How we work with you.
Our Process
A structured approach to financial planning, built around understanding you and your immediate goals before recommending anything.
We don’t start with products or portfolios. We start with you – your goals, your concerns, your family’s future. Our regualated six-step financial planning process ensures that every recommendation is built on a complete picture of where you are and where you want to be. It’s how we keep advice relevant, accountable and easy to follow.
How we work with you.
Our Process
A structured approach to financial planning, built around understanding your and your immediate goals before recommending anything.
We don’t start with products or portfolios. We start with you – your goals, your concerns, your family’s future. Our regualated six-step financial planning process ensures that every recommendation is built on a complete picture of where you are and where you want to be. It’s how we keep advice relevant, accountable and easy to follow.
Understanding each other before committing to anything.
Step 1: Client Engagement
Every relationship begins with a conversation. The first step is about understanding who you are, what you’re trying to achieve and whether Sterling is the right fit for your needs.
This is a two-way process. We’ll explain how we work and what you can expect from the relationship. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns and decide whether you’re comfortable moving forward.
Whilst we cater for online meetings and calls, we always like to see the faces and scenery of the story – even if that means travelling around the country. There’s no set duration – we’ll spend as long as it takes to understand your full needs, requirements and circumstances
Building a complete picture of your financial life.
Step 2: Gathering Information
Before we can advise you, we need to understand your full financial position. We collect detailed information on your assets, liabilities, income, expenses, existing investments, insurance, tax structures and estate planning arrangements.
We also take the time to understand the less tangible aspects – your values, your risk tolerance, your family situation, your timeline and any concerns or constraints that could affect your plan.
We listen to your story, ask the right questions and sign off on the legal requirements. We use a client questionnaire to perform a financial needs analysis – this can range from the need for a simple product investment to a holistic view across all financial matters. This step is thorough by design.
Where you are vs Where you want to be
Step 3: Analysis & Assessment
With a complete picture in hand, we analyse your financial position against your stated goals. This involves assessing your current asset allocation, projected income needs, tax exposure, risk cover gaps, estate structures and any other relevant factors.
We stress-test plans and use the latest tools, while always applying a human-led approach. Our wealth managers meet monthly in a dedicated forum to discuss market conditions and share thoughts and recommendations. Our investment committee also meets monthly to review funds. Each adviser and team member – including the investment committee – brings a unique perspective to the Sterling team.
The output of this step is a clear understanding of the gap between where you are today and where you need to be – and the priorities that should be addressed first.
Clear advice, explained in plain English.
Step 4: Recommendations
Based on the analysis, we present a set of recommendations covering the areas relevant to your situation – which may include investment strategy, offshore structuring, estate planning, retirement income, risk cover and tax efficiency.
Every recommendation is explained clearly, with the reasoning behind it. We walk you through the key decisions, the trade-offs involved and the expected outcomes – so you can make informed choices with confidence.
Where specialist input is needed (e.g. estate attorneys, tax advisers), we coordinate that on your behalf and present it as part of a unified plan, joining you on the entire journey.
You’ll receive a written investment proposal, usually presented via a meeting or call. It may take a few meetings and discussions to finalise the plan before implementation.
PLAN INTO ACTION
Step 5: Implementation
Once you’ve reviewed and approved the recommendations, we handle implementation. This means coordinating across all relevant providers — investment platforms, insurance companies, offshore administrators, attorneys, tax practitioners — to ensure everything is executed correctly and efficiently.
Each client has a dedicated admin team member who works alongside the adviser, supporting you throughout the entire investment horizon and implementation process. We have close relationships with our service and product providers and have dedicated teams to assist with all account set-ups and the investment process.
We manage the paperwork, the timelines and the follow-ups. You’ll be kept informed throughout, but you won’t need to chase anyone.
Your plan evolves as your life does.
Step 6: Ongoing Review
A financial plan isn’t a once-off document. It’s a living strategy that needs to adapt as your life, your goals and the markets change. We conduct at least one structured annual review – and more frequently on request – to assess how your plan is tracking, whether any adjustments are needed and whether new opportunities or risks have emerged.
Reviews include a full written report and are conducted in person or via an online meeting. They give us the chance to revisit your goals, check that your investment plan is still appropriate and ensure your estate planning reflects your current wishes. It’s in this ongoing relationship that the real value of financial planning shows.
Your Next Step
The first step is a conversation.
Go beyond ordinary advice. Start a conversation with our team today.
