Antony Lopez

Review from verified client

December, 2018

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

In all honesty I only sought advice because the law says to transfer my DB pension to a DC scheme I had to.

How has Antony Lopez helped you?

Initially Antony and I had a number of email & phone discussions to understand my requirements and then a face to face visit where he explained further for the benefit of both my wife & I. His focus was ensuring he had sufficient information to be confident there was a very good chance of achieving the outcome I had set out at the beginning before I had to commit financially to the process. Once I had committed Antony facilitated to production of the necessary transfer report.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely

What could they have done better?

This is not a criticism of Antony, but the industry needs to be able to produce some clear layman's documentation on tax implications on a pensions fund and how it interacts with LTA.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2018

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Antony

From the word go Antony was both professional, knowledgeable and quickly understood my particular situation, what I wanted to do and why I wanted to do it. Antony always responded quickly to the many questions I had, and given the nature of some of those questions he showed a great deal of patience. His advice always had my best interest at their core.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2018

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Antony

He was straightforward and honest.

Antony's reply

Thank you very much for your feedback which is always very much appreciated.

Review from verified client

April, 2018

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

My wife and myself were looking for advice relating to our current DB pension schemes-specifically whether to transfer out or not.

How has Antony Lopez helped you?

Antony reviewed all our our current arrangements, provided illustrations and identified the pros and cons of our options. The service Antony has provided has been exceptional-we have never had to chase for an update. He has either emailed or called at every stage of the process.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

The service we have received could not have been better.

Review from verified client

April, 2018

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

I needed a review of my pension arrangements.

How has Antony Lopez helped you?

Antony fully understood my circumstances,explained the possible options available to me and their consequences which enabled me to achieve the result I was looking for.We were working to a tight timescale but Antony's knowledge and diligence allowed us to complete the transfer.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I was always clear on what I was looking to achieve and Antony's expertise allowed me to do so.I am extremely confident that I have made the right decision which will ultimately change my life for the better.

What could they have done better?

Antony could not have been more helpful.I would have no hesitation in recommending his services in the future.

Review from verified client

January, 2018

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

I needed to move my various workplace pensions to one pension provider where I would be able to make drawdowns. My husband had previously received advice from another advisor and was not too happy with the advice he had received and his pension provider, so he wanted to investigate moving his pension.

How has Antony Lopez helped you?

Antony looked at our circumstances in great detail, including our general finances and attitude to risk. Once he had done this, he recommended a company that could cater for both of our pensions and was much better than the one my husband previously had his pension with. Once we had decided that we would go ahead, Antony spent a lot of time organising the movement of the funds, which was not easy, and he constantly kept in touch and updated us with his progress, which we appreciated.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we now have our pensions sorted with a reputable company and are able to draw down on funds when required.

What could they have done better?

I can't really think of anything.

Review from verified client

October, 2017

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

I have a couple of pension pots due later this year, and wanted advice about what would be best for me, regarding those pensions.

How has Antony Lopez helped you?

Antony completely understood me, my attitude to risk, and what I was looking for. He listened to me, and worked with me to ensure that I was comfortable with the suggested way forward. I liked the fact that he never tried to push me in a certain direction - it really felt like my choice, but I felt better about it, having had the benefit of speaking to Antony and drawing on his expertise.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet, as I am still a couple of months away from taking my benefits, but I am confident that the outcome will be as we discussed. Antony has left the door open for me, so that I can go back to him at any time, if I wish.

What could they have done better?

I found Antony to be completely professional but very approachable. His responses to my emails were extremely prompt, and he was always courteous. When I spoke to him over the phone, he made me feel relaxed and at ease, and treated me as an equal. I find it difficult to say what he could have done better.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

September, 2017

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Antony

Antony is very responsive, and after an initial conversation with him, I knew that I could happily work with him, something that I am looking forward to doing.

Antony's reply

Thank you Gail for your initial impressions which are very much appreciated.

Review from verified client

May, 2017

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

I was coming up to retirement age and knew I needed pension advice on my five pension plans. Antony was one of five IFAs I went to while following government advice to shop around.

How has Antony Lopez helped you?

Antony has a very friendly professional approach and it is obvious from the outset he clearly on top of his job. I wanted my five pensions consolidated into a drawdown plan, Antony was the only IFA to notice a feature on two of them that caused the others to give me incorrect advice which would have cost money if that advice had been followed. Antony always keeps in touch by email and responds really quickly, sometimes within minutes, and always the same day, to any questions or information sent to him. I have a reasonably large pension pot and the way fees are usually charged as a percentage of the pot are rather an issue for me, as I believe the same work will go into setting up a 100k pot as into managing one twice or three times as big. Antony agreed with that and instead we negotiated a fixed fee for the initial set up with an ongoing management fee lower than any of the other firms I spoke to.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have a drawdown plan exactly to my requirements. To conclude, an IFA needs to be someone that you can be comfortable with in the long term as well in the initial advice and set-up stages. I have found Antony to be very easy to get on with and look forward to his help and advice in the future.

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of.

Review from verified client

March, 2017

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

Preparation for retirement.

How has Antony Lopez helped you?

Review of my range of different pension schemes and options to invest.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. An unbiased and clear view of the performance of my existing pension plans plus a range of recommendations including how best to consolidate my schemes tailored to my future pension plans.

What could they have done better?

Good use of email to confirm agreed actions; consistently responsive; willing to meet face-to-face when appropriate and with little notice. Could sometimes be clearer regarding abbreviations and processes uncommon to the average person, but this is a minor point.

Review from verified client

October, 2016

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

I was coming up to my NRD and had several pension plans asking me what I wanted to do and as I was not planning to retire on my NRD I wanted advice as to how to respond to all these different pension plan providers and also check if there were any issues I needed to be aware of.

How has Antony Lopez helped you?

He reviewed all the plans and identified issues with those plans which were not aligned to my requirements and recommended actions to be taken to avoid those issues and also save money. He helped me clarify what all my options are and focus on the ones which most suit my needs He answered all my general questions I had about the pension plans.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes - I was very happy with the recommendations Antony made and all the changes we agreed have now been put in place.

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything which could have been done better. I did not score Quality of Service as Excellent as the guidelines said that in order to give an excellent score the advisor had to provide an online system

Review from verified client

May, 2016

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

consolidation of 3 different pensions & possible transfer of DB scheme. Understanding early retirement options.

How has Antony Lopez helped you?

Antony combines down-to-earth approachability and friendliness, with an exceptional knowledge base, networks, and eye for detail. He read and understand my financial needs well, and was able to communicate and tailor a bespoke financial approach which suited my desired level of understanding of products, lifestyle needs and personality. Open and upfront about fees, I have found Antony a commemorate professional and excellent communicator. Antony has taken the pain out of the extensive admin associated with pension transfer and has provided clear and effective solutions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Antony has set up a DFM-managed SIPP from 2 pension pans which is clear and transparent in its on line platform. A well performing DB scheme was left in place.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2016

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Antony

Antony was very efficient at arranging our first visit. We discussed the options available to us and the services he was able to offer, all of which was very clear.

Review from verified client

December, 2015

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

Two pension pots which l wanted to draw down.

How has Antony Lopez helped you?

Gave clear and concise advice and undertook all administrative tasks that n my behalf.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, l can use my pension fund as l want to and Tony has facilitated this.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, Tony is s a professional with the rare combination of communication skills and technical expertise. He update s me regularly and responds to queries the same day. I feel very lucky to have him looking after my finances.

Review from verified client

November, 2015

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

Set up a pension.

How has Antony Lopez helped you?

Arranged a pension for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

Review from verified client

November, 2015

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

I as looking to both move home and consolidate various pension funds into one pot and to seek advice on the management of the money.

How has Antony Lopez helped you?

He helped obtain a fixed deal mortgage for a competitive rate that enabled me to move house which is something we hadn't thought possible for a few years and also he advised me on the appointment of a DFM to look after my sizeable retirement pot and to ensure it received more focused management.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes we are very happy and whilst the pot has decreased a bit that is more down to the flux in the markets and so as I have a longer term plan I am not concerned over the advice or decision I made.

Review from verified client

November, 2015

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

Being made redundant from job s want o have an idea of the best way to get the most out of any redundancy money. Also want to ensure money put into pensions are working the best for me.

How has Antony Lopez helped you?

Antony has reviewed current pensions and consolidated. Will provide more advice once redundancy terms have been told to me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It's only just been done so nothing to see yet.

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything.

Review from verified client

August, 2015

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

I was aware that my current pension was under-performing and my previous Financial Adviser was not providing the quality of service I expected. As I am currently living abroad I needed a Financial Adviser willing to communicate by email / telephone and Antony was exceptionally efficient in this regard.

How has Antony Lopez helped you?

From the onset of my communication with Antony I found him to be extremely helpful and efficient. He reviewed my existing pension plan and after considering my personal investment objectives recommended that I move my pension to a new plan with considerable cost benefits and better growth potential.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

My pension is now invested with a company which provides more flexibilty, regular reviews and with far lower annual fees / management charges. I have every confidence in Antony's expertise and I will continue to use his advice in the future.

Review from verified client

June, 2015

How has Antony Lopez helped you?

I recently turned 55, and therefore became eligible under newly introduced pensions legislation, to access my accrued private pension investments. I am also currently living overseas. I needed professional advice on what options were available to me, but knew no one back in the UK who I could turn to for independent advice. I trawled the various government websites for advice, all of which recommended using an (independent) financial adviser. I eventually found several IFA’s close to my residence in the UK and contacted them all by e-mail. From my initial e-mail correspondence, I received a very broad and diverse range of responses. Antony already stood out as being quick to respond, polite and professional in his presentation. Following a couple of e-mail exchanges, I had built sufficient trust and confidence to know that Antony had understood my needs, had provided detailed and comprehensive time scales for implementation and set out an action plan with associated costs. I had three pension pots with two different providers, one of which had the added complication of being trustee managed. Living overseas provided additional complications with regard to potential postage delays. Well within the time scales initially forecast, I have received my 25% tax free lump sum and the balance of my pension funds have been invested in a fully-flexible portfolio perfectly suited to both my short and longer term investment plans. In summary, I am immensely grateful to have found Antony. He instilled trust and confidence and delivered in every respect throughout the process, and will I know, continue to do so in managing my investments in the future. I will have no hesitation in highly recommending Antony to family, friends and colleagues in the future.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Antony Lopez helped you?

Antony has been an amazing adviser. He is always available and very helpful. Antony has made life so easy to understand when it has come to my investments/pensions and business. He provides me with all the necessary information and goes on to explain it all too - no matter how many time I need him to. Always on time, polite and sensitive to my situation.

What could they have done better?

There is nothing I could ask Antony to improve.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Antony Lopez helped you?

Antony provides clear and easy to understand beneficial advice in a confident and personable manner. Pensions can be a minefield and having Tony take both my clients through the process proved to invaluable. I can not recommend Antony highly enough - such that I also would seek his advice and assistance on my own matters.

What could they have done better?

There really isn't anything that I can suggest; having recommended and used Antony for over 10 years, there isn't anything to improve upon.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Antony Lopez helped you?

Antony made me feel really comfortable and helped me to understand my work pensions and what I could do with them. He's always contactable and comes back to me really quickly with any queries. Really happy with the service and work Antony has been doing for me.

What could they have done better?

No issues - I can't fault the service.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Antony Lopez helped you?

Clear and easy to understand advice with very good communication. Always there to answer any queries.

Review from verified client

December, 2014

How has Antony Lopez helped you?

Very clear on commission and costs, even before the regulations were recently tightened up.

Review from verified client

December, 2014

How has Antony Lopez helped you?

Tony's found an ace new pension fund for me, and I feel my money is now working actively rather than languishing in my employer's scheme!

Review from verified client

December, 2014

How has Antony Lopez helped you?

Antony has provided me with both Mortgage and pension advice for a number of years now, he is really easy to talk to, no matter how many questions I have and how daft they may be he always has the answers. Antony is completely professional and really helpful, I always leave our meetings and converstaions safe in the knowledge that he has given me sound advice which will achieve the outcome I want, he removes all the stress and hard work you associate with making financial decisions.

What could they have done better?

I can honestly say that for me there isn't anything that Antony could do better, I have been so impressed with his services that I have recommended him to friends and colleagues and have no fear that he will do anything other than a fantastic job for them.

Review from verified client

December, 2014

How has Antony Lopez helped you?

Have dealt with Tony over the past 8 years and found him to be prompt, thorough, respectful of our circumstances and he never encourages to accept anything there and then and gives us time to think. I would have no doubt recommending his services to anyone.

What could they have done better?

Always been more than happy with all aspects.

Review from verified client

December, 2014

How has Antony Lopez helped you?

We have known Antony for 12 and have always found him fantastic adviser to deal with. A steady hand on the tiller. Easy do get on with and free with impartial and balanced information. Our financial 'go-to guy'

Review from verified client

December, 2014

How has Antony Lopez helped you?

We find Antony to be a friendly, approachable individual. His knowledge in his field is outstanding and he has up to the minute information to share with us. He manner is professional. We were able to contact him anytime with questions and his advice was always appropriate and made us feel confident in our options. Antony is very good at keeping us regularly updated on the progress of our application and how our pensions are performing.

What could they have done better?

We are very happy with the service we receive from Antony and we will be continuing to use him as a financial adviser. We have recommended him to many of our friends, family and work colleagues.