It is quite well known within the investment industry (but little discussed with consumers), that many product manufacturers pay certain research houses to rate their products. It has been suggested that this process has in-part contributed to the $29 billion of failed or frozen funds within the Australian investment sector since 2006. The Independent Financial Advice sector of the Industry; led by the Association of Independently Owned Financial Professionals  (AIOFP), has been very critical of this practice of product manufacturers paying for ratings. The AIOFP is the peak body for Independent Financial Advisers in Australia.

As staunch advocates of the non-conflicted advice process at Maddern Financial Advisers and Independent Financial Planners, we have adopted a research standard of reviewing many different sources of research within the industry for each and every recommendation that we make.  As part of this, we are lucky enough to have use of a service known as ‘FRC’ or ‘Filtered Research Centre’. FRC is an AIOFP member owned service that has facilitated the expertise of 4 Investment specialists to deliver research and product service to members.

It is important as an investor to ensure that your Adviser uses many different and independent sources of research as well.

An independent financial adviser can assist you no matter what your financial position may be. If you have any questions or would like a review of your portfolio using comprehensive independent research tools, please feel free to contact us for an obligation-free first appointment.