Our investment philosophy and process are based around achieving the best results for you and your money, in a way that is appropriate for the level of risk you are willing to take.

Our investment philosophy:

  • We believe that financial advice and investment advice are separate, which is why we will appoint a specialist investment manager who is best suited to your needs and preferences.
  • Investing is for meeting long-term objectives, at least a five year time horizon
  • You should only consider a longer-term investment strategy if you also have a concurrent savings strategy in place or have already accumulated sufficient savings to fulfil your short-term needs
  • Risk and returns are correlated. High potential returns will almost always involve higher potential risks. There are no low-risk/high-return investments. The more risk you are prepared to accept, the higher the return expectations. Conversely, lower returns should be a reflection of an investment’s greater security
  • Broad diversification, with exposure to different types of asset, reduces risk. Diversification in this case means selecting a mix of assets to be held in a portfolio, not selecting the individual investments themselves
  • Rebalancing a portfolio removes the risk of emotion taking over
  • Accepting the risk of short-term fluctuations in the value of capital is a necessary part of achieving long-term goals
  • Market timing and performance chasing are losing strategies
  • An investor should not expect future long-term returns to be significantly higher or lower than long-term historic returns.

And the process we follow:

  • We find out about your aspirations in as much detail as we can. What do you want to achieve? By when? Is your aim income or capital growth?
  • We will analyse how much risk you should take, how much you can afford to take and your capacity for loss.
  • Once we have determined your individual capacity for investment risk, we’ll match it to the most appropriate investment portfolio.
  • We will make sure all the processing and paperwork is completed as efficiently as possible, ensuring all investment instructions are clearly and accurately represented and implemented.
  • As an ongoing process, we will comprehensively report the progress of your investments and any changes we need to make, to ensure your plan stays on track to meet your goals.
  • We conduct due diligence (quarterly and annually) on all the specialist investment managers we appoint on behalf of our clients, to ensure that that they are doing what they were hired to do.

Find out more about the other important elements of our services:

Our client journey

We follow a six-stage process to ensure your goals and aspirations are at the heart of our planning process.

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Our services

Our services, including our fees, will differ according to your requirements and the responsibilities involved.

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What do our clients say?

I have known Mark for a number of years, initially through his wife and then in a professional capacity as my Financial Adviser. In those early days I had no interest in pensions or thinking ahead to my retirement. However, after sitting down with Mark and discussing pensions and savings I was completely won over. He explained everything in simple terms without the hard sell or jargon and made gentle suggestions on how to adjust my spending without me feeling "deprived" or as though I was "saving". He used the analogy of "fridge/freezer/larder" as a way of planning for the future and ensuring that I have enough for a comfortable retirement when the time comes. I look forward to our bi-annual catch-ups where we discuss anything and everything! Thanks to Mark I am financially stable and no longer fear the future. Mark Makes Financial Planning Fun! Deborah M London, client since 2004
With retirement looming, our investments spread everywhere, interest rates at a low level, we felt it time to seek a financial adviser Mark and his team at Waymark, spent time with us discussing our needs and requirements for the future, drew up plans both short and long term through clear diagrams and detailed information, which give us a clear picture of their suggestions for our future. This has been an extremely fruitful process, to have an overall analysis of our finances. and tidying up our assets, leaving us with a clear projection of the future. We now feel comfortable moving forward, and knowing that we have the support and knowledge of the team at Waymark to call on if required has certainly given us peace of mind. Julie and Ian Bushey, Hertfordshire, clients since 2016
I was introduced to Waymark Financial by a work colleague, whose family has been using them for Financial Services for a number of years. I met with Mark and the team initially to see my risk appetite, and to discuss investments. There was a further meeting with myself and my wife, and they made her feel very much part of the process and relaxed about investing with them. All of the team are very approachable, and after years of experience as financial advisers are able to provide detailed reports and analysis in a straightforward manner. I look forward to dealing with them in the future, and for my financial plan to evolve as we move forward. Stuart and Carmen Upminster, clients since 2018
A mutual friend introduced me to Waymark. I was looking for fully qualified, independent, objective, good value financial advice as my family circumstances were changing, and I got that from day 1. Mark’s experience and Jonathan’s use of software combine to offer me balanced alternatives to my changing requirements, solutions when I am unsure where to turn, and treat me as an individual, not just a money earner for them. We review annually, and they advise me how, when and why to switch investments. I have never had reason to disagree with the advice given. Waymark have guided my finances respectfully through bereavement, a daughter’s wedding, first grandchild, and voluntary redundancy. I have no hesitation in recommending them. Ian H Cippenham Berks, a client since 2009
I only have great things to say about Waymark Financial… Following the untimely death of my husband I was faced with an array of financial matters that needed to be dealt with. Mark had been dealing with Andrew’s financial affairs for sometime and over the years the pair became friends. Mark and his colleague Jonathan offered sound financial planning that helped me to invest wisely in order to plan for the future. I have always found them to be thoroughly professional, friendly and approachable. They have listened to my desires and needs throughout and have provided invaluable advice and support. It is reassuring to know that I can rely on trusted and highly competent advisers. I look forward to working with Mark, Jonathan and Tina for many years to come! Joanna H London, a client since 2016
Having seen the advantages of using a good financial adviser, Waymark now also advises most of the Bennett family. Terry B Kent, a client since 1998
Mark has been invaluable in ensuring that I have a comfortable retirement and, at the same time, estate planning for the next generation. Leo and Bill London, clients since 1995
I feel very confident that my money is being invested appropriately. I am exceptionally happy with the results. Waymark have always struck the right balance between making sure I am involved in the right investment products for my circumstances, but without being pushy. They are very efficient and knowledgeable with regard to regulation and the paperwork is always clear. Peter S Woking, a client since 2005
We have found ourselves to be better off after working with Jonathan at Waymark, and have the confidence that we can continue to enjoy a very comfortable retirement. Overall, we have found Jonathan to be a very conscientious and able adviser, being fully conversant with both our personal situation and the increasingly complex financial world. Norma and Peter London, clients since 1993
We had a family introduction to Mark in 2013 and have no cause for regrets. The portfolio returns have been healthy but, more importantly, the Waymark team pay great attention to detail, and offer a consistently warm and personal service. In short, the decision to choose a small friendly financial adviser rather than one of the huge investment managers has been fully vindicated. Gregory and Amita London, clients since 2013
Waymark has an enthusiastic team who always give personal and speedy attention to our needs and preferences. We receive regular reports and updates and Mark meets regularly with us to review our portfolios and our objectives or as otherwise needed. We would recommend Mark and his team to others, and have in fact already done so. Andrew and Ann Bromley, clients since 2001
Waymark have a completely holistic approach; all aspects of my planning were covered. I am now looking forward to a comfortable retirement. I have peace of mind knowing all my financial and personal affairs are in a robust state and I am very happy to recommend Mark Wilson and Waymark as an Independent Financial Adviser. Carol Dunmow, Essex, a client since 1993
Jonathan took great care and attention in understanding our current financial circumstances and our future plans, and provided clear and detailed explanations regarding the reasoning and advice we were given. The service Waymark has provided has given us confidence that we're protected against any unforeseen circumstances, and that we're laying solid foundations for our future financial needs. Simon and Sally London, clients since 2018
Mark Wilson’s been Neil’s financial adviser for over 25 years. In early ‘footloose’ days, Mark provided help planning Neil’s pension and encouraging savings. When Nicole’s finances also needed thought, Mark’s ever-friendly, understanding approach meant he was the only adviser we considered. Now we’re part-time freelance and spending more time enjoying the activities we love, Mark supports us with regular, ongoing advice and projections. This provides valuable reassurance. In a nutshell, it allows us to spend what we can afford rather than fret, as we otherwise would – and helps us plan, too. Without Mark and now Jonathan, our finances would be untidy and less healthy, and we would have made less of our incomes. Thanks to them, we know where we are, and can… get on with life! Nicole and Neil Snowdonia, clients since 1994
Over the years I ended up with fragments of financial assets and had little idea which were performing or what they were worth. After being recommended to Waymark, they talked me through how they could collate them into a single manageable pot which was a huge appeal to me. After numerous sessions these fragments are now actively managed under one roof which I can track on my mobile or desktop. With the addition of life, insurances, wills, critical illness I now feel like I’ve crossed most of the ’T’s and dotted the ‘I’s. Thanks Waymark! Simon V London, client since 2017
At my family's suggestion, I first contacted Mark Wilson of Waymark when my husband's failing health meant that he could no longer manage our finances. The Waymark team have been extremely helpful in creating order from the chaos of the multiple small savings accounts that we held. They were, and still are, very patient with me - I have little interest in the details of investment. Mark's philosophy of larder, fridge, freezer makes perfect sense to me. After my husband passed away they gave me advice on planning for both my family's and my own future. I am happy to say that I continue to have confidence in the advice that they give me. Catherine K London, client since 2014
We have experienced working with a number of Financial Advisers and have been unimpressed with the service offered, until I was introduced to Mark. Since this introduction Mark has worked with us to develop our portfolio of investments producing safe and sustainable growth. He has helped us towards retirement in the knowledge that our investments were in safe hands and that we can enjoy our retirement! Mark, Jon, Tina and the team actively look after us and take away the worry of our financial affairs. L & D Hertfordshire, clients since 2006
We have been clients of Mark since 2004. He has some very useful software which shows us clearly our current and future financial position and how it could pan out using various ‘what if’ scenarios. It demonstrated that we could spoil the children and grandchildren, by taking them on holidays of a lifetime and making sizeable financial gifts to them in an inheritance tax-friendly manner. This has given us (particularly my wife) the confidence in knowing that our spending is sustainable and that we are unlikely to run out of money in our retirement! Richard and Gilly Surrey, clients since 2004
My wife and I have known Mark personally for many years and he has been our financial adviser for over 10 years. We made a decision over a period of time to consolidate our investments and his knowledge and integrity has proved invaluable with advising us in this process. We meet up regularly to access our portfolio and discuss our financial plans answering any questions we have to reach our financial goals. Overall we are extremely pleased with Waymark providing us with sound financial advice which is honest and reliable.We would highly recommend his services . Alison and Kevin Hertfordshire, clients since 2009
We were first introduced to Mark in 2005, at that time both BBC employees with a whimsical long term dream to take early retirement and split our time between the UK and India, my husband’s country of birth, but with no clue as to how to make it financially viable. Back then I only had a tenuous grasp on wealth management, favouring the stick it under the bed approach. Mark’s “larder, fridge, freezer” analogy was my eureka moment and we’ve stuck with that, and with Mark ever since. Over a decade later her we are, living that very dream, our lifestyle achievable in no small part because of Mark’s diligence and effective management of our finances. We trust Mark implicitly. He and his team are pro-active and efficient and during times of economic turbulence Mark is the reassuring voice of calm. Sam and Miti Kent, client since 2005
I decided to seek the advice of a Financial advisor, as I had several seperate pension pots in the early part of my employment career, together with a personal pension, and needed to rationalise them I have consistently received helpful and constructive advice during the rest of my working life, resulting in a secure basis for my retirement. It has been very useful to have an organisation able to keep abreast of regulatory changes in the areas of pensions and savings, and the advice and tools used have given me a feeling of comfort and security Colin W Kent, client since 2003
Mark has been my financial adviser since 2006. My work commitments left me with little time to plan for my future. Also, like many people, I'd accumulated a disjointed set of products and policies over the years. The first thing Mark did was to merge my existing policies into a more coherent portfolio. He then made me aware of tax efficient ways of diversifying my portfolio to reduce risk and maximize potential upside. Mark's style is to advise rather than push. He makes me aware of the choices but leaves it to me to decide; even if my lack of forward planning exasperates him sometimes! The one thing he does push is the most valuable; he chases me to meet on a periodic basis to discuss what my current status and priorities are. I trust Mark to give me unbiased advice . You can't hope for more than that! Pat M Beckenham, Kent, client since 2006
Mark has been providing financial advice to me for over 20 years. He was my adviser when he worked at a larger firm and has continued to advise me since creating Waymark. He takes time to understand my circumstances and offers advice tailored to my needs. I trust Mark, and the team he has built, to give me candid and expert advice with easy to understand explanations. Mark's team are always quick to respond to any queries I have and provide me with regular updates plus a yearly review. I am relaxed about the future now as I know I have lots of options financially. Dave and Wendy Hertfordshire, clients since 1991
I have been with working with Mark for over twenty years. As a busy NHS professional obtaining reliable financial advice was a top priority. Mark and his team have met and exceeded my expectations. Mark took the time to identify my financial goals - short, medium and long term and gave me confidence that my financial goals and risk levels are understood. In addition to investment advice, Mark also set up a robust insurance package to protect my income and to meet the costs of long-term care, in the event of ill health. This advice was given in a timely manner, which minimised the costs. I receive regular reviews which help me to understand the performance of my portfolio and the market as a whole. I meet with Mark for annual reviews, to ensure that his advice remains relevant, adapting to changing circumstances. With Mark’s assistance, I feel optimistic about my financial future and reassured that I have made provisions for my retirement. Dr LH Cambridgeshire, client since 2006
Having worked for a firm which provided Mark with investment solutions for some of his clients for a decade, I saw how dedicated he was to ensure their interests were always represented whenever we had the pleasure of meeting. When I formed my own company a few years ago, it was immediately obvious that my existing adviser would not be capable of looking after my more complex affairs let alone managing the financial reviews for my team which formed part of their benefits package. Now that I find a great deal of my time as a CEO is spent setting the company’s strategy; motivating and rewarding the team and acting as an unpaid revenue collector for HMRC (!), it is extremely comforting to know that Waymark is diligently working to enhance my retirement and protect my family’s financial future. I have no qualms about recommending Waymark be shortlisted in your next beauty parade for a financial adviser. NS Surrey, client since 2015
We have worked with the Waymark team for many years and have received nothing but clear and pertinent advice from the outset. Having various revenue streams and a personal business, meant that we needed advice and access to products to ensure that we are protected and invested adequately. These products and advice have proved to be the best thing for us. The team at Waymark are always friendly and we would have no hesitation in recommending Mark and the team to anyone who requires their services. Dave & Lisa Shropshire, clients since 2006
"I first met Mark over 20 years ago when I started looking for someone to help plan my pension. I initially went through a broker who did not give me very good advice. This was in the early nineties when the financial services industry wasn't very well regulated. Since meeting Mark I have never had any reason to look for a different financial adviser. Initially he helped to sort out my pension planning and advised on the different options based on my financial profile. We meet annually (or more if required) to review pension and investments and make adjustments where needed. His advice has been invaluable when dealing with the changing financial rules such has maximum allowable pension contributions, the right investments choices for my SIPP and my work pension. I would highly recommend Mark and Waymark Financial to anyone seeking financial advice. I have for 20 plus years!" Minesh London, client since 1995
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