Richard McKeown

Repeat review from verified client

August, 2024

This review is a follow-up review from a client who left a review previously.

How has Richard McKeown helped you since your last review?

Richard has monitored our ongoing needs, and whether we considered any changes were necessary, which we didn't. He advised of an alternative, better performing fund, and that it's performance would be reviewed on a daily basis. This is much better than my previous adviser

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

We had a lump sum from an NHS pension to invest.

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

Fully explained our investment Fully explained about the market with regards our shares. He doesn’t try to pressurise us but explains things very thoroughly. He has a lovely approachable demeanour

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

On the whole yes. It’s been a tough time for markets but with my share ISA and my wife’s share ISA, we see our investment in the longterm

What could they have done better?

Just the markets could have been better. Richard himself has been exemplary. He is very approachable and easily contactable.

Richard's reply

Dear Ian, Thank you for taking the time to provide such a positive review. It is a pleasure to advise both yourself and Joanna. Regards Richard

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

Collate old pensions and consolidate

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

Always available, always personable, professional and courteous

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Na

Richard's reply

Thank you for positive review Tom. I look forward to working with you moving forward, and helping you to achieve your financial objectives. Richard

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

I was part of a management buyout and we were recommended to St James's Place by our bank

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

yes

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing that i can think off

Richard's reply

Thank you for you positive review Mark. It is a pleasure to work with you, and advice you over the years. Richard

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

I t was teh right tiem to start saving for the future an dfamily an dRichard was recomended to me and I woud highlt recommend him to anyone in need

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

100%

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

ABSOLUTLEY

What could they have done better?

Nothojg he i svery natural andhonest in his advise and assesments

Richard's reply

Thank you for your feedback Dan Richard

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

Needed help

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

Excellent

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing-A1 service

Richard's reply

Hi Craig Thank you for the kind words and positive feedback. If I can provide any further help please let me know. Richard

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

I was considering early retirement.

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

Richard provided good, detailed advice on the most appropriate way forward given my circumstances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Greater transparency around fees to manage expectations.

Richard's reply

Thank you Anthony for taking the time to provide such positive feedback. I look forward to working with you and advising you to achieve your financial objectives. Richard

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

We have dealt with Richard to many years and totally trust his advice. We needed help with our pension and financial planning.

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

Richard has been very patient and helpful. Due to family bereavements, Richard has helped us focus and track our family finances to plan for the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

No

Richard's reply

Dear Fhiona and Mark Thank you for taking the time to provide such positive feedback. I am glad i was able to help consolidate your pension last year, and look forward to helping you both to achieve your retirement objectives. Richard

Review from verified client

September, 2023

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

We had previously been advised by Money Matters and were transferred to Sovereign Wealth

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

He has advised me on my ISA and pension provision

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. The ISA has performed well and provided me with income for several "treats".

Richard's reply

Dear Pippa and Tim Thank you for your kind words, it is a pleasure to work with you and advise you on your pensions and investments. Richard

Review from verified client

September, 2023

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

To amalgamate all pensions.

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

Consolidated all pensions under one provider - distributed monies into various funds whilst helping chose best risk strategy commensurate with age and length to retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Have full confidence in future outcome of funds.

Richard's reply

Dear Karen and Louis It was my pleasure to help you both consolidate your pensions last year, and i look forward to continue to work with you in the years ahead. Regards Richard

Review from verified client

August, 2023

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

As above

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

As above

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

As above as above

What could they have done better?

As above

Richard's reply

Dear Nick and June Thank you for your positive feedback. Richard

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2022

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard

Straightforward, easy and simple to understand with varied options for my needs

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

Early retirement

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

Advised on how I could transfer pensions funds for flexibility in retirement.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Richard's reply

Thank you for your positive feedback Andy Regards Richard

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2022

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard

Richard has been extremely diligent and thorough in his assessment of my finances. Whilst discussing his findings and recommendations, Richard was more than happy to explain in more simplistic terms, anything that I was not understanding completely.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2022

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard

The Financial review and following service from Richard was outstanding no stone was left unturned, very accommodating and fully comprehensive throughout the process. Truly provided a professional service with my interests firmly at the forefront.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2022

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard

Very good experience. Excellent, clear advice and with an honest, consultative approach.

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

November, 2022

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard

I went to Richard with quite a specific remit, he clearly understood my needs and also gave additional supporting advice, he is very empathetic and professional.

Review from verified client

October, 2022

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

Allways used one

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

Keeps me upto date with financial matters that me and my investments and pensions

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

That depends on financial markets, especially in long term

What could they have done better?

Not in my opinion

Richard's reply

Thank you for your positive feedback, it has been a pleasure to work with you over the years, and i look forward to continue to do so. Richard

Review from verified client

October, 2022

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

I had a pension from SJP dating back many years, and Richard took over as my relationship manager when a previous manager retired

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

Richard has advised on what funds to invest pension pots in

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Overall, yes - naturally values have taken a hit recently following situation in Ukraine and the turmoil in the UK government

What could they have done better?

Can't think of anything sepcific

Richard's reply

Thank you for your positive feedback Paul Richard

Review from verified client

September, 2022

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

Whilst having experience in Personal Taxation do not have experience in investment / pension planning and with a reasonable sized portfolio needed specialsir advice.

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

Richard monitors our investments along with his colleagues and provides annual face to face updates of our position and ensures that our attitude to risk is reflected in our investment portfolio. He also advises on drawdowns from our investments as and when we require cash for planned expenditure.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Not sure anything could be improved on. Response times are excellent and paperwork is always correct.

Richard's reply

Thank you for your kind words, and positive feedback Richard

Review from verified client

August, 2022

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

Mm y husband passed away and left me with a large amount of money.

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

He has helped me invest my money both for me and the children.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Richard's reply

Thank you for your feedback Gill Richard

Review from verified client

August, 2022

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

I was dissatisfied with the performance of the funds with my previous financial adviser; I knew from friends that Richard's equivalent fund was performing significantly better.

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

Richard has been diligent in the transfer of ISA's and pension funds across from my previous IFA.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Early days yet, but I know his past performance is reason for confidence.

What could they have done better?

N/A

Richard's reply

Thank you for your kind words and positive feedback Richard

First impression from a user who is not yet a client

March, 2022

Please provide a brief comment about your experience with Richard

Richard is knowledgeable, professional and friendly. He explained everything in a clear and concise way.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Coming to an age where I really needed to get some advice on my future planning and needs .

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

He explained the best way forward to create a financial planning protection and pension planning . Thus allowing us the right decisions going forward

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Its very early days and hope to be satisfied by annual reports

What could they have done better?

N/A

Richard's reply

Thank you for your positive feedback Richard

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

Looking towards retirement

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

Arranged drawdown payments when required and managed savings investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Richard's reply

Thank you for your positive feedback Richard

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

My husband and I were purchasing a house together and wanted to get all our finances in order.

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

Richard took time to explain everything to us, we have full confidence that Richard is working in our best interest

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes more than happy.

Richard's reply

Thank you for your positive feedback Richard

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

My previous FA joined Sovereign Wealth and took me with him

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

Sorted my 25 % tax free lump sum before 75 years of age threshold

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing i am very happy with my current assistance

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

I wanted to invest in stocks and shares, and needed advice.

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

Richard gave me expert guidance and handled the process for me

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes Richard had managed my stocks abs shares successfully for many years now.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Richard's reply

Thank you for your positive feedback Richard

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

Starting a new business so needed to transfer pensions from my old employers, amend insurances and protection and advice in general.

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

He was able to advise and guide me with my pensions , insurances i need to take due to me now being self employed and helping me overall.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far so good and would recommend Richard to my friends and colleagues.

What could they have done better?

Nothing at all

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

Investment of funds

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

Richard was incredibly helpful with understanding the various investment options and adapting them to fit my personal preferences

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

Long term advice

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

Help and advice to transfer money from another pension fund Advice regarding best portfolio for my pension investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

We had previously sold a business and needed help and advice on current and future investments.

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

He gave us professional advice on investments and inheritance tax planning, he explained in layman's terms. Nothing was too much trouble and always available on the end of a phone.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, we are very happy with his advice

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

We already had a financial adviser and we were transferred to Richard when his company took over our existing one.

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

Richard helped us to review our investments and advised us how to make better use.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very much so , despite recent global issues.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. We have been delighted with every aspect of Richard’s support so far.

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

Pension consolidation

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

Did the leg work to consolidate my pensions and then has provided subsequent advice re financial planning for the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, so far

What could they have done better?

N/A

Review from verified client

October, 2021

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

Early retirement and investing an inheritance.

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

By talking through the various options available and putting a financial plan in place to best suit my families circumstances.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet, as it is very early days.

What could they have done better?

We did encounter some administrative delays in the processing of our investment requests, these were eventually sorted out but did need a prompt from myself. Covid staffing issues were the reasons given, which is understandable I guess.

Review from verified client

October, 2021

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

I wanted to understand what the value of my pensions and the best way of increasing their value.

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

Richard took my wife and I through all the different scenarios and made it very easy to understand what they would mean in terms of returns and cost.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We are living in strange times but I am pleased to say that my expectations have been surpassed and I can relax in the knowledge that my finances are in good hands.

What could they have done better?

Very difficult to say as I have no issues with the service and outcome.

Review from verified client

October, 2021

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

We sold shares in our company.

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

Richard advised us about forward planning and our planning for our investments and inheritance planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very happy with what we Richard has invested for us, happy with the results in the past few years of troubling times.

What could they have done better?

I actually do not think they could have done more, I talk to friends who have investments similar to ourselves and I feel ours are doing better than what they have .

Review from verified client

October, 2021

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

To get advice on investments and pensions

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

Richard is very knowledgeable and experienced. His advice has proved to be most valuable. Richard is also very friendly, personable and responsive and demonstrates that he has my best interests at heart.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Still ongoing

What could they have done better?

Nothing to note

Review from verified client

October, 2021

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

New business so looking at pensions, putting them into one pot and also making yearly limp sum contributions in a tax efficient way.

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

Richard gave me advice, showed me examples and came across as a genuine knowledgeable person when acting on my intructions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Short term yes and longer term view to still be realised but i have no reason to think things will not be smooth

What could they have done better?

Nothing really. I am really happy so far and keep in regular contact.

Review from verified client

October, 2021

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

Long-term personal financial goals.

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

I started my fund with Sovereign Wealth over 10 years ago and cannot speak highly enough of the service and help I have received from Richard, with his razor- sharp mind, he has advised and helped me develop my portfolio. All this combined with a warm and effusive personality which immediately adds a personal, trustworthy relationship for me as a client. I would not hesitate in recommending him to anyone.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Every year that goes by my portfolio has seen good growth through Richards advice and planning

What could they have done better?

Nothing that comes to mind.

Review from verified client

October, 2021

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

Mainly based on the need for consolidating and further investing in pensions and retirement fund

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

Richard has helped me with my pension planning, tax mitigation and insurance needs. By identifying the loss of my personal allowance for income tax, he helped me to reclaim up to 60% in tax relief through pension planning. I have found Richard to be very professional and diligent in his approach and have been extremely happy with the results.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

nothing

Review from verified client

October, 2021

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

I was getting my finances in shape for my impending retirement. I had taken out avc’s with his company almost thirty years earlier and had built up a significant level of trust over that time.

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

I have been a customer of St. James's Place for almost thirty years, so when i started to think about my retirement plans they were the natural place to go. I received very sound advice and was happy with the plan to secure my financial future. I found my adviser to be trustworthy, efficient and professional. I would have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

All going well so far!

Review from verified client

October, 2021

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

To consolidate my pension and to understand how to reduce my income tax.

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

I approached Richard to consolidate a number of historic pensions from previous employers which were proving difficult to administer. Richard was able to move these into one manageable pension. From there he has also given me guidance on how best reduce my income tax. With Richards advice I have been able to reclaim income tax up to 60%.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

October, 2021

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

The need for long term financial planning whilst earning, to ensure retirement income and estate planning for I inheritance planning.

How has Richard McKeown helped you?

I have been a client of Richard for the past 4 years and cannot fault his service. We have regular reviews and his support is always exceptional. He has been particularly helpful in advising on my IHT and Trust Planning, along with providing me with an excellent balance of income and capital growth from my investments. I would not hesitate to recommend Richard to anyone.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Definitely, the advice given has always been first class and the correct balance of risk to ensure I have an income in retirement.