Richard Johnston

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

I needed advice on pensions and cash investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, We have invested my pension, I am already beginning to see a return and Richard continues to support and advise me.

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

These are difficult times and in the past 12 months Richard has patiently answered all my questions, he has advised me on what action I should take or not to take in view of the changing market circumstances and how they affect myself and my family has been concise and given me the confidence to make decisions that I would have either avoided or procrastinated.

What could they have done better?

nothing

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

Pension transfer

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not at present. Currently taking Richard’s advice

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Put my mind at rest with my financial security during my retirement

What could they have done better?

Listen more about the reason for pension transfer

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

Looking to convert one of my DB schemes to a SIPP

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, although the markets have not risen as much as I would have hoped

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Richard is very thorough and diligent in his dealings with me. He spends as long as he requires to talk me through my different choices.

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything which caused me any concern.

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

Transfer of pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet, probably due to world circumstances

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Transfer all pension into 1 pot and take out my25% tax free

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

Retirement and financial planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, in terms of thorough analysis of pensions and finances, detailed assessment of our attitude to risk, detailed report and modelling, followed by recommendations. Still early days in terms of how the recommendations will pan out longer term but with his regular follow up, confident that he will be overseeing things.

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Richard is extremely knowledgeable and thorough. His relationship management is a real strength. He takes the time to get to know you and your plans in detail. His explanations and reports are thorough - examining things through various risk lenses. We really felt we can trust him and I have recommended him to friends too.

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I can think of.

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

Retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

He has led us through the various financial options available to us and explained the pros and cons of each in turn.

What could they have done better?

Bar working for free, I can't think of anything that he could have done that would have made the experience better.

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

Retirement pension move away from company pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Richard was extremely helpful and guided us through the various options based on our needs.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. We were both delighted with how Richard approached our requirements and how he explained what could be done and the processes for doing it.

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

I wished to consider part withdrawal of a defined benefit pension.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

His experience with my actual pension scheme meant he was able to speak knowledgably about it on our first exploratory phone call. He was able to offer alternatives I had been unaware of, one of which I pursued. On all subsequent calls and meetings, his experience and professionalism came through. Overall I am significantly better off financially having followed Richard's advice. Granted, some of that has been market timing, but without Richard's advice, I would not have been in a position to avail of the opportunity to benefit.

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of.

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

I retired in 2015 from AAB. I was a tax specialist at AAB and knew the AAB Wealth team members very well. I had no hesitation in taking their advice regarding my own pensions, investments and savings.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Having been an AAB Wealth client for 8 years now I continue to have the utmost faith in their skills and guidance. So much so I have had no hesitation in recommending AAB Wealth to my family and friends.

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Richard has come to know my family situation really closely and he gears his advice accordingly. Richard shows a keen sense for all of the very personal issues and general family circumstances that apply as we progress throughout a year and from one year to another. He takes what can be a complicated and regulated picture and breaks it down into constituent parts and has an open discussion about the best approach but does it in a common sense fashion.

What could they have done better?

I struggle to think of anything.

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

I was retired and my wife considering. We had many personal pensions, ISAs, savings, insurance policies. We needed an IFA to review all and guide us on how best to manage our finances in retirement. Also with inheritance planning to ensure our children would have maximum benefit.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, very much so. Our financial situation was completely and thoroughly reviewed with Richard over several face to face meetings. Pensions and ISAs are consolidated and all is clear and under control.

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Explained risk level for investments. Explained and proposed pension and ISA consolidations as well as for personal insurance/other. Showed how our investments would fare with stress testing.

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything, very happy with service.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

I no longer followed the stock market closely and wished professional advice on the best way to grow a lump sum. In addition, we wanted advice on pensions and inheritance planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

No but this is not a failure of the strategy agreed with Richard but a combination of rapidly increasing interest rates and fairly static/unpredictable markets which has affected growth in investments.

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

We moved to AAB and Richard because our last financial advisor was more interested in increasing his fees for short term personal gain. We believe that Richard's philosophy is more holistic and he aims to provide a service long term. This gives us a feeling of confidence that he will provide impartial advice.

What could they have done better?

It would be useful to have a dedicated name to deal with our administration.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

A desire to make the most of my savings.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, and more.

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

10/10 quality. 10/10 clarity. 10/10 empathy and warmth.

What could they have done better?

Richard, Nothing. But he has been let down by AAB’s payment process that has not always paid us the correct amounts on time.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

Consolidating my pensions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

In ascertaining my goals, planning for the future and helping me understand my investment/risk appetite

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

My husband took his pension funds out when he retired and we needed advice on how to invest them. Also, he inherited some money and we decided to get advice about inheritance planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we feel that our money is very well looked after and that our financial future is in excellent hands.

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

He has looked after all our financial needs, investing our money in suitable funds, ensuring we understand our spending power and how best to protect our finances. He is absolutely fantastic at explaining things and is a very perceptive person. We really feels that he knows us quite well.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

Not satisfied with my existing adviser

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It's early to say but I'm optimisitc

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Given me a more in depth understanding of investing, pensions and the methodology used to guide his financial recommendations.

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything so far

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

Desire to reduce inheritance burden for my children and how to support them if needed

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far yes

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Advice on all my assets and given me confidence that if I need support I will get it from him.

What could they have done better?

Written detail of what we discussed at meetings which were a bit complicated.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

Transfer from my pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, but am looking at longer term investment

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Very much so, and I have acted upon his advice.

What could they have done better?

Not much really as it’s the performance of the fund that matters here

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

Pensions advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Given confidence and comfort knowing he is reviewing my finances and helping me to make good choices in my financial planning

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

We use AAB as our accountants so handle our personal finanances

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

This is a long process but, the advice is excellent

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

With excellent advice

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

I wanted to transfer a Final Salary pension to a SIPP

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Richard explains things in a way that someone like me who can struggle with pension details can easily understand

What could they have done better?

Nothing really. I’m more than happy with the information that Richard provides

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

April, 2023

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard

Detailed knowledge of alternatives to meet my requirements for my financial assets.

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

Recently retired

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Knowledge of pension rules is excellent

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

No

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

I wanted to ensure my pensions were on track to allow me to retire in a few years’ time

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

We worked out a plan for making further contributions and changing the investments in the plan

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing of note

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

To consolidate pensions

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Created a strategy for drawing income and managed my pensions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, he was able to make it very clear how I could manage my lifestyle with the funds I had built up over the years

What could they have done better?

Nothing - the service was very thorough and seamless

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

we were looking for assistance in inheritance tax planning

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Richard has given us a very comprehensive picture and guide to assist with our circumstances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Still working through this journey.

What could they have done better?

We are very very satisfied.

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

Retirement pension from the NHS In the context of two recent changes, a gender pay gap (I am female) and a frozen salary devoid of inflation rises since 2008 crisis ie the previous decade

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Richard wrote directly to nhs pension providers and the large nationally recognised university trust as well as our union(the BMA) explaining the issues on my behalf … although this did not lead them to contemplate my change, it facilitated and added to the change the following year post Covid and the BMA lobby. It helped me to retire and return at the best time and with full knowLedge and to help me see the financial options I could release

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes and more… I have also obtained further financial tax planning advice which is inter generational and had not know about previously

What could they have done better?

Since I followed richard from his previous post, because i was dissatisfied with his replacement 18 months later, and have introduced my daughter who is now also his client, I don’t believe there is much he could do better. He has the patience insight and communication skills to explain things from my perspective (as if …and better … than a knowledgeable family member) until he is sure I understand and in my best interests . I have not yet been disappointed especially as I have little financial knowledge myself yet am no fool!

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

I was approaching retirement age and deciding on what to do with four different pensions, I was considering transferring from two DB funds and consolidating everything in one SIPP.

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

I have found Richard to be very approachable and helpful in all aspects of sorting out my pension requirements. He has taken the time to fully explain every aspect of DB transfers to me. I also liked the open transparent approach about fee's upfront during the initial discussions. When it came to transferring the DB pensions into my SIPP Richard organised everything very efficiently and the whole process went very smoothly.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes so far everything has gone to plan

What could they have done better?

Very little could have been beeter, everything has gone very well.

Review from verified client

August, 2022

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

Looked for a financial advisor to help with transfer of my final salary pension scheme into a SIPP

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Richard has helped tremendously in ensuring that I am doing the correct thing transferring out of a final salary pension scheme…his support and advice has been wonderful and also a very pleasant person to deal with

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes all has been smooth nothing

Review from verified client

August, 2022

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

Advice on my pending retirement and my retirement pension pot

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Advise on investing my pension and how markets can affect future investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It's early days yet but hopefully things will pick up in the long term

What could they have done better?

Nothing really as everything was explained clearly and time given to make a decision

Review from verified client

August, 2022

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

Reaching the age when financial planning, and in particular retirement planning was becoming more of a focus and needed more than amateur enthusiasm.

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Calm, clear advice with patience to explain things in lay terms when needed. Also laying out the potential downsides as well as the upsides to any decision.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Early days but yes so far

What could they have done better?

The charges do seem high and are not linked to success - this is a problem with the industry, not with AAB or Richard. I think everyone would be willing to pay a management charge which was linked to growth but to pay a quite large charge when the investment is in decline is difficult to swallow!

Review from verified client

January, 2022

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

I was looking to transfer my works pension to a SIPP and through a colleague at work contacted Richard

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Richard moved my pension from my work to a personal pension. He has a wealth of knowledge in financial affairs. I had many meetings with Richard where he explained everything in such a way that I could understand what I always thought was a very complicated area Richard is very friendly and approachable and nothing is too much trouble for him. All questions that I had were answered very quickly. I am currently in the process of transferring my pension from the company where he worked previously to his current one as I have so much faith in him to steer me in the right direction

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing, excellent service

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Needing advice on how best to access various pension schemes in retirement.

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Richard's manner in encouraging my wife and me to consider our financial requirements and aspirations in retirement and providing advice based on his deep knowledge and experience of the pension industry in this context has been particularly impressive. Richard’s advice has enabled me to spread risk, avail of greater flexibility and draw pension assets in the most effective way but most of all, my wife and I have gained peace of mind that we are now as well placed financially as we can be.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Initially I thought the charges were high, but the level of support through the process and the benefits of the advice more than outweigh that. There is nothing I would suggest can be done better.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

nearing retirement

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

advised on all the options available relating to our existing pensions and savings and how best to manage our future income

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, Richard's advice clarified what our options were and once these were fully understood we were happy to proceed with his recommendations

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

We were looking for retirement planning advice.

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Richard was very helpful, not just taking us through a compliant process but also engaging with us to determine our needs/wants over the longer term. Richard has an engaging and friendly manner, which helps a lot when you are going through so much material.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing to date has been in need of improvement.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Considering moving my legacy DB pension arrangement over to DC

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Richard was great. His thoroughness shone through right from the start and he always took as long as necessary to answer any questions and be sure I understood the advice he was giving me. He was the first independent financial planner I have ever used and I couldn't recommend him highly enough - no hard sell, total attention to detail - a comprehensive evaluation of my requirements.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Time will tell but I am totally satisfied by Richard's efforts on my behalf.

What could they have done better?

I can't think of any aspect where I would have expected anything better or different from Richard.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard

I found Richard very easy to talk to and very good at explaining what can sometimes be difficult to understand. I would recommend him to anyone looking for financial advice.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

December, 2021

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard

Very helpful and really explained things clearly. I told Richard I was struggling to understand some of the information I already had and he went through it all until he was happy that I understood, also some details were missing and he explained them to me too.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

I was looking to review my pension planning and to ensure that what I had in place was right for my circumstances.

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Richard provided clear and concise advice. The process was excellent. He was very helpful and patient. I felt I was in safe hands

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely, I now have peace of mind that my pension planning is on safe hands, now and in the future

What could they have done better?

Nothing,I am very satisfied

Review from verified client

September, 2021

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

My wish to make a pension transfer

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Gave me financial advise regarding my transfer

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, transfer completed

Review from verified client

December, 2019

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

Advice for redundancy & retirement

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Richard considered my current financial circumstances and plans for the immediate future and subsequent years and talked in simple terms of the different options available to help me decide how to use my redundancy monies and derive the best income from my final salary pension scheme

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes the advice included different scenarios and options and was tailored to match my risk appetite

What could they have done better?

Richard was hugely responsive, very patient in explaining the various implications, he asked loads of questions to enure he understood everything about my finances and lifestyle and I loved the fact that whenever I had to take actions he gave me a list of what to do by when. His final report was easy to follow and fully reflected all of our discussions. He couldn't have made it any easier.

Review from verified client

November, 2019

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

I had a sum of money to invest and required advice on starting a personal pension.

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

We discussed my financial situation ,my plans for retirement and potential inheritance planning. He provided comprehensive advice , explaining the various options and risks. He also explained how to maximise my tax allowances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I have been very happy with the advice offered. If he had not explained the options so clearly, I would have been unaware of some of the benefits to be gained.

What could they have done better?

I do not think that the service provided could have been better.

Review from verified client

November, 2019

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

pensions

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

pull together all the different pensions and arranged them into a manageable portfolio.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

Review from verified client

October, 2019

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

Husband a client

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Financial advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

October, 2019

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

I retired at the age of 60 and I required advice and assistance regarding the investment of my Company Pensions, booth Final Salary and Auto Enrolled Pensions.

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Richard assisted me in transferring out my Final Salary Pension and other Pensions incomes into my SIPP.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

I cannot think of anything.

Review from verified client

October, 2019

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

We wanted to have flexibility over our pension plans in retirement rather than remaining in company plans.

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Richard provide us with clear guidance on the options available and advice on hedging our future exposure.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Too early to say as there have been some exception Al costs at start up.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

October, 2019

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

Leave current employee pension scheme.

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Richard gave sound and understandable advice. He also helped us when my husband was made redundant. His reassurance and sound advice really helped at a very difficult time.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing.....he was first class. Could not have asked for better advice

Review from verified client

October, 2019

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

Approaching retirement.

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Explained and analysed all the options and made appropriate recommendations.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

No complaints.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. No suggestions. Richard provides a lot of detail in the course of correspondence and discussions ... possibly more than some clients would want, but I like it. And it clearly demonstrates that he is fully on top of the subject matter.

Review from verified client

October, 2019

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

I have always seeked the advice of a financial adviser to ensure both my current and long term financial goals are achieved and my investment opportunities are maximised

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Richard has always fully understood my financial goals and my attitude to risk, has always offered highly professional advice recommending the best products available. Richard has always provided an exceptional quality of service and good value for money.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, complete peace of mind in the knowledge that my investments are being professionally monitored and managed and as a result my investment portfolio has steadily increased in value in line with my expectations.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Richard has always been in close contact and has always been very responsive and approachable. Richard has carried out regular financial reviews with me and has always provided clear and regular updates, actioning all requests and changes to my investment portfolio promptly and efficiently.

Review from verified client

October, 2019

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

A friend who had arranged a pension transfer from our "shared" employer Final Salary pension shceme, recommended MAM, and in particular, Richard.

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

He explained the advantages (and possible disadvantages) of executing such a transfer. He came across as a very sincere, knowledgeable and trustworthy adviser. The very detailed booklet, explaining how the transfer would work and what future outcomes might be, was much appreciated very helpful, because I am very cautious by nature.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

It is early days (less than 2 years of investment), but my investment is holding up so far.

What could they have done better?

Not sure

Review from verified client

October, 2019

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

Navigating the Lifetime Allowance restrictions

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

Consolidation of multiple pensions into one SIPP and plans for crystallisation at age 55

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I have been very pleased with Richard’s holistic service.

What could they have done better?

Nothing springs to mind.

Review from verified client

October, 2019

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

My husband inherited some money and was also planning his retirement. We wanted to make sure we were making good decisions for the future.

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

He was exceptionally thorough at gathering all the information about our circumstances, getting to know us as clients, planning with us and keeping us informed.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes......he is exceptionally good at explaining things and very perceptive about us as two individuals with different concerns.

What could they have done better?

I don't think he could have done anything better.

Review from verified client

October, 2019

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

I like to get professional advice in areas where it is appropriate

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

With all my financial needs. Particularly in relation to my pensions as i approach retirement

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing could have been improved.

Review from verified client

October, 2019

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

I required specialist advice on a number of pension schemes.

How has Richard Johnston helped you?

He gave tailored advice and helped explain very complex issues as clearly as possible. The ultimate aim is to maximise tax efficiency and ultimate yield.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. I consider that Richard's advice has ensured I am best placed in the long term. Although not cheap I consider his advice is worth it.

What could they have done better?

I cannot think of an area in which Richard could have improved.