Russell Hammond

Review from verified client

February, 2024

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

Pension plans and investment for our retirement.

How has Russell Hammond helped you?

By giving excellent advice during very different periods in the financial markets. During the times when it was frustrating for the investor he stuck to his guns regarding his planning and he was totally correct.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. We are completely satisfied that our advice was 100% and communication was excellent throughout.

Russell's reply

Dear William, It has been a genuine pleasure collaborating with you over the years to fulfill your financial planning objectives. I eagerly anticipate our continued partnership in the years ahead. Warm regards, Russell

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Russell

Was honest from the outset and informed me he was not the appropriate advisor

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

June, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Russell

Pragmatic, responsive and reassuring.

Russell's reply

Dear Julia, I am immensely grateful for the overwhelmingly positive initial impression review you have provided. It has indeed been a profound pleasure to have had the opportunity to work with you thus far. Your collaboration and engagement have been instrumental in what we have achieved to date, and it is this synergy that makes me excited about our shared journey ahead. In our forthcoming collaborations, I eagerly anticipate assisting you in the continued construction of an extraordinary platform for your financial future.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Russell

It was great. He was proactive and engaging

Review from verified client

January, 2022

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

I had been almost defrauded by a previous advisor as I was setting up and investing in a QROPS.

How has Russell Hammond helped you?

Russell aNd AES helped me find a better solution for my QROPS and gave me sensible and balanced advice on investments, both initially and later.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The portfolio was ‘safe’ for my pension and did well during the Covid impact on markets.

Russell's reply

Dear Steve, many thanks for your kind review. It has been mine, and AES', pleasure in helping you to achieve your investment and pension planning objectives.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2020

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Russell

So far so good it is just the start

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

February, 2020

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Russell

Very professional in his approach

Review from verified client

August, 2019

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

I work overseas, and I need some advice in investing fir my retirememnt.

How has Russell Hammond helped you?

He suggested an investment plan that suited my preferred risk level.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Growth has been better than expected. However, I do realize that markets can be volatile.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

January, 2019

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Russell

Was not at all knowledgable about investment information.

Russell's reply

Ronald required advice on a deposit based investment which we are not able to provide advice upon as these products are offered directly by retail banks. Rather than offer a pretense that I was able to provide him with an assessment of the benefits, or otherwise, of accepting this deposit I let him know that I was unable to make a fair and honest assessment of the arrangement in question.

Review from verified client

June, 2018

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

Retirement planning.

How has Russell Hammond helped you?

Taking over a poor performing fund & redirecting the investment to produce improved results. Finding the correct vehicle for various pensions & improving the results throughout.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcome has exceeded our expectations, particularly the SEB Assurance Vie.

What could they have done better?

Keep the regular meetings on a layman's basis as Russell's knowledge & expertise in financial planning is at a very high level.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

August, 2017

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Russell

He seems more knowledgeable about investments than many ex pat financial advisors that I have met.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

May, 2017

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Russell

very efficient

Review from verified client

February, 2017

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

Being made redundant.

How has Russell Hammond helped you?

in setting up a SIPP.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Higher investment returns are always appreciated, although as a cautious investor one needs to be realistic

Review from verified client

January, 2017

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

Needed QROPS advice as working abroad.

How has Russell Hammond helped you?

very helpful advice with investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Was hoping for better returns but don't we all.

What could they have done better?

happy enough,no comment.

Review from verified client

August, 2016

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

Retirement necessitated action over my accrued personal pensions.

How has Russell Hammond helped you?

Russell arranged consolidation of five accrued pensions into a Self Invested Pension Plan. The portfolio of investments has been arranged and guided by Russell for the last three years, giving a creditable rate of return. In spite of taking close to the maximum allowable drawdown as a pension, the portfolio value remains as at the start.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Until now, things have gone well (apart from a few back office issues at the pension trustees. However, with changing government regulations, issues with the pension trustees and my international relocation, I now have to seek a US FIMRA registered financial adviser. All this is no fault of Russell or AES International. Russell and I are arranging an amicable migration to an alternative supplier.

What could they have done better?

The back office at AES International has recently moved to a new computer system. Management of client expectations, especially when the move has not been as smooth as hoped, is something that AES could have done better, but I am not sure what Russell could have done about this.

Review from verified client

March, 2016

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

I am currently working abroad and need to invest my tax-free salary to plan for my retirement.

How has Russell Hammond helped you?

He firstly spent time and effort to understand my circumstances and objectives before coming up with a comprehensive savings plan with a variety of funds to meet specific requirements.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, despite a challenging period in which to be investing each of the funds have performed well and helped towards the overall portfolio objectives.

What could they have done better?

Regular communication about events and alternatives investments available is always useful but needs to be done right to avoid confusion!

Review from verified client

February, 2016

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

I had a fairly large sum to invest and wished to use it primarily for the purpose gaining a stable income in the future while living abroad.

How has Russell Hammond helped you?

Russell fully understood my requirements and offered appropriate advice in terms of the relationship between my requirements and the distribution of my portfolio. His explanations have always been clear and persuasive with no obfuscation whatsoever.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

No I haven't, but scarcely through any fault of Russell's. Thanks to his initial recommendations I have managed to weather the current storm in the markets relatively well, and I'm confident that his recommendations will enable me to achieve my financial objectives in the long term.

What could they have done better?

It's hard to say, because any such assessment can only be based on a comparison with other advisers and I'm unable to make that comparison. Russell always responds immediately to any queries or concerns I may have about my portfolio, and it's hard to imagine how he could do much more in terms of management and response.

Review from verified client

March, 2015

How has Russell Hammond helped you?

Russell explained everything well and at the right level for my understanding. He makes quarterly appointments to review my investments to keep me up to speed with how they are doing.. I am pleased with the advice and the regular contact.

What could they have done better?

Russell is well organised keeps me straight. I am so busy with work that sometimes i cannot make the quarterly updates and Russell will set new appointments.

Review from verified client

February, 2015

How has Russell Hammond helped you?

Russell has taken care to ensure I am well aware of the nature of my pension fund investment and to keep me up to date with developments. We have regular on-line telephone meetings and on one occasion recently, he contacted me directly to make an urgent change to one element of the investment package, since justified by events. I am very satisfied with the service provided and am happy to give my recommendation.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Russell Hammond helped you?

Russell has a clear understanding of my (investment) requirements and my approach to risk. He is building a portfolio to meet those needs and keeps me informed of performance on a regular basis.

What could they have done better?

Having complete confidence in my advisor makes me lazy. I would benefit if Russell could set me some "homework".

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Russell Hammond helped you?

I was referred to Russell by a colleague of mine about two years ago. During and after our initial meeting Russell showed keen interest and understanding for my situation and future goals, providing appropriate advice along the way. What I find important is that Russell has maintained his initial interest by maintaining an approachable presence, always available to questions and providing prompt, insightful replies. It's a pleasure knowing he's looking over my financial interests.

What could they have done better?

Perhaps a little more regular contact and updates regarding market activities and my portfolio, but for the rest I am happy with the working relationship thus far with Russell.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Russell Hammond helped you?

Having worked with Russell and AES for some time now I have been most impressed with, not only the performance of my investments, but also his commitment to providing a genuinely superior level of customer service. Russell and AES are clearly dedicated to what it is that they do and it is, therefore, of no surprise to me that they win the awards that they do. Without hesitation I'd happily recommend their wealth management services to other prospective clients.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Russell Hammond helped you?

Russell gives us confidence that we are doing the right thing with our rather paltry nest-egg. He is approachable and knowledgeable and we trust him.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Russell Hammond helped you?

# Enquiring about my personal objectives, testing his understanding of these and then developing financial recommendations matched to his understanding. # Providing rationale for recommendations and offering alternatives for consideration along with the core reasons to elect for one option over another. # Use of both physical meeting and a range of virtual technologies to communicate. # Being informed about both macro and micro-economic developments and opportunities. # Acting in both a professional, authentic and personable manner

What could they have done better?

There is nothing in the scope of how Russell interacts with me that I could comment on as leaving opportunity for improvement and whilst of course I desire ever-better performance of my own portfolio I recognize the limits of anyone's ability to predict the future performance of financial investments. I have rated as 3 stars for value for money only because I have not sought to be fully informed about Russell's earnings nor have I compared these to those that would be earned or charged by other advisors. I have no doubt that if I asked I would receive such information from Russell

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Russell Hammond helped you?

Russell is a highly principled and trusted advisor to me and my wife on a range of wealth management issues. He is diligent and creative. Whilst he plays strictly by the book this does not prevent his recommendation of innovative solutions. I have dealt with other financial advisers previously and been frustrated by their tendency to sit on the fence. Russell gives you all the evidence and presents it in a cogent and dispassionate way which nevertheless facilitates the client making a decision without the sweat and butterflies in the stomach!

What could they have done better?

not sure

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Russell Hammond helped you?

Russell is an excellent communicator and provides regular portfolio updates and investment advice.

What could they have done better?

Other than procuring a crystal ball, I am very happy with AES and Russell's performance to date.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Russell Hammond helped you?

Russell's personal ethical standards are reflected in his dealings with me as a client. His professional advice typically involves quite a complex approach to investment but he explained this in such a way that I understood it not only during our meetings but also subsequently, which is frequently not the case with other advisers. His investment proposals were based on up-to-date knowledge of a wide variety of investment categories. He has become 'eyes & ears' for my investments and makes sensible adjustments when necessary. He is let down at times by the creaking organisation of the company which manages the investment vehicle, but eventually emerges triumphant once they have been persuaded to follow his instructions.

What could they have done better?

Russell's communcations are always positive and constructive, and he makes good use of technology, e.g. online meetings. At present there is nothing negative that he himself could improve on: that ball lies in the court of the investment company, which - to be fair - he recommended on the basis of their investment record, not their bureaucratic achievements.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Russell Hammond helped you?

Having worked with Russell for several years now, I can state that he really keeps me updated with information in a manner that suits my hectic travelling life. The advice is always clear and options always available. I can recommend his advice and way of working with his clients.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Russell Hammond helped you?

In the past I handled my own investments. I found I am not a disciplined investor. As an independent oil and gas contractor, I need good financial advice for my savings and wealth. I am not in any pension scheme. I worked with a financial planner based out of Spain when working in the Middle East, who set-up an offshore investment bond for me. I had an uncomfortable feeling with this financial planner. He did not have the growth of my wealth as his primary goal in my opinion. I searched the internet for financial advisers in The Netherlands with experience with offshore investment bonds. I came across Russell Hammond. I asked him how he would restructure my portfolio in the offshore investment bond, with as main goal to grow my wealth over the long run. He immediately came back with a solid proposal. He then took over as my financial adviser. I have felt very comfortable with his advice and have always felt he has the growth of my wealth as his primary goal. I speak to him quarterly and he has always given good advice and even in more difficult times made my wealth grow. Russell Hammond has been my financial adviser since October 2011. He is an excellent financial adviser, with the growth of your wealth as his primary goal.

What could they have done better?

This is relevant to all financial planners. Make sure you ask what the fees will be upfront for financial advice. Russell has always worked to decrease the over cost of holding investments in my offshore investment bond

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Russell Hammond helped you?

In the past I handled my own investments. I found I am not a disciplined investor. As an independent oil and gas contractor, I need good financial advice for my savings and wealth. I am not in any pension scheme. I worked with a financial planner based out of Spain when working in the Middle East, who set-up an offshore investment bond for me. I had an uncomfortable feeling with this financial planner. He did not have the growth of my wealth as his primary goal in my opinion. I searched the internet for financial advisers in The Netherlands with experience with offshore investment bonds. I came across Russell Hammond. I asked him how he would restructure my portfolio in the offshore investment bond, with as main goal to grow my wealth over the long run. He immediately came back with a solid proposal. He then took over as my financial adviser. I have felt very comfortable with his advice and have always felt he has the growth of my wealth as his primary goal. I speak to him quarterly and he has always given good advice and even in more difficult times made my wealth grow. Russell Hammond has been my financial adviser since June 2012. He is an excellent financial adviser, with the growth of your wealth as his primary goal.

What could they have done better?

This is relevant to all financial planners. Make sure you ask what the fees will be upfront for financial advice. Russell has always worked to decrease the over cost of holding investments in my offshore investment bond

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Russell Hammond helped you?

Russell maintains contact, goes out of his way to work the time differences and spends time to ensure that I have all relevant information. He made my transfer into QROPS, a seamless activity and has provided clear and concise information throughout all interfaces. Even though my investment isn't large, Russell still treats me as a valuable client.

What could they have done better?

I honestly can't think of anything that needs to change.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Russell Hammond helped you?

In the short time that we have known Russell, it is clear that he is very knowledgeable in his field, a good communicator, and is very prompt with communications.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Russell Hammond helped you?

My advisor always responds within a reasonable time frame and does so with sound advice and efficiency.

Review from verified client

January, 2015

How has Russell Hammond helped you?

Russell has always responded promptly to any of my (many!) enquiries and I have full confidence with the advice he has offered.

What could they have done better?

Nothing springs to mind

Review from verified client

October, 2014

How has Russell Hammond helped you?

Russel is an excellent communicator, keeping us updated on what is happening and status of our plans. He is involved with the products and has good advice ahead of time, planning well. He uses online technology to make phone meetings efficient and to illustrate updates on the portfolio etc

What could they have done better?

pass...

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

July, 2014

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Russell

In Jul-14 I started looking for an IFA. Vouchedfor was my initial screening tool and I developed a shortlist for evaluation. Several of my shortlist were unable or unwilling to advise me as I am currently an expatriate. The Vouchedfor team suggested Ru