Questions we're asked every week.
If your question isn't covered below, please get in touch. Many of the questions featured here began as conversations with clients seeking clarity on their financial decisions, investment strategies or retirement planning.
The Firm
01 What does Central Accord do?
We provide personalised financial advice and investment management services to individuals, families, retirees, business owners and self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs).
Our services may include retirement planning, superannuation advice, investment advice, wealth management, estate planning considerations, risk insurance advice and cash flow planning. Depending on a client's circumstances, we may also provide portfolio management services and investment solutions designed to support their long-term financial objectives.
02 Who owns Central Accord?
Central Accord operates under its own Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL). We are not owned by a bank, insurance company or product manufacturer.
Our advice process is designed to place client interests at the centre of every recommendation. Any fees, remuneration arrangements or potential conflicts of interest are disclosed in accordance with regulatory requirements and outlined in writing before personal financial advice is provided.
03 Is there a minimum amount required to become a client?
The appropriate engagement structure depends on the type of service being provided.
For advice-focused engagements, there is generally no minimum asset requirement. For investment management services, suitability will depend on factors such as portfolio size, complexity and the nature of the investment strategy being considered.
Where we believe another solution may be more appropriate or cost-effective, we will discuss this openly and help you understand your available options.
04 Can you work with my existing accountant and solicitor?
Yes. We regularly work alongside accountants, solicitors and other professional advisers to help ensure strategies are coordinated and aligned with a client's broader objectives.
Where appropriate, we may liaise with your existing professional advisers, with your consent, to support a more integrated approach to financial planning and wealth management.
Fees
01 How are your fees structured?
Our fees vary depending on the scope of advice, complexity of your circumstances and the services provided.
Depending on the engagement, fees may be structured as a fixed advice fee, an ongoing service fee, an asset-based fee for portfolio management services, or a combination of these arrangements. Any fees applicable to your engagement will be clearly disclosed and agreed before services commence.
02 Do you charge asset-based fees or performance fees?
Fee arrangements vary depending on the nature of the engagement and the services provided.
Where portfolio management services are offered, fees may include an asset-based component. In certain circumstances, and where permitted by law and appropriate to the service being provided, performance-based fee arrangements may apply. Full details of any fee structure will be disclosed and agreed before implementation.
03 Do you receive commissions or other benefits?
Where remuneration, commissions, fees or other benefits are received, these will be disclosed in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.
The nature of any remuneration arrangements and potential conflicts of interest will be explained as part of the advice process and documented where required.
The Engagement Process
01 What does the first meeting involve?
The initial consultation is typically around 60 minutes and is provided without obligation.
The purpose of the meeting is to understand your circumstances, objectives and priorities, while giving you the opportunity to learn more about our services and approach. It also allows both parties to determine whether there is a suitable basis for an ongoing professional relationship.
No personal financial advice is provided during the initial consultation.
02 Do I need to attend meetings in person?
No. Meetings can generally be conducted in person, by telephone or via video conference, depending on your preferences and circumstances.
Where appropriate, certain discussions may be conducted face-to-face to facilitate a more detailed review of advice recommendations and supporting documentation.
03 How often will I hear from my adviser?
The frequency of contact will depend on the service arrangement agreed with you.
For ongoing advice clients, regular reviews may be conducted to assess changes in your circumstances, objectives, legislation, investment markets and financial strategies. Additional contact may occur whenever significant events arise or assistance is required.
04 What happens if my adviser leaves the firm?
Should your adviser cease providing services, we will work to ensure an orderly transition and continuity of service.
Where appropriate, you will be introduced to another suitably qualified adviser who can review your circumstances and continue supporting your advice needs.
Regulatory Information
01 Are you licensed by ASIC?
Central Accord operates under an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL). Details of our licence and the services we are authorised to provide are available in our Financial Services Guide (FSG).
Where applicable, advisers providing personal financial advice are authorised representatives and are recorded on the relevant regulatory registers.
02 What if I have a complaint?
We are committed to addressing concerns promptly and fairly.
If you have a complaint, you should first contact your adviser or our internal complaints team so that we can attempt to resolve the matter. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may have access to external dispute resolution through the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), subject to AFCA's rules and eligibility requirements.
Further details regarding our complaints process are available in our Financial Services Guide.
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