Rob Young

Review from verified client

March, 2024

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

Rob came to us highly recommended by our previous advisor as he was retiring.

How has Rob Young helped you?

He has helped us sort out our finances into easy to manage bite sized chunks and into safe investments. He explains everything very thoroughly and understands our lack of understanding of the financial world.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

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?

Looking for security.

How has Rob Young helped you?

Frequent emails.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Could have phoned up every few years for a quick review, though I admit the difficulty of finding a good time.

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

We have had a financial advisor for decades but on his retirement, he recommended Rob as his replacement. As an Armed Services family we were seeking support in terms of investment advice to enable us to buy a house and settle down on leaving the Army as well as the provision of education and finance (eg wedding) and inheritance for our daughter.

How has Rob Young helped you?

Routine reviews to ensure that our investments match our needs but, much more importantly, rapid responses to occasions where we have needed to draw money from our savings for specific purposes (car purchases, daughter's wedding etc). We have never needed to take out a loan other than our mortgage.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, Our mortgage is payed off, our daughter's wedding was covered financially and we are now looking at investment and other meaures to ensure that our daughter and newborn grandaughter will benefit from their inheritance. Over the years our life insurance/assurance policies have matched our needs and we have been able to draw upon them as required.

What could they have done better?

I can't think of anything.

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

Having had a SIPP for some years Rob was recommended by my then FA who was retiring .

How has Rob Young helped you?

With regular updates and meetings making sure our aims and progression are met.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely.

What could they have done better?

We are quite content with our current setup.

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

We had a wish to consolidate a number of pensions and seek advice on how best to invest the consolidated fund

How has Rob Young helped you?

Rob has given us confidence that our pension investment is in professional hands and growth, in accordance with our attitude to risk, is achieved. We would not be able to achieve this through personally managed pension facility.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely

What could they have done better?

Rob and his team offer a professional service and with his wide knowledge of investments, we are not in a position to suggest any improvement in service

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

Rob was suggested to us when our firmer advisor retired.

How has Rob Young helped you?

Suggested different saving and pension savings which have proved to be excellent advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely and his advice is second to none.

What could they have done better?

Nothing more. His advice us sound and honest

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

Family recommendation to safeguard our financial future as we enter our retired twilight years.

How has Rob Young helped you?

Rob has been available whenever we needed him for advice and clarification of the complex world of finance.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

In the current unstable world condition the performance of our portfolio had held up well.

What could they have done better?

Their all-round cover really can't be improved to our mind.

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

I had been using the same adviser 30 years when legislation changed and I moved across to Rob at Black Swan. This was many years ago now & I have been completely satisfied with the help & advice given since then.

How has Rob Young helped you?

With so much advice & clear thinking

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, a happy retirement

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?

Retirement

How has Rob Young helped you?

Collated numerous pension plans into one and recommended a series of investment in accordance with my risk profile and personal goals.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Given the current uncertainties in the economic and financial world - yes.

What could they have done better?

Not a lot.

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

I have always used a Finacial Advisor

How has Rob Young helped you?

He has set up my portfolio of savings and Pension

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, taking into account the financial downturn

What could they have done better?

I cannot think of anything.

Review from verified client

December, 2023

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

Need for financial advise, investment and growth

How has Rob Young helped you?

His good advice is sound, thoughtful and in tune with our philosophies. We have been well supported for many years and continue to do so!

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes!

What could they have done better?

Nothing comes to mind

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

I am getting old, and I have a large and varied portfolio of assets.

How has Rob Young helped you?

Always available. Knows his client. Knows his subject. Answers your questions. Doesn't bullshit.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Difficult to say.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

I needed to be sure that my pensions/investments were being properly looked after.

How has Rob Young helped you?

Rob is professional and friendly he is so knowledgeable providing simple straightforward facts which makes it easy for me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Can’t think of anything

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

I needed general investment and pension advice.

How has Rob Young helped you?

Rob has always explained his recommendations clearly and this has enabled me to make decisions based on his advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I am happy with the way the investments have been structured.

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

I had a number of pension policies and needed a plan to consolidate them. Rob came recommended by a trusted friend. I found Rob's advice to be clear and concise and would be happy to recommend his services.

How has Rob Young helped you?

After several months, Rob was able to gain access to my policies and In one of the older ones Rob found a caveat that allowed me to withdraw a larger than normal tax free sum, somthing I was unaware of.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The funds have had their ups and downs but looking good now

What could they have done better?

I have no issue

Review from verified client

November, 2023

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

I have a financial portfolio for which I needed attention since my last financial advisor retired. I was recommended to Rob.

How has Rob Young helped you?

Rob is the first person who was able to explain complex financial situations to me that I could understand. He gave me a far better understanding of my investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very much so, the outcome has been good despite a volatile market.

What could they have done better?

More regular updates although I have received very regular topically emails, I could have been kept up to date more often with my own financial situation

Review from verified client

January, 2023

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

I was recommended Rob when I was looking to sort out my pension and life insurance arrangements.

How has Rob Young helped you?

Rob took the time to run through and fill explain exactly what would be beneficial for my circumstances and why. On the back of this he then sourced exactly the products I needed jumping through many hoops along the way.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I’ve seen exactly the outcome I was hoping for. My pension arrangements are better than requested as are the insurance policies I now have in place.

What could they have done better?

Nothing, I couldn’t have asked for or received a better service than Rob provided.

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

Previous adviser retired and recommended Rob Young, Black Swan Financial Planning.

How has Rob Young helped you?

Rob Young has successfully managed my pension funds and substantial ISA investments. He acts as my IFA and has provided me not only with effective financial advice but also with his much appreciated personal service. In particular he recently proved instrumental in resolving a complex administrative issue with my pension fund which had delayed final pay-out of my long accumulated fund. This required not only his technical expertise but a considerable amount of time and determination to achieve a very satisfactory resolution.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Satifisfied with performance.

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

My previous advisor retired and recommended Rob.

How has Rob Young helped you?

Rob’s biggest attribute is being able to explain things in plain English to a client (me) is frankly bored stiff by anything to do with financial planning. He is patient and I truly believe that he has my best interest at heart.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far so good.

What could they have done better?

His coffee is a bit ropey.

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

Having some rather old pensions, I needed help in deciding how to proceed with approaching retirement.

How has Rob Young helped you?

Rob was clear and diligent throughout. We discussed my position at length and came to an outcome that best suited my needs for the future. Rob also delved into the specifics of my pensions to make sure I was able to make the best possible decisions. He also talked to my pension provider on my behalf to clarify some tricky small print. He was always able to find time to answer any questions I had.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, as far as my situation is concerned , there is no better outcome.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Ive pleased with everything.

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

Retirement

How has Rob Young helped you?

Regular updates and advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nithing

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

Planning

How has Rob Young helped you?

Constructive advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yea

What could they have done better?

Nothing

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

I was advised by my long term, trusted financial adviser on his retirement to go to Black Swan.

How has Rob Young helped you?

He has provided the kind of clarity and confidence in his judgment that I had known with my long term adviser .

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I have had good detailed handling of my investments, clear advice and quick responses to questions as they arose.

What could they have done better?

As someone who is concerned with the regular management of my investment I cannot think of anything that could have been done better.

Review from verified client

December, 2022

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

Reference

How has Rob Young helped you?

All requirements

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Can't think

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

Had a windfalll and did not not what to do for the best

How has Rob Young helped you?

Always had time to advise me without being pushy.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not a fair question at the present time

What could they have done better?

Nothing in the present financial climate

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

Retirement of previous much respected long-term adviser. We thought we couldn’t replace him. Rob Young proved we could!

How has Rob Young helped you?

Almost ten years.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I doubt if any other could have done better or been more assiduous.

What could they have done better?

Been cloned? Others Should be able to benefit!

Review from verified client

November, 2022

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

I needed advice on my pension.

How has Rob Young helped you?

Rob explain fully in plain english my options and gave me excellent advice on any tax implications going forward. Also sound advice when to start utilizing my pension. Would gladly recommend Rob to anybody as I was recommended by a good friend and client of Robs.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

To start preparing for retirement

How has Rob Young helped you?

Rob, looked at the various pension pots that we had. He looked at our savings, our incomings and our outgoings. He also looked at our mortgage. From the information presented to him, he was able to put a plan together that was eye opening.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

We are not aware of anything

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Having little knowledge of investing but needing to make provision for security in the long term for my wife and self with support from trusted a professional adviser.

How has Rob Young helped you?

I am very happy with the regular advice and friendly contact offered by Rob and the Team at Black Swan Capital. It is always reassuring to know there is someone to contact when help is needed, who can provide answers on financial matters in a clear uncomplicated manner.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Through careful discussion and consideration of our priorities we feel very comfortable that the aims for our financial future security are well on track.

What could they have done better?

Through difficult times experienced by everyone during this Pandemic is is hard to think of changes that could have been made to improve on excellent service - Thank you BSC.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Retirement plans

How has Rob Young helped you?

HE advised us on the best way to manage our money for the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes (In progress).

What could they have done better?

Nothing I can think of

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Recommended by our previous adviser, who retired and felt Rob was right for us and our circumstances.

How has Rob Young helped you?

Ongoing

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

advised by my accountant

How has Rob Young helped you?

Good advice and always available for a chat

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

YES

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

I HAD A LARGE SUM OF MONEY WHICH I NEEDED TO INVEST

How has Rob Young helped you?

Bty putting me into a fund that has grown

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Not sure

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Needed viable financial planning after 45 years in military service/working for the MOD.

How has Rob Young helped you?

Advised and assisted in making best use of investments for major purchases, including clearing of interest only mortgage

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, mortgage largely cleared and significant investments for house including extension and replacement bio-digester system covered.

What could they have done better?

Rob was recommended to me by my previous financial advisor on retirement. He has not let that trust down and I have been very happy with his support.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

My previous advisor rretired and recommended him.

How has Rob Young helped you?

Financial advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I think so.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Saving for the future (which is now here).

How has Rob Young helped you?

Investment advice, fund selection, optimisation of charges, financial planning.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Sometimes a bit slow to respond to inquiries.

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Due to an unexpected inheritance my late husband and I wanted advice on how best to invest it.

How has Rob Young helped you?

He suggested several options with us and fully explained them all.Yes

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing as far as I can see

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Inability to monitor my finances myself

How has Rob Young helped you?

By responding to my requests fir advice

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing I am aware of

Review from verified client

December, 2021

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

Needed to invest savings

How has Rob Young helped you?

Gave me good a advice organised investments

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not yet

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

I had passed the normal retirement age of 65 and had several different pension plans that needed consolidation. I also wanted advice about the options available for investing the funds, and securing an income from them, in line with my future expectations.

How has Rob Young helped you?

He assumed responsibility for the whole exercise of consolidation in a professional manner and offered alternative strategies for investment.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Given the challenges presented by the COVID pandemic and without comparing the performance of different investment platforms - not a lot!

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

We have had the benefit of advice from an IFA since 1978 and on his retirement he highly recommended Rob Young.

How has Rob Young helped you?

He took time to review our past history with our previous advisor and didn't presume to offer advice until he had a full understanding of our needs

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Certainly - we feel confident & secure of our financial situation for our retirement.

What could they have done better?

Perhaps a little quicker in responses to changes in personal circumstances.

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

I value experts (unlike our politicians)

How has Rob Young helped you?

planning and overseeing my pension fund

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing to my knowledge

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

I have had a financial adviser since 1982, looking after savings, investments and pensions. Chris Teasdale took over when my first advisor retired and he then passed me on to Rob Young.

How has Rob Young helped you?

Rob has managed and advised on my and my wife's investments for several years and feel the advice he has given to be very sound. He has also been "on the ball" when it comes to errors made by a service provider.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Considering the difficult financial climate the world has been going through, yes.

What could they have done better?

I have no idea.

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

On recaching retirement we wanted to put our savings in to something that would, hopefully, give us a better return than a bank or building society

How has Rob Young helped you?

He took time to explain the different options. Had us fill out the 'risk assessment' forms. Went through them with us giving us different permutations. He gave us a balance between my wife and my views as I am slightly more risk adverse than she is. He is also ensuring that our funds are invested in the most tax efficient ways.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

The outcomes have been much better than we anticipated due to the fluctuating economic climate.

What could they have done better?

As Rob stays in touch regularly with updates and recommendations we don't believe that he could really do any better.

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

I Need on going financial and pension advise from an independent party.

How has Rob Young helped you?

Rob has been a great sounding board for various issues and has come back with viable solutions.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Some times the advise has taken time

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

My independent financial advisor (IFA) retired. Black Swan acquired his client portfolio. I changed jobs and wanted some income protection/ critical illness cover.

How has Rob Young helped you?

Rob was incredibly helpful. He gave me a range of options. Explained the costs. He even forfeited some of his commission as it was our first interaction. Incredible service.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

Nothing. Rob and Black Swan were superb in this and all the other stuff they have helped me with.

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

I have had a financial adviser for a long term- I need one has I head into retirement

How has Rob Young helped you?

Managing investments and ISAs

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I have seen my investments grow and outperform the FTSE 100 and other leading indices

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

Retirement of my IPA

How has Rob Young helped you?

Management of my ISA

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

I'm confident that we have the right strategy for future growth of my investment.

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

We knew we needed advice to ensure that in our old age we would have sufficient income to live an independent life.

How has Rob Young helped you?

He first did an audit of what we were expecting from our investments and then advised how to ensure we were protected for the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, very much.

What could they have done better?

Nothing really considering the present market conditions.

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

My wife and I felt that we needed expert knowledge and advice to ensure that we received the best return on our assets

How has Rob Young helped you?

Rob has been proactive and invaluable in providing advice and constructive planning

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Work in progress as this is a continuing situation

What could they have done better?

No particular comment

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

Rob was recommended and introduced to us by our previous highly regarded and trusted financial advisor of many years standing who was retiring

How has Rob Young helped you?

Rob has helped me with all my financial affairs. I do not have a head for these matters. He simplifies and organises my pension and investments into a relatively ‘green’ portfolio. As a cautious investor, I am grateful that he is careful with my finances.

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?

30 years ago being self employed, I needed advice on pension, mortgage and financial planning.

How has Rob Young helped you?

Several years ago my original adviser retired. He introduced me to Rob and Black Swan who have ever since looked after me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very pleased with Rob. He explains options clearly and his advice is clearly beneficial.

What could they have done better?

Trebled my wealth ?

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

Not impressed by previous adviser

How has Rob Young helped you?

Easy ti talk to and investment growth good.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

yes

What could they have done better?

NOT SURE IT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

I was advised to

How has Rob Young helped you?

He’s put my money in to a pension, ISA’s and investments. He has listened to my wishes regarding the ethical nature and direction I want my money to go and found suitable funds that have performed well.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes. The money has grown nicely. His advice has been good.

What could they have done better?

Possibly replied to queries a little quicker, but otherwise all good

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

Investments and pension planning

How has Rob Young helped you?

I received expert advice and information on managing pension and investments and property. Rob gives generously of his time and I trust his advice and knowledge. His support is sensitive and invaluable.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

I really do not know.

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

My last IFA retired and he recommended Rob Young to look after my small portfolio through my old age.

How has Rob Young helped you?

He has set up an Elevate account and is there for me when I want to add any new income?

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Nothing that I can tink of.

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

Our previous excellent IFA of several decades retired. We knew he would be very hard to replace.Through him we were introduced to Black Swan, and though it took time to convince us we would be in safe and involved hands in a larger company, that time has passed and we could not be more pleased to have Rob guide us through the mysteries and magic (plus the everyday 'stuff') of financial planning, to the stage where we feel utterly secure in his advice (even though we might argue now and then). We are, to repeat the well-worn cliche, in safe hands. His personal service and care at a time of great personal difficulty has taken a great burden off our shoulders.

How has Rob Young helped you?

I think I said it all! Through personal visits and calls whenever necessary, he encouraged us to think about the future and our financial position in greater depth than we really wanted to, going out of his way to ensure we understood at every stage, and making us aware of the bigger financial/global/market picture. Our inclination to be lazy and 'leave it to him' was discouraged and the result has been our at first reluctant active participation.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Making us millionaires? Not quite, but he has made us feel financially secure, allways bearing in mind our own sometimes rather eccentric requirements. When our circumstances change, as they soon must, we sincerely hope he will continue to help us manage our affairs.

What could they have done better?

Made us millionaires! But then that would have required us to take far higher risks than we were prepared to!

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

Needed expert advice on private pensions

How has Rob Young helped you?

Consolidated pensions into best annuity, with a capital drawdown

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?

My previous financial adviser retired, and Black Swan took over his client list. I inherited Rob Young rather than choosing him, but I'm very glad (and lucky) that I did.

How has Rob Young helped you?

In addition to the fact that his financial performance is way in excess of my previous financial adviser, I feel that I can really trust him to be honest with me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far yes.

What could they have done better?

I can't fault Rob Young, so I can't say what he could have done better.

Review from verified client

November, 2021

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

Have always had one. Rob inherited me on retirement of my previous adviser.

How has Rob Young helped you?

Gave good information. Not too pushy.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Have not activated retirement funds yet so not too much yet.

Review from verified client

April, 2021

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

Coming up to and planning retirement

How has Rob Young helped you?

Various suggestions about pensions and annuities

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Very much so

What could they have done better?

Satisfied with all the advice

Review from verified client

April, 2021

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

We were advised many years ago and Charles Prince recommended Rob Young at Black Sean when he retired. We have been very pleased with the advice and assistance he has given.

How has Rob Young helped you?

His advice to us has been quite sound. And when we ask for help he has come back with a number of options and given very wise counsel and advice.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes.

What could they have done better?

We do not think he could have done much better we are happy with the assistance and advice he has provided to us..

Review from verified client

September, 2020

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

ADVISED BY ACCOUNTANT

How has Rob Young helped you?

CAME TO MY HOUSE AND AS THE OCCASION AROSE OVERHAULED MY FINANCES WHICH WERE ALL OVER THE PLACE

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

YES

What could they have done better?

NOTHING I KNOW OF.

Review from verified client

August, 2020

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

Investment advice

How has Rob Young helped you?

Rob gave me the opportunity to complete a risk preference profile, and then discussed various investment options

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

Review from verified client

July, 2020

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

Pension advice

How has Rob Young helped you?

Rob helped me access some money from my account

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Top advice as usual

Review from verified client

June, 2020

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

We were both approaching retirement and we needed financial security long term

How has Rob Young helped you?

We initially dealt with Charles Prince CPAssociates until the handover to Black Swan Capital and our introduction to Rob Young .

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes but concerned this year Due to the impact on Financial markets by Brexit and Corona Virus .

What could they have done better?

We are happy with Rob Young as he stays in touch and Keeps us updated and offers advice

Review from verified client

June, 2020

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

Some four years ago, our previous Financial Adviser, with whom we had dealt over many years, was about to retire and Black Swan absorbed his business, taking over those existing clients who wished to maintain a level of continuity. Given the understanding of our financial situation that Rob showed, we saw no need look for alternative advisors.

How has Rob Young helped you?

Rob Young was extremely helpful in providing us with a sustainable and sound financial plan, enabling us to continue our retirement with our financial concerns largely taken care of. Against some initial minor misgivings, he was able to show that his suggestions were eminently "doable" and we have been able broadly to follow these ever since.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have benefited greatly by following the plan and have proved to ourselves that it has, indeed, been "doable". Our financial situation is under control and we are so pleased to have followed the invaluable advice given by Rob.

What could they have done better?

We cannot think of any specific additional actions or activities that Rob could have taken as we have been extremely happy with how things have turned out despite the interruption of the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Review from verified client

June, 2020

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

Passed on from my previous adviser

How has Rob Young helped you?

Good straightforward information, concisely and clearly set out

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Not needed much help yet but aware that he is there for me when needed.

Review from verified client

May, 2020

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

Inherited a sum of money which I needed help i investing

How has Rob Young helped you?

I was originally with Charles Prince of CPA, who, before his retirement joined up with Black Swan in order to effect the transitioning of some of his clients to another financial advice service. I met both Jessica Lyons who worked with Charles Prince, and Rob Young of Black Swan around ten years ago, and when Charles finally retiredI became a full client of Black Swan Capital with Rob as my financial adviser, oversseing my investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

As far as I am aware, Rob has always given me the best advice possible. He seems to me to be alert to what is happening in the world, is conscientious in his work, very approachable, and generous with his time. I have always found him clear in his explanations of anything I don't understand: he responds immediately to any queries I have and I have trust in his judgement.

Review from verified client

May, 2020

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

We needed mortgage advice in 1998 . Our former financial adviser retired and he recommended Black Swan Capital

How has Rob Young helped you?

He gave advice re investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

So far, yes. We did hope for our portfolios to make a profit and that has happend until Covid-19 happened. We are now hoping for a good recovery.

Review from verified client

May, 2020

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

Initially, to get the best mortgage

How has Rob Young helped you?

He has taken over my financial planning since my earlier advisor retired. Mainly pension and ISA investments.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Can’t think of anything.

Review from verified client

May, 2020

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

I was past normal retirement age, had several pension plans and was seeking general guidance on the best way forward.

How has Rob Young helped you?

He outlined concisely the various alternatives available to me which included the transfer of all existing plans into one "fund". He arranged for this process to be completed efficiently and quickly and for the aggregate amount to be invested in the Standard Life Elevate Platform - as discussed and agreed.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Until two months ago and the onset of the COVID-19 crisis - yes.

What could they have done better?

I would personally find it useful to have occasional briefings and recommendations on investments in general. For example, I frequently found brokers "Buy" and "Sell" recommendations for equities of interest and value. I still would ... but maybe there are similar recommendations, or performance tables, for pension funds? I would also like to understand better the decision making process within Elevate which causes investments to be bought, sold, increased or "halved". Is it just one or two "analysts" making that decision or are decisions taken after a much more comprehensive and rigorous process?

Review from verified client

May, 2020