Want to Change Your RL360 Adviser or Get a Second Opinion?

If you hold an RL360 investment bond and are considering changing financial adviser, you’re not alone.

Many RL360 policyholders originally established their bond years ago, often whilst living overseas or working with an adviser they no longer hear from regularly. They may have moved back to the UK and are thus now looking for UK regulated advice for their RL360 offshore bond.

Others simply want a fresh pair of eyes on their investments, charges and overall strategy.

The good news is that you can appoint a new adviser to your existing RL360 bond without surrendering the policy or disrupting its tax benefits.

Whether you’re unhappy with your current service, concerned about investment performance, questioning the fees you’re paying or simply looking for a second opinion, an independent review can often uncover opportunities to improve your position.

 

 

Why Clients Typically Contact Me

Most enquiries fall into one of the following categories:

• My adviser has retired or moved on

• I no longer receive regular reviews

• I have moved back to the UK and would like to receive UK-regulated advice

• I’m concerned about investment performance

• I thuink I’m paying high fund charges (with hidden commissions)

• My portfolio hasn’t been reviewed for years

• I want an independent, and unbiased, second opinion

Can You Change Adviser on an RL360 Investment Bond?

Yes.

Many investors are unaware that it is possible to appoint a new adviser to an existing RL360 investment bond without surrendering the policy. I’ve taken on many existing RL360 bonds over the years.

This means you can continue to benefit from the existing tax structure of the bond whilst receiving fresh advice, a new investment strategy and ongoing support from a different adviser.

In many cases, changing adviser is a straightforward process that requires only the completion of the relevant adviser appointment forms.

 

Case Study: Reducing Fund Costs from 1.75% to 0.33% Per Year

A recent client approached me with approximately £1 million invested through an RL360 offshore bond.

The existing portfolio contained a collection of actively managed funds with total ongoing fund charges of approximately 2.2% per annum.

While the funds themselves were not necessarily unsuitable, the portfolio suffered from several common issues:

• High ongoing costs

• Significant overlap between holdings

• Limited diversification

• No clear investment philosophy or portfolio structure

Following a full review, we restructured the portfolio using a globally diversified evidence-based investment approach.

The result was an immediate reduction in underlying fund costs from approximately 2.2% per annum to 0.33% per annum.

The client also benefited from:

• Broader global diversification

• Reduced concentration risk

• Greater transparency

• A simpler and more coherent investment strategy

• Improved long-term expectations for net returns after costs

Integrated Financial Planning – Advice on the offshore bond was provided as part of a wider financial planning strategy, ensuring it complemented the client’s broader goals, objectives and long-term financial position.

Of course, lower costs do not guarantee higher returns and investment performance can never be guaranteed. However, reducing unnecessary expenses can significantly improve the proportion of returns retained by investors over the long term.

Why Costs Matter

Many investors underestimate the impact of charges on long-term investment outcomes.

A seemingly small difference of 1% per annum can compound into a substantial amount over a retirement spanning 20 or 30 years.

Whilst cost should never be the sole consideration when selecting investments, unnecessary costs should always be challenged.

Every pound paid in avoidable charges is a pound that is no longer working for your future.

Why Consider a Second Opinion?

A second opinion can help answer important questions such as:

• Are my investments still suitable?

• Am I paying more than I need to?

• Is my portfolio properly diversified?

• Are there more tax-efficient planning opportunities available?

• Am I receiving value for the fees I pay?

• Does my current strategy remain aligned with my objectives?

Many clients find that even when no changes are recommended, the review provides valuable reassurance and peace of mind.

My Approach

As a Chartered Financial Planner and Chartered Investment Adviser, I specialise in helping UK residents, UK expats and internationally mobile families manage investments, pensions and offshore structures.

My focus is not on chasing market predictions or selecting fashionable funds.

Instead, I build evidence-based portfolios designed to deliver competitive long-term returns whilst keeping costs under control through broad diversification, disciplined portfolio construction and low-cost investment solutions. You can read about how the experiences that some of my clients have had with working with me here, at adviser review site: VouchedFor.co.uk 

Free RL360 Investment Bond Review

If you hold an RL360 investment bond and are considering changing adviser, or simply want an independent second opinion, I offer a free initial review with no obligation.

During the review we can discuss:

• Your current investment strategy

• The charges you are paying

• Portfolio diversification

• Performance expectations

• Tax planning considerations

• Whether your existing adviser arrangement continues to represent good value

In many cases the review simply provides reassurance that everything remains on track. In others, it may identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve diversification and better align your investments with your long-term objectives.

If your RL360 bond has not been reviewed recently, or you are questioning whether you are receiving value for the fees you pay, now may be an ideal time to obtain an independent second opinion.

Click here to arrange your free RL360 investment bond review or book an initial consultation.

Whether you ultimately decide to make changes or remain with your current arrangement, a second opinion can help ensure you are making informed decisions about a significant part of your wealth.