Questions To Ask Private Bankers

dinarmama7 wrote:Here is a list of questions to ask your private banker.

Our readers frequently ask for advice on how to select a new adviser. Many private banking clients are insecure about the method to identify the critical information they need to know before they pick a new private banker. Usually in the first meeting an adviser buries you under company brochures and gives you a nice standard speech. However, our experience shows that this kind of information does not even scratch the surface of what you really need to know. As a first-aid kit we have prepared a list of 12 indispensable questions you should ask your wealth manager or private banker during the first meeting.

Questions on the organization of the bank/private banker

What is the minimum amount to be invested? (This gives you a good feel whether the bank targets private banking clients that are similar to you)
What is the value of assets under your firm’s management? (The number shows if it is a big institution with international reach or a smaller boutique. Don’t forget to ask if the number has been growing or falling lately, and why)
Since when have you been in the business of private banking? (Gives you a feel about their level of experience)

Questions on the investment philosophy

Describe your investment philosophy (Should match your philosophy as closely as possible)

What are your weaknesses? (If they can’t name any, then it stinks)

What sets you apart from other wealth managers and private bankers? (Don’t be satisfied with a general answer, insist on specifics)

Are your performance figures verified by an independent third party? (Yes: good, No: bad)

What is the process you follow for making investments? (There should be a clear step-by-step process which involves a written evaluation of your preferences and wishes)

Questions to the private banker directly

To the adviser, directly: What qualifies you to provide wealth consultancy? (Again, you should insist on specifics like his level of experience or business degrees)

To the private banker, directly: What is the your personal remuneration based on? (Is it based on how much fees he generates from you? Or is it based on the overall performance of his clients’ portfolios. If there is no clear answer assume the former)

Questions on private banking fees

What are your fees? (Ask specifically about transaction fees, flat fees, ticket fees, government fees...there are many ways by which they plan to part you from your money)

Are there any hidden costs in the portfolio? If yes: How large are they typically? (Like fund fees, kickbacks)

These are the questions that you should definitely ask in the first round to get all the basic facts and a good first impression about the private banker. However, we highly recommend you to dig deeper before you make you final decision.

redheadedwitch wrote:I just want to be able to help my parents live out their retirement years comfortably, I wouldn't mind being well off, but wealthy & yachts, fast cars, multi million dollar homes (yes as in more than one), might be great for some people. I just want to be able to retire my self, and not have to worry about do I have enough money to pay my bills this month, and still be able to afford to eat/have utilities/prescription drugs my family needs, without the worry & aggrevation. Will I splurge, & get a couple of toys? Depends on what it hits at! A new house, (with at least 7 bedrooms, (1 for each family member & a spare); in a different state/county/parish is A DEFINITE!!! Surgeries to fix all the orthopedic problems/dental/vision problems I'm having, DEFINITELY (as much of them as this allows me to afford), a new car yes (Jetta or Sonata w/ manny transmission); Ferrari (heck no)!!!!! Room for my livestock (cats & dogs to run around) yes, built in Olympic depth/size pool DEFINITELY!!!! But, I'm not going to go beserck & be broke within 6 months or 3 years either!!! Yes, I am donating to several charities, and to several friends, as well!!!

I like your style, redheadedwitch!

redheadedwitch wrote:I just want to be able to help my parents live out their retirement years comfortably, I wouldn't mind being well off, but wealthy & yachts, fast cars, multi million dollar homes (yes as in more than one), might be great for some people. I just want to be able to retire my self, and not have to worry about do I have enough money to pay my bills this month, and still be able to afford to eat/have utilities/prescription drugs my family needs, without the worry & aggrevation. Will I splurge, & get a couple of toys? Depends on what it hits at! A new house, (with at least 7 bedrooms, (1 for each family member & a spare); in a different state/county/parish is A DEFINITE!!! Surgeries to fix all the orthopedic problems/dental/vision problems I'm having, DEFINITELY (as much of them as this allows me to afford), a new car yes (Jetta or Sonata w/ manny transmission); Ferrari (heck no)!!!!! Room for my livestock (cats & dogs to run around) yes, built in Olympic depth/size pool DEFINITELY!!!! But, I'm not going to go beserck & be broke within 6 months or 3 years either!!! Yes, I am donating to several charities, and to several friends, as well!!!

MiddleClassMaiden wrote:

redheadedwitch wrote:I just want to be able to help my parents live out their retirement years comfortably, I wouldn't mind being well off, but wealthy & yachts, fast cars, multi million dollar homes (yes as in more than one), might be great for some people. I just want to be able to retire my self, and not have to worry about do I have enough money to pay my bills this month, and still be able to afford to eat/have utilities/prescription drugs my family needs, without the worry & aggrevation. Will I splurge, & get a couple of toys? Depends on what it hits at! A new house, (with at least 7 bedrooms, (1 for each family member & a spare); in a different state/county/parish is A DEFINITE!!! Surgeries to fix all the orthopedic problems/dental/vision problems I'm having, DEFINITELY (as much of them as this allows me to afford), a new car yes (Jetta or Sonata w/ manny transmission); Ferrari (heck no)!!!!! Room for my livestock (cats & dogs to run around) yes, built in Olympic depth/size pool DEFINITELY!!!! But, I'm not going to go beserck & be broke within 6 months or 3 years either!!! Yes, I am donating to several charities, and to several friends, as well!!!

THANK YOU for sharing your HEART! The older one gets... the DEEPER one thinks... the more that relationships, family and caring and giving to others makes more sense... I APPRECIATE and ENJOYED your POST! May you be BLESSED and OVERWHELMINGLY prospered... NOTE: That goes for YOU... yes YOU... who are reading this right now! Have a WONDERFUL DAY and the next few very EXCITING days ahead... as you receive God's VERY BEST for HIS honor and glory!

MiddleClassMaiden :flower:

MCM: I always read your posts. I know I will be uplifted and guided in a good direction. Thanks so much.

SEBtopdog wrote:

MiddleClassMaiden wrote:

redheadedwitch wrote:I just want to be able to help my parents live out their retirement years comfortably, I wouldn't mind being well off, but wealthy & yachts, fast cars, multi million dollar homes (yes as in more than one), might be great for some people. I just want to be able to retire my self, and not have to worry about do I have enough money to pay my bills this month, and still be able to afford to eat/have utilities/prescription drugs my family needs, without the worry & aggrevation. Will I splurge, & get a couple of toys? Depends on what it hits at! A new house, (with at least 7 bedrooms, (1 for each family member & a spare); in a different state/county/parish is A DEFINITE!!! Surgeries to fix all the orthopedic problems/dental/vision problems I'm having, DEFINITELY (as much of them as this allows me to afford), a new car yes (Jetta or Sonata w/ manny transmission); Ferrari (heck no)!!!!! Room for my livestock (cats & dogs to run around) yes, built in Olympic depth/size pool DEFINITELY!!!! But, I'm not going to go beserck & be broke within 6 months or 3 years either!!! Yes, I am donating to several charities, and to several friends, as well!!!

Now this is a post that took a great tack...hats off to all of you
For me,a 1971 Volvo P1800 es sportwagon and a Nissan 1400 pick up...that's more than enough...my family....all I can give them!!


THANK YOU for sharing your HEART! The older one gets... the DEEPER one thinks... the more that relationships, family and caring and giving to others makes more sense... I APPRECIATE and ENJOYED your POST! May you be BLESSED and OVERWHELMINGLY prospered... NOTE: That goes for YOU... yes YOU... who are reading this right now! Have a WONDERFUL DAY and the next few very EXCITING days ahead... as you receive God's VERY BEST for HIS honor and glory!

MiddleClassMaiden :flower:

MCM: I always read your posts. I know I will be uplifted and guided in a good direction. Thanks so much.