Why Use an Investment Management Advisor?
Building and preserving wealth requires more than just picking a few stocks or funds. Professional investment management involves strategic asset allocation, tax-efficient investing, regular rebalancing, risk management, and adapting to changing markets and personal circumstances.
The advisors listed below are FCA-registered investment managers and wealth planners in the Cotswolds region. They offer discretionary or advisory portfolio management, typically using low-cost index funds or actively managed strategies depending on your goals, risk tolerance, and timeline. Whether you're investing £100,000 or £5 million, these advisors provide ongoing portfolio oversight, tax-efficient ISA and pension strategies, and long-term wealth planning.
28 Investment Management Advisors
Cirencester
01285 372 382
Fee-only
Directory Enquiries Only • No Advice Given
Cirencester
01285 702 340
Fee-only
Directory Enquiries Only • No Advice Given
Gloucester
01452 260 840
Fee-only
Directory Enquiries Only • No Advice Given
Gloucester
07387 788924
Fee-only
Directory Enquiries Only • No Advice Given
Gloucester
Contact via website
Fee-based
Directory Enquiries Only • No Advice Given
Gloucester
Contact via website
Fee-based
Directory Enquiries Only • No Advice Given
Cheltenham
01242 123 456
Hybrid
Directory Enquiries Only • No Advice Given
Cheltenham
01242 246 855
Fee-only
Directory Enquiries Only • No Advice Given
Cheltenham
01242 514 674
Fee-only
Directory Enquiries Only • No Advice Given
Cheltenham
0800 915 0000
Fee-only
Directory Enquiries Only • No Advice Given
Cheltenham
0330 038 8941
Fee-only
Directory Enquiries Only • No Advice Given
Tetbury
Contact via website
Fee-based
Directory Enquiries Only • No Advice Given
Tetbury
Contact via website
Fee-based
Directory Enquiries Only • No Advice Given
Tetbury Area
0330 038 8939
Fee-based
Directory Enquiries Only • No Advice Given
Witney
01993 772467
Fee-only
Directory Enquiries Only • No Advice Given
Chipping Norton
01608 646 738
Fee-only
Directory Enquiries Only • No Advice Given
Oxford
01865 761 182
Hybrid
Directory Enquiries Only • No Advice Given
Oxford
01865 559 200
Fee-only
Directory Enquiries Only • No Advice Given
Oxford
01865 792 001
Fee-only
Directory Enquiries Only • No Advice Given
Bath
01225 420 010
Fee-only
Directory Enquiries Only • No Advice Given
Bath
01225 466 355
Hybrid
Directory Enquiries Only • No Advice Given
Bath
01225 471 700
Fee-only
Directory Enquiries Only • No Advice Given
Winchcombe
Contact via website
Fee-based
Directory Enquiries Only • No Advice Given
Cirencester/Winchcombe
Contact via website
Fee-based
Directory Enquiries Only • No Advice Given
Malmesbury
0330 038 8938
Fee-based
Directory Enquiries Only • No Advice Given
Malmesbury
Contact via St. James's Place
Fee-based
Directory Enquiries Only • No Advice Given
Bourton-on-the-Water/Woodstock
Contact via website
Fee-based
Directory Enquiries Only • No Advice Given
Woodstock
01993 813500
Fee-based
Directory Enquiries Only • No Advice Given
What to Look for in an Investment Management Advisor
- FCA registration: Verify at register.fca.org.uk before proceeding
- Fee transparency: Clear AUM percentage, no hidden charges, all costs disclosed in writing
- Investment philosophy: Ask if they use active or passive strategies, and why
- Qualifications: Chartered Financial Planner, CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst), or CFP® credentials
- Portfolio minimums: Ensure your portfolio size meets their minimums (typically £100k-£250k)
- Platform choice: Low-cost platforms (Vanguard, Fidelity, AJ Bell) vs expensive proprietary platforms
- Fund costs: Total cost should be advisor fee + platform fee + fund OCF (aim for under 1.5% total)
- Communication frequency: Quarterly or annual reviews? Email/phone access between meetings?
Find Investment Advisors in Your City
Wondering about costs? Read our comprehensive fee guide to understand investment management pricing.
Planning retirement? Check out our retirement planning advisors for pension and income strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do investment management advisors charge in the Cotswolds?
Investment management advisors in the Cotswolds typically charge 0.5%-1.5% of assets under management (AUM) annually. Fees are tiered: larger portfolios (£1m+) often pay 0.5%-0.75%, while smaller portfolios (£100k-£250k) may pay 1%-1.5%. For a £500,000 portfolio at 1%, you'd pay £5,000 per year. Some advisors also charge initial planning fees of £2,000-£5,000. Always request total cost disclosure including platform fees and fund ongoing charges (OCF).
What's the minimum portfolio size for investment management?
Most Cotswolds investment advisors have minimums of £100,000-£250,000 for ongoing discretionary management. Some wealth managers specializing in high-net-worth clients have £500,000 or £1 million minimums. For smaller portfolios (under £100k), consider robo-advisors like Vanguard, Nutmeg, or Moneyfarm (0.15%-0.35% fees), or hire a fee-only advisor for one-off portfolio setup (£1,000-£2,500) and manage it yourself via a low-cost platform.
Should I use an active or passive investment strategy?
Passive investing (low-cost index funds tracking the FTSE 100, S&P 500, or global equity indices) has lower fees (0.05%-0.3% OCF) and historically outperforms most active managers over 10+ years. Active management (fund managers picking individual stocks) has higher fees (0.5%-2% OCF) and rarely beats the market long-term after costs. However, active strategies may suit specific goals like ethical investing, tax-loss harvesting, or income generation. A good advisor will explain both options and recommend based on your circumstances—not commission.
What's the difference between discretionary and advisory management?
Discretionary management: The advisor has authority to make investment decisions on your behalf without seeking approval for each trade. You set the overall strategy and risk level, and they execute it. This is common for busy professionals who want hands-off management.
Advisory management: The advisor recommends investments, but you must approve each trade. This gives you more control but requires more involvement. Most Cotswolds advisors offer both models, with discretionary being more popular for portfolios over £250k.
How often should I review my investment portfolio?
Most investment advisors conduct formal portfolio reviews quarterly or bi-annually. Annual reviews are the minimum for long-term investors. However, rebalancing (selling winners, buying losers to maintain target allocation) should happen more frequently— typically quarterly or when allocations drift 5%+ from target. Good advisors also proactively contact you after major market events or life changes (inheritance, retirement, divorce) to reassess strategy. Avoid advisors who only contact you once a year for a 20-minute call.
Should I invest in ISAs, pensions, or general investment accounts?
Priority order for most people:
1. Pension: Maximize employer contributions (free money) and get 20%-45% tax relief
2. ISA: £20,000/year allowance, tax-free growth and withdrawals, no age restrictions
3. General Investment Account (GIA): For amounts exceeding pension and ISA limits
ISAs are ideal for medium-term goals (5-20 years) or early retirement funds since you can withdraw anytime tax-free. Pensions are best for long-term retirement savings (can't access until 55/57) but offer better tax relief. A good investment advisor will optimize across all three based on your age, income, and goals.
What returns should I expect from a managed portfolio?
Historical long-term stock market returns (FTSE All-Share, S&P 500) average 7%-10% annually before fees and inflation. After a 1% advisor fee and 0.2% fund costs, expect 5.8%-8.8% net returns. However, returns vary wildly year-to-year: you might see +20% one year and -15% the next. Bond-heavy portfolios (lower risk) typically return 3%-6% annually, while aggressive equity portfolios target 7%-10%. Be wary of advisors promising guaranteed returns above market averages—if it sounds too good to be true, it is. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
Ready to Grow Your Wealth?
Connect with FCA-registered investment management advisors in the Cotswolds for professional portfolio management
Disclaimer: This is a directory service. We do not provide financial advice or investment recommendations. Always verify FCA registration at register.fca.org.uk before engaging an advisor. Investment values can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.