James Sinclair

Review from verified client

March, 2021

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

I wanted to restructure my investments to negate any Inheritance Tax liability and to simplify my portfolio to make it easier to deal with my estate when I die.

How has James Sinclair helped you?

I provided him with full details of all my assets and explained what outcome I wanted from his review. He explained his investment philosophy verbally and provided booklets which I could read at my leisure to ensure I understood what he intended to do and why. This enabled me to ask any questions I had on his modus operandi before our next meeting to discuss his report.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

While his report suggested major alterations to how my portfolio was made up, the reasons for these changes and the benefits they would provide going forward were clear to see. There was a lot of paper work straddling two tax years to ensure sales of my current investments did not lead to any tax liabilities but now that everything is in place I am very pleased with the outcome.

What could they have done better?

Not much to be honest. They prepared all the paperwork for me to sign and return where necessary to ensure all sales and purchases went smoothly. Their communications were timeous and instructions clear as they worked methodically through the recommended changes to my portfolio.

Review from verified client

December, 2020

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

Imminent retirement

How has James Sinclair helped you?

Set up SIPP and advised on transfer of funds from occupational scheme

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, investment is now growing steadily after expected downturn due to COVID-19 effects.

Review from verified client

November, 2020

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

My former adviser was a 'one man band' who no longer met new industry qualification requirements. He suggested I move on and we agreed to part company.

How has James Sinclair helped you?

To find a new local IFA I interviewed James Sinclair and another short-listed IFA and discussed our circumstances and objectives with them both. I was impressed by James's qualifications, and by his office support, and the fact that he had assistants who were making good progress with securing their professional qualifications. James came out as my choice. He was then very thorough in investigating our aims, attitude to risk, and in selecting the right investments for us.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. We joined only a few months before Covid-19 struck. I was expecting the value of our portfolio to drop significantly, but at our annual review meeting in November 2020 I was pleasantly surprised to find how small the loss of value was.

What could they have done better?

We have a financial adviser because we do not have the knowledge and skills to manage our savings/investments adequately ourselves. In this situation trust and confidence are the most important factors. We are happy with the service provided, and have no suggestions other than to keep things up.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2020

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

No comment as present.

Review from verified client

July, 2020

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

Came into retirement with considerable funds after selling company at age 66

How has James Sinclair helped you?

Explained best fit for our long term lifestyle funding.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not really, but Brexit, followed by coronavirus has interfered adversely. Up to that point all was going well. He has been very honest and upfront about issues and has advised probable outcomes.

What could they have done better?

I don’t know. He is the only financial advisor that I have had. I cannot believe that there are many better. Some of the attachments that we are mailed are difficult to merge with the requirements. As example, we are asked to sign document “abc”, but documents are not named “abc”, so a search of attachments is required. Not really an issue though, just annoying.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2019

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

James explained how the money could be invested and how this could then be altered if I wanted to in the future.

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

Available cash and a heavily weighted equity portfolio

How has James Sinclair helped you?

Took the necessary time to explain the options with emphasis on the preferred risk profile

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - but Year 1 is not a true indicator of performance

What could they have done better?

Experience to date has been satisfactory. The one to one personal contact outweighs all other alternatives. My expectation is that this format will continue

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

Required some financial guidance

How has James Sinclair helped you?

Yes, very heipful

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, investments are doing well

What could they have done better?

Happy with all services provided

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

Impending retirement

How has James Sinclair helped you?

Rationalised investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

More biscuits!

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

Retirement of my husband

How has James Sinclair helped you?

He gave a broad overview of our joint financial situation and explained our options clearly

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

too soon to say

Review from verified client

November, 2018

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

No longer felt I could do it myself

How has James Sinclair helped you?

Took the hassle away

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes but was quite expensive

What could they have done better?

Lower fees

Review from verified client

November, 2018

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

My company pension would not have made any allowance for my family in the event of my death, drawing down gave me flexibility.

How has James Sinclair helped you?

He is extremely focused on providing the best solution for me and provides me with a great deal of confidence.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, although I’m not familiar with financial matters at this level, My expectations were slightly wayward, James has given me confidence in the long term result.

What could they have done better?

I think the package I am using is the best for me and James was very clear about the its long term viability, I don’t think James could have done anything better.

Review from verified client

November, 2018

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

My wife and I wanted to amalgamate our pension policies and prepare for our retirement.

How has James Sinclair helped you?

He took time to explain the various options available to us and helped to plan a structured way forward.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not entirely! Due to the recent downturn in global financial markets, the value of our pension pot has stagnated, over the last year or so.

What could they have done better?

I am sure that James could have done anything more, to help. The lack of growth in the value of our pension is unfortunate.

Review from verified client

November, 2018

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

Approaching retirement but concerned that majority of pension assets were in a final salary scheme that was at risk of being wound up.

How has James Sinclair helped you?

James guided me through the process of considering my options and completing the amalgamation of my various pensions into a SIPP, and the potential associated risks of the proposals.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Most certainly, although it has to be noted that my transfer was made a little after the financial crisis of 2008/9. That said, James was exceptionally helpful throughout and undoubtedly made excellent decisions on my behalf, keeping me in the loop at all appropriate times.

What could they have done better?

Nothing more as far as I can determine.

Review from verified client

November, 2018

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

I moved from Isle of Man to Scotland and needed to move my personal pension

How has James Sinclair helped you?

He explained everything and arranged for the funds to be moved

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything at present

Review from verified client

October, 2018

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

Planning retirement.

How has James Sinclair helped you?

ensuring we got the best returns on investments and pensions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2018

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

James undertook a very thorough analysis of our finances and was very helpful in providing advice to us and the amount of time he spent in meeting with us and answering any questions in detail, was much appreciated. We would regard him as being highly competent as a Financual Adviser.

Review from verified client

August, 2018

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

Retirement after sale of business.

How has James Sinclair helped you?

James understood and accepted all the information supplied and arranged finances in a way that was not only helpful but fully in accordance with our wishes.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Both pension and investment recommendations have suited perfectly and we have now the result wished for which includes a monthly income, whilst having growth over the long term but not with too high risk.

What could they have done better?

Really nothing, quite delighted at the professional and friendly service received.

Review from verified client

August, 2018

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

Sold company and retired with the proceeds.

How has James Sinclair helped you?

Advice and tax efficient movement of funds to ISA and pensions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, despite the short term, ( past 12 months), disappointing results.

What could they have done better?

I consider that he has been very constructive in moving funds efficiently and that I cannot consider any failings.

Review from verified client

December, 2017

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

I WAS NOT HAPPY WITH THE BANK HANDLING OF OUR FINANCES.

How has James Sinclair helped you?

HE SORTED OUT OUR FINANCES TO HELP WITH PENSIONS INHERITANCE PLANNING AND INVESTMENTS AND TAX PLANNING IN A WAY THAT WAS EASY TO UNDERSTAND.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

YES WE ARE HAPPY WITH THE ASVICE.

What could they have done better?

NOTHING ARE QUITE HAPPY

Review from verified client

December, 2017

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

Required sound financial advice on company pension and investment.

How has James Sinclair helped you?

Organised some quite difficult former pensions in old non performing companies and transferred them into a portfolio that preformed well, and was easy to understand.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes growth has been more than expected, given the current financial markets.

What could they have done better?

I really doubt he could have done any better.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2017

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

Excellent experience. James contacted me within an hour of my contacting him through Vouched For. I've already had a first meeting with him, less than a week after that first contact, and I am looking forward to working with him in the future.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

James was very quick in being able to see me, and very helpful in the advice he gave. If I find myself in need of his services proper, I will be quite happy to contact him again.

Review from verified client

November, 2015

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

My personal pension was due out in September. As this, for me, was a considerable sum, and bearing in mind the new rules that now apply, it seemed wise to seek financial advice.

How has James Sinclair helped you?

He explained all my options clearly and concisely. Having decided what was best for me, he sought the best deal available. I was kept informed every step of the way. Communication excellent!.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Everything has now been finalised. Most certainly! Tax free cash in the bank and first payment due at the end of November.

What could they have done better?

We covered all aspects in great detail. I doubt there was anything more he could have done. A satisfactory outcome was achieved without delay.

Review from verified client

August, 2015

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

My husband died and I had to sell my house. I bought a smaller property and needed expert knowledge to help me invest for the future.

How has James Sinclair helped you?

He helped me to invest the extra money I had made from the sale so that I could have a monthly income from the interest and still retain the original capital sum.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I am able to work part-time because I am also getting payments from my investments. This is the outcome I was hoping for.

What could they have done better?

In my circumstances he did the best he could do. I have no complaints.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

Very thorough. All options explained clearly.

Review from verified client

April, 2015

How has James Sinclair helped you?

He explained in simple language what my options in retirement were and helped me to decide which would best suit me .

What could they have done better?

Nothing

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2015

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with James

happy with his advice,feel fees could have been clearer

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has James Sinclair helped you?

Once my circumstances were understood(risk assessments etc) and evaluated I benefited from prompt, clear and useful advice. Once a financial plan was agree it was quickly initiated. Finally all my queries were answered quickly and clearly.

What could they have done better?

nothing to add.

Review from verified client

November, 2014

How has James Sinclair helped you?

Don't have any worries 'he explains all and is very organised at my reviews

What could they have done better?

Nothing 'he is very professional in all aspects

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has James Sinclair helped you?

I first consulted James on the advice of my sister-in-law. My husband had died and RBS where we had some investments appeared to be in turmoil, so I was looking for an alternative. I found James to be a very personable young man and the advice he gave was straightforward. I completed a risk assessment and we proceeded from there. James was clear about his fees, and for peace of mind I have no complaints. I have not compared his fees with anywhere else but from my point of view it is irrelevant. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone who sought advice. I

What could they have done better?

I do not like leaving blank spaces, but as this is quite a new venture for me, I would not know what to say to improve the service. I am a satisfied client.