm’s policies and procedures. Contact your branch manager and/or compliance department with any questions regarding your business practices, creating a value proposition or any other activities (including referral networks). It is important to remember that (i) all planning services must be completed in accordance with your firm’s internal policies and procedures; (ii) you may only use approved tools, software and forms in the performance of planning services; and (iii) only Financial Advisors who are properly licensed may engage in financial planning. For financial representative use only. Not for inspection by, distribution or quotation to, the general public.
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