See full profile: Hyde Park, Sandton Financial Advisor- Arnaud Malherbe
Were you always planning to be a Financial Advisor and why?
No, I started studying to be a Chartered Accountant. My life took a different path and I never finished the board exam. I am very happy to have used my degree to take me into financial planning as I love interacting with clients, sharing their journey and helping them to reach their goals.
When meeting with clients do they mostly come to your own premises or do you mostly go their theirs?
I mostly go to my clients
What is your preferred mode of communication with your clients?
Email, Phone, Face to Face, WhatsApp
Have you ever done an online video call with a client?
No
What do you love most about being a financial advisor
I love interacting with clients, sharing their journey and helping them to reach their goals. I like taking complex scenarios and melding them into a workable plan for my clients.
Would you recommend becoming a financial advisor as a career for school-leavers, and why?
Yes, as you can forge your own destiny. You also get to meet fascinating people and share their journey's.
What qualities should South Africans be looking for in their financial advisor?
Skill - it is too often overlooked. Many advisors do not actually have the requisite skills or education and it is hurting the industry. I have seen too many clients who have been given the wrong advice by people who should not be advisors. However, trust is also important. Find someone who has your interests at heart and will help you achieve your goals. Do not just stay with someone out of blind loyalty, but make sure your adviser is the person who will travel your road with you.
What is the biggest challenge facing financial advisors today?
Fee pressure and the mistake clients make of thinking they can do it by themselves. You need someone independent to see where you are going wrong and where your emotions are blinding you to better opportunities. Many advisers even have their own advisers as they know that they also need that "steady voice" with regards to their own portfolios.
What aspects of financial advising do you focus on most?
Offshore and local investing, as well as the requisite structures and tax advice that goes along with it. This takes many forms and incorporates retirement and estate planning. However, I have found life insurance to be an integral part of your investment profile.
Describe your average client:
My average client has around R3 million or more in investable assets, is either an entrepreneur or successful business owner or corporate executive.
How far away from your premises is your furthest client?
About 4 hours drive.
From your financial advising experience, if you could cite one of the biggest reasons financial goals, what would it be?
Emotions get in the way of investing. Clients tend to chop and change too often, or do the opposite and stick with a losing strategy too long. Sometimes they also get bad advice and stick with that for too long.
What financial software do you like best?
Fund Analytics and Elite Wealth
What other software, online services or apps do you use?
Too many to mention
Do you think the coming wave of automation in the next few years will steal some financial advisor jobs and why/why not?
Maybe some at the low end of the market, but sophisticated clients need integral plans and there is some art to designing those, which a machine can't replicate. More importantly, clients need someone to be there for them during adverse times. Computers can't do that
What is your opinion on Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is essentially gambling. High risk. Uncertain reward
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I like watching TV, reading or spending time with my wife and children. I also play the occasional game of soccer or tennis and I still run a lot.
What is the most interesting thing on your bucket list?
I have already travelled the world extensively, so my bucket list is a bit boring. I just want a good life for my family. Oh, and I wouldn't mind driving a Formula 1 car.
What has your experience been on FindanAdvisor?
Too soon to form an opinion.
