argent's guide

Our investment clients already appreciate the flexibility of being able to switch between different investment managers and their funds. In the past this has been time-consuming and costly and has generally involved a lot of seemingly unnecessary paperwork. As Argent has become more proactive with portfolio management it has become necessary for us to streamline this aspect of our business.

Perhaps the most important development is our Discretionary Investment Management Service which is designed to rationalise investment decisions and cut down on paperwork. This means that where we used to require approval to make changes to a portfolio, we can now do so immediately without having to burden you with additional administration. We will of course confirm any changes and in any event they will only be made in line with our agreed investment strategy.

Good examples of this:

• We may wish to move many clients away from a particular fund where, say, a Fund Manager has changed, or,

• Where we believe a fund has not performed in line with our pre-determined criteria and an alternative is warranted.

• We may need to move funds quickly in order to protect your interests if, for example, markets are falling rapidly.

The new system allows us to "capture the moment" by investing when opportunities arise rather than having to wait for instructions. Confirmation of your transactions will be provided electronically and is thus quicker than a paper trail.

Fortunately advances in IT in recent years now enable us to “trade” more quickly and efficiently together with the ability for clients to view their investments Online.

In order that this should work as effectively and professionally as possible we have developed a new partnership with Raymond James Investment Services Ltd (RJIS). For more information about them see our News article in July 2007 “Stop Press: Argent’s Newest Partner.”

The RJIS facility is in addition to My Argent, our Advisory Service. (Please click on the “Advisory Service” icon on the Home page for more information.) Both have their strong points but access to RJIS is limited to those of our clients who prefer to have their funds managed on a Discretionary basis. As with My Argent we believe the following advantages will emerge:

• Dealing will be safer - Your investments will be held by a Custodian Company – Pershing Securities Ltd, a part of the Bank of New York, one of the largest and most reputable banks in the world.

• Economies of scale will lead to cheaper dealing costs - Your investments are placed in a Wholesale environment (rather than a Retail one) resulting in reduced costs.

• Online access so your investments will be immediately visible.

• Access to a wider range of investments if needed.

For more details click HERE to view a comprehensive document about the Discretionary Service and RJIS in particular.

Against the current background of increasing costs and reducing services, Argent has always looked for ways in which costs can be contained but services improved. Whilst it has not proved possible to continue to offer our services at present price levels, the added value we have demonstrated through RJIS using our Gold Service Standard is proving to increasing numbers of clients that quality can be afforded very competitively. As each client portfolio is costed individually we cannot give specific figures here. However a full cost comparison will be given to you before you decide whether or not to move to RJIS.

Alternatively there is also our Advisory Service through My Argent, details of which can be found under our Advisory Service heading on the Home Page.