What is wealth management?

Unlike financial advice services, wealth management is a comprehensive process that considers multiple aspects of a client’s financial life.

The goal of wealth management is to help you reach financial security by growing and protecting your wealth.

The type of client is often what separates a financial adviser and a wealth manager. Wealth managers typically work with high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), those with more than $1 million in investable assets.

Aside from those with large amounts of liquid wealth, wealth managers can also support those with complex needs requiring a more holistic financial planning approach.

Wealth management firms like Holborn Assets typically offer a wide range of services, including:

• Investment management
• Retirement planning
• Estate planning
• Tax advice and planning
• Risk management
• Cash flow management
• Asset protection

This is just a general overview of wealth management. For a more in-depth breakdown, read our What is Wealth Management guide.

Alternatively, our guide on How to Choose the Right Wealth Management Firm has everything you need to know to find the right financial professional for you and your needs.

Why you need a wealth management strategy

Now that we understand what a wealth management strategy is, we can look at the importance of having one. Here are some of the key benefits:

Investment management

A wealth management strategy can help you develop an investment plan that aligns with your goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.

A wealth manager will work with you to develop an investment strategy. They will also offer expert investment advice, helping you make more informed decisions before putting your money into the stock market.

You can also choose to have your portfolio managed by a specialist investment manager. Sometimes referred to as asset managers, investment managers provide a more hands-on approach to wealth management.

Read our guide on the difference between wealth and asset management to learn more.

Risk management

Another benefit of a wealth management strategy is its ability to help lower risk. And while you can’t eliminate it altogether, with the right approach, you limit your risk exposure.

For example, asset allocation and diversification strategies can help ensure the performance of investment portfolios are well equipped for any fluctuations due to market volatility.

When market conditions are poor, a well-diversified portfolio of the major asset classes and mutual funds can help reduce the risk of losing money.

Retirement planning

Retirement planning is a crucial aspect of wealth management. It helps you develop a clear roadmap, helping you reach your financial objectives by the time you stop working.

A wealth management strategy can help you plan for retirement in a way that aligns with your goals and when you plan to stop working. This will help ensure you are financially secure and equipped to live the life you want when you retire.

Tax optimisation

Tax can have an impact on your investment returns as well as other areas of your financial life. A wealth management strategy can help you optimise your tax situation.

Wealth managers can help identify tax-efficient options and structure your assets to reduce your overall tax burden.

For more information, read our Tax Planning in Wealth Management guide.

Estate planning

A wealth management strategy helps you create a comprehensive estate plan. This will ensure your financial assets are distributed according to your wishes.

Estate planning can include writing a will as well as structuring your assets in a tax-efficient manner via a trust.

Saving time and effort

Developing, monitoring and overseeing a wealth management strategy requires three things. Sound financial knowledge, time and work.

You can save time and effort by delegating the work to experienced professionals. Doing so means less stress and more time to focus on other things.