FAQ
Answers to questions that arise before starting an advisory engagement: fees, banks, decision-making, planning, and working methods. These answers describe the service in general terms; the specific scope of the engagement is always defined with the client.
Understanding the service before choosing.
The quality of advisory services is also evident in the questions you can ask: who pays the professional, where the assets are held, what information is required, and how results are monitored over time. Here you will find clear answers to guide your initial discussion.
Independence and the client relationship
What does an independent financial advisor do?
They analyze the client's situation and formulate recommendations aligned with their goals, needs, and risk profile, without basing their compensation on product sales. The work may include reviewing portfolios, costs, and relationships with intermediaries, within the limits of the agreed-upon engagement.
Why is independence important?
It helps separate professional judgment from incentives linked to the distribution of financial instruments. An independent advisor is paid by the client; therefore, it is useful to ask—before the engagement begins—how fees are determined, what the scope of service is, and how any potential conflicts of interest are handled.
Do I need to transfer my money or change banks?
Generally, no: assets can remain with the banks and custodians chosen by the client. The advisor analyzes and makes recommendations; actual transactions and asset custody remain with authorized intermediaries. Any changes to existing arrangements are considered only when there is a concrete reason to do so, following a review of costs, services, and constraints.
How much does the advisory service cost?
The fee depends on the scope of the mandate, the complexity of the situation, and the level of ongoing support required. Before engaging an advisor, it is advisable to obtain a written proposal outlining the activities, duration, fees, and payment terms. Assessing the value of the service also involves reviewing costs already incurred through existing financial arrangements.
Can advisory services help me reduce portfolio costs?
They can help identify commissions, overlapping investments, and inefficient terms. We analyze the costs associated with financial instruments, services, and intermediary relationships; we compare alternatives that align with your goals and risk profile, while also factoring in advisory fees and any costs associated with making changes. If avoidable expenses are identified, we propose appropriate measures. Actual savings depend on the specific situation and cannot be guaranteed.
Is the advisory service limited to ETFs?
ETFs are just one category of instruments that can be evaluated. The choice depends on the client's needs and the role each investment plays in the overall plan, taking into account risks, costs, and specific characteristics. No single category is suitable for every situation.
Planning and methodology
What is evaluated during the portfolio analysis?
Depending on the mandate, the analysis considers investment allocation, market exposure, liquidity, and costs. It also examines diversification and risk, relating them to the client's goals, time horizon, and capacity to absorb potential losses.
Why engage in planning if I already have investments?
A portfolio is only part of the picture. Liquidity needs, time horizons, retirement planning, protection, real estate, and family or business goals can all influence the choices made. Planning connects these dimensions, clarifies priorities, and allows the plan to be revised when circumstances change.
What is the significance of the reference to the CFP® methodology?
CFP® is a personal professional certification, distinct from registration in the official register of financial advisors. The planning standards promoted by FPSB describe a process that begins with the client relationship and objectives, proceeds through data, analysis, and recommendations, and encompasses implementation and review. Fabrizio Tito holds the CFP® certification; TM Progress is the working method of TM & PARTNERS SCF and is not the same as the certification name.
What are the ten pillars of the TM & PARTNERS SCF method?
The position paper links asset allocation, quantitative and qualitative analysis, macroeconomic scenarios, investment discipline, efficiency, active choices, profiling, diversification, risk control, and communication. Each principle must be interpreted within the context of the client's objectives and constraints.
How does TM Progress work?
It organizes the work into knowledge, analysis, planning, evaluation, coordination, and monitoring. These phases help identify the information required, the rationale behind a recommendation, and when updates are necessary. The depth of each phase depends on the specific situation and the mandate.
Who makes the decisions, and how often is the plan reviewed?
Decisions remain the responsibility of the client—or the relevant governing bodies in the case of companies or institutions. The advisor provides the necessary analysis, alternatives, and rationale. The frequency and content of reviews are defined in the engagement agreement and are adapted to reflect personal, corporate, asset-related, or market changes.
Is it possible to guarantee better returns?
It is not possible to guarantee future results or superior performance; investments carry the risk of capital loss. Advisory services help you make informed decisions aligned with your plan; outcomes also depend on market performance.
Why choose TM & PARTNERS SCF?
Choosing an advisor requires trust and verifiable credentials. TM & PARTNERS SCF is registered in the Financial Advisory Firms section of the OCF Register. Defined roles and coordinated expertise underpin a documented methodology. Independent analysis of assets and costs can reveal overlaps and avoidable expenses; we evaluate actions aligned with your goals and risk profile.
- Regulated independence: registration in the SCF section of the OCF Register and fees agreed upon with the client.
- Analysis of portfolios, overlaps, and costs to identify potential savings.
- Defined roles and coordinated specialists for families, businesses, and institutions.
- Personal planning with a focus on CFP® standards and periodic reviews.
- Continuous monitoring and benchmarking in accordance with the mandate.
Sources for further information
General answers have been adapted from information published by professional associations and the planning standards body. They do not replace personalized disclosures and mandates.
NAFOP: choosing a fee-only advisor · FPSB: financial planning process · FPSB Italy: CFP® certification