Chris Malcolm

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2017

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Chris

Chris explained everything with great clarity. Although the time for using Chris's services are not right at this time I will definitely contact Chris when the time is right. Excellent service.

Review from verified client

January, 2017

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

To add focus to my investments and help plan for the future.

How has Chris Malcolm helped you?

Chris put my various sporadic investments into a managed fund which means I now have a better view of the investments. He takes time to explain the strategy behind financial decision making, giving me more confidence that my investments will help in my financial end goal. Chris completely understands the motivations behind my investment plans.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

(Overall and with understandable dips along the way) The returns on my investments so far have exceeded expectation, can't ask for more!!.

Review from verified client

November, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Previous adviser went abroad.

How has Chris Malcolm helped you?

Reviewed and revised financial affairs in light of recent life changes.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Probably too soon to say.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really, I'm still Learning!

Review from verified client

October, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I had been considering finding an IFA for some time but had never taken the step. I heard of Kelvin Planning through the legal firm Russell and Aitken with whom I have dealt for many years.

How has Chris Malcolm helped you?

After my first meeting with Chris Malcolm I felt that I had made the first step to getting a sense that my financial affairs were under control. Chris basically started to make sense of it all.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The burden of managing investments and savings has been removed from my shoulders by Chris and his team and I am more then satisfied with their work on my behalf.

Review from verified client

October, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Approaching 65 years of age and need to sort out pension options,.

How has Chris Malcolm helped you?

He reviewed my pension policies. Prepared full report. He met my wife and myself at our home and went over the report. I had completed his forms in advance regarding my income and outgoings after I retired. Told me my options and gave full breakdown of his cost both initial and annual going forward.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. At the moment my pension fund has increased by 10% since switching the funds to him to look after for me.

What could they have done better?

As I am extremely happy nothing to my knowledge.

Review from verified client

June, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Just to understand my options so I can retire by 60.

How has Chris Malcolm helped you?

Chris took me through all the options from early retirement until state pension. He examined all my pensions and gave good advice on how to consolidate some to my benefit. He was clear, thorough and helpful throughout. And I trust Chris to always offer the best advice and solutions for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. As mentioned above. Better returns on pensions in particular.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Chris was clear and honest, understanding my personal circumstances and values - and hopes for the future.

Review from verified client

May, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Coming close to retirement age.

How has Chris Malcolm helped you?

Great overview of our whole financial situation to help the plan for the long term.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to say but advice to date has been very thorough.

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything else to say just very pleased to be on board with him

Review from verified client

May, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Retirement planning.

How has Chris Malcolm helped you?

Chris is very knowledgeable and explains things clearly, providing good visual information back up. We now feel confident in our retirement plans/ investments/ inheritance tax plans, following the projections he provided and the consolidation of our pensions. Chris is very accessible when we need any further clarification.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. We feel our re-invested pensions will perform better and that we will be able to pass on more to our children. We also realise we can return sooner rather than later.

What could they have done better?

We are very happy with the advice and service provided by Chris.

Review from verified client

May, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Following my husbands retirement from the police at the age of 48 we were looking for advice on how best to invest a lump sum of money that would be of benefit to us and our family in the coming years.

How has Chris Malcolm helped you?

Chris provided impartial information, advice and guidance.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

To date we have had no cause for concern with the investments and advice provided. it has allowed us to have access to funds when we wished without having a major impact on our core investments.

What could they have done better?

In all honestly I can think of nothing that could have been done better. I think it would be easy for financial advisors to baffle clients with financial jargon that makes no sense to the average person however Chris has taken the time to explain everything to us easy to understand language.

Review from verified client

March, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

We wanted in-depth advice concerning retirement planning. Both my wife and I have changed employer several times. As a result, our occupational and personal pension arrangements were quite complex.

How has Chris Malcolm helped you?

Chris met with us several times, gathered the information he needed from us and our pension providers, provided a detailed assessment of our retirement options and helped us realise our retirement goals. He has been patient and understanding, willing to explain and re-explain things to ensure we understand them.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very much so. Through his thorough and detailed analysis, he has given us the insight, understanding and confidence to retire earlier than we thought possible!.

What could they have done better?

It's difficult to think of anything that could have been better. Chris responds to emails incredibly quickly - certainly exceeding my expectations. Kelvin's reports are thorough and detailed.

Review from verified client

March, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I had some money to invest. I did not have a pension from my previous employment and know nothing about financial matters.

How has Chris Malcolm helped you?

Chris invested the money for me at a low risk which I wanted.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I know of

Review from verified client

February, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I had been with my previous financial adviser for over 20 years and he was moving on to other work and it was he who passed me on to Chris malcolm.

How has Chris Malcolm helped you?

He took over the investments which I had and has provided an excellent service for me over the years since the move.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My investments have increased and I have confidence in the way these are being looked after.

What could they have done better?

As I have no understanding of investments or financial matters (other than my own day-to-day control of money!) I am happy to leave this to the experts and have no complaints about the way this is being handled,

Review from verified client

February, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

My mothers investments were looked after by Chris and when she died I wanted to invest my inheritance and also get advice regarding pension planning.

How has Chris Malcolm helped you?

Chris was very helpful. My wife and I had a number of meetings with Chris who designed a portfolio in relation to our attitude to risk. He also gave us advice regarding our individual pensions as we were planning to retire within a few years.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, our investments are on track and,as a result of the pension planning, I am planning to retire early in a few weeks.

What could they have done better?

We have not complaints at all and felt that Chris gave us advice in a very professional manner.

Review from verified client

February, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

We had an investment which was all in property and losing money.

How has Chris Malcolm helped you?

Chris advised us to cash in the investment and reinvest.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

In the circumstances, we do not think anything could have been done better, the advice was good and the investment performed well.

Review from verified client

February, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Poor advice and service from another company.

How has Chris Malcolm helped you?

By sorting out my pensions, savings and investment for my children and I. Explained everything in terms I could understand.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Some things still being processed but very happy with things so far, and should be happy with outcome when completed.

Review from verified client

February, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

Retirement from Police Scotland as a serving officer, and being in receipt of a lump sum.

How has Chris Malcolm helped you?

He advised me how the bulk of the money should be invested arranged a new mortgage and assured and advise me as to the future benefits of my investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, so far.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really, Chris provided a superb service which suited both myself and my husband

Review from verified client

February, 2016

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for an adviser?

I was looking for advice with a DC company pension and was seeking exposure to markets with a higher risk profile than could be attained through my company pension. Additionally I was struggling to secure critical illness insurance due to a medical condition.

How has Chris Malcolm helped you?

With regards to my pension Chris gave constructive and pragmatic advice on my options and identified an approach that suited my needs taking cognisance of my attitude to risk. Chris was able to clearly answer all my questions and explain the financial market and investment opportunities to me in layman's terms. I received good advice on how to invest my company pension and Chris set up a private pension to give me the opportunity to invest in higher risk funds. In relation to critical illness cover Chris went out of his way to find an insurer that could cover me with favourable terms, despite my lack of success.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The results on my pensions have been positive - the rate of growth on my company pension (previously self selected funds) changed notably following Chris' advice. The private pension has shown some patchy performance - when the markets are good it's doing quite well, but it has occasionally dropped to the break even point. Chris clearly explained this might happen at the outset and I'm in for the long haul and hopefully will reap benefits in the longer term. On the critical illness side I hope I never need to see the benefit of the insurance cover!.

What could they have done better?

I can't see how Chris could have done anything more than he has.

Review from verified client

December, 2013

How has Chris Malcolm helped you?

Chris took time to speak with us to understand our present situation and future aspirations. He also took time to ensure that he was aware of our attitude to risk and in all of these areas we feel that he listened to us, understood our needs and acted accordingly in terms of the financial advice given and actions taken. Since working with Chris our domestic situation has change dramatically inasmuch as both of us have now retired and our grown up children have moved into the world of work. Throughout this period of change we feel that Chris has provided an excellent service in guiding us through this process and setting up our finances in a manner which allows us to do the things that we planned in retirement. Chris clearly explains his advice and always backs this up in writing. We feel that Chris is friendly, approachable and is also professional in his approach to his work. He has dealt with all of our queries very quickly and efficiently. All in all we are extremely pleased with the service he has provided to us and most importantly we feel he works with our best interests in mind.

What could they have done better?

No issues identified as we feel that Chris has met all of our expectations.

Review from verified client

November, 2013

How has Chris Malcolm helped you?

i was recommended to Chris by my brother who had been with him for a couple of years. I have found Chris to be good at explaining his advice in a way that is easy to understand. I have recently retired and his advice has been great as I was not sure how my pension and investments were going to work out. Chris is a good listener and takes time to ensure you understand what risks are involved in any investment, and to ensure that you are comfortable with his recommendations.

Review from verified client

November, 2013

How has Chris Malcolm helped you?

I have always found Chris to be on the ball. His advice is always clear and concise and easy to understand. He appreciates that peoples circumstances change from time to time. I would have no hesitation in recommending Chris as a Financial advisor.

Review from verified client

November, 2013

How has Chris Malcolm helped you?

Chris has been our financial adviser for over four years and we are delighted with the service he provides. He is friendly, approachable and very knowledgeable. He is always one step ahead of changing trends and legislation and keeps us fully informed about the best way forward for us to make the most of our savings He is extremely patient at leading my husband and myself through the financial maze of investment planning, takes time to explain things to us without jargon and is always at the end of the phone to answer any queries or questions that we have. He has given us excellent advice on a whole range of situations and has consulted public agencies on our behalf. We have complete faith in Chris and know that he will do his very best for us so that we can enjoy our retirement with no financial worries.

What could they have done better?

Can`t think of anything that he could do better

Review from verified client

August, 2013

How has Chris Malcolm helped you?

Communicates well, gives regular updates and explains clearly the reasons for any suggested changes in investments. He is friendly, easy to talk to and gives helpful advice on any financial concerns of both my wife and myself. Time was taken to discuss in depth our attitudes to risk and the types of investment which would best meet our needs. Chris is easily contacted and always returns calls.

Review from verified client

August, 2013

How has Chris Malcolm helped you?

We have quite recently egaged the services of Chris Malcom of Kelvin FP as our new financial advisor. The level of helpful advice and infomation (including several home visits) has been really excellent and my wife and I are delighted with all his assistance.

What could they have done better?

Nothing springs to mind so far.

Review from verified client

August, 2013

How has Chris Malcolm helped you?

We approached Chris soon after retirement with a lump sum to invest. We had endured the maze of tied advisers before this and were, frankly, totally distrustful of all people financial at the time. Chris came to the house and spent as long as it took to explain the whole gambit of his profession, what was on offer, the risks, our risk aversion and the benefits to be gained long term. In brief he took time to settle us without rushing us into something we did not want. He allowed trust to be built over time, which given our previous cynicism, was not easy, but his willingness to spend time and answer the barrage of questions has allowed this. We now very much trust Chris (as much as we could trust anyone in the financial sector) to give us the right advice and not allow our cash to be risked unnecessarily and without due consideration. We also know that Chris is at the end of a phone and any time we have voiced concerns or raised issues he has replied speedily on the same day which allays fears very quickly. Chris has a very personable, unflappable manner which instils confidence.

What could they have done better?

Being people who like to keep a regular eye on our investments online it can be daunting to see a sharp downturn until experience tells you that this is normal and in no way fatal. However, when this is prolonged it can be more concerning and in all probability volatility in the market was probably expected as is usually confirmed by Chris when contacted. It probably would not be easy or even possible but some form of quarterly e-mail letter outlining current and future trends, as far as can be predicted, would be beneficial although I accept it could lead to a rush of withdrawals!!

Review from verified client

August, 2013

How has Chris Malcolm helped you?

Makes the complicated issues easy to understand. Gives very good advice, investments are doing very well indeed.

Review from verified client

August, 2013

How has Chris Malcolm helped you?

Communicates frequently and is easily accessible when needed.

What could they have done better?

Nothing at the moment.

Review from verified client

August, 2013

How has Chris Malcolm helped you?

Contacts me regularly and keeps me up to date on everything that happens. He is also very approachable and I am able to contact him direct at any time. I have total trust in what he does and I am sure he has my interests at heart.

What could they have done better?

At this moment in time I cannot honestlly think of anything that could be done to make the service he provides any better.

Review from verified client

August, 2013

How has Chris Malcolm helped you?

Always easy to contact. Gives full and clear explanations of reasons for proposed changes to our portfolio. We feel that he has an in depth knowledge of the markets and pension funds, and is always quick to respond to market fluctuations etc., and keeps us informed accordingly.

What could they have done better?

We are not aware of any improvements he should make.