Independent vs Restricted Financial Advice

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When you’re choosing a financial adviser, one of the first questions you might ask is whether they’re independent or restricted. Online articles often suggest that “independent” automatically means better, but that’s not the full story. At Ginkgo Financial, our restricted advice model combines whole-of-market research, expert vetting, and the flexibility to go wider if needed — giving you the best of both worlds.

FAQ Content

Is restricted advice different to independent advice?

Restricted and independent advisers are equally qualified, offer the same quality of advice, and analyse your needs in the same way.

The difference lies in how the research is done. At Ginkgo Financial, we’re part of Quilter. Quilter’s research starts with the whole of the market. Products and investments go through a tough selection process before arriving at a recommended panel. We only use this panel where there’s a clear benefit for you — and if it’s not the right fit, we can still go wider.

Do restricted advisers only have limited choice?

Not at Ginkgo Financial. Restricted doesn’t mean “small menu” — it means curated and quality-assured.

By using Quilter’s expertise, research and governance, we start with the whole market and then select from a carefully chosen panel of providers and investments. If the panel doesn’t exactly meet your needs, we still have the flexibility to recommend from the wider market.

What are the benefits of restricted advice?

Our model is designed to give you the best of both worlds:

Reduced costs and fees – Quilter does the heavy lifting on market research, so we don’t need to duplicate the process. That helps us keep costs lower.
Better value solutions – Quilter’s scale and buying power mean you benefit from competitive pricing and high-quality products.
Reassurance from third-party experts – Every provider and product has been vetted by independent analysts before reaching our panel.
Flexibility if you need it – If the panel isn’t the right fit, we can still recommend solutions from across the wider market.

How does Quilter’s research and governance process work?

Behind the scenes, Quilter applies a rigorous, three-step process:

Oversight – The Investment Oversight Committee meets quarterly to oversee risk and customer outcomes, ensuring decisions align with clients’ interests.
Management – The Advice Investment Proposition Forum manages the panel day-to-day, with insights from independent experts at Square Mile, Morning Star, Defaqto, and Moody’s Analytics.
Monitoring – Continuous monitoring checks that funds perform as expected, with any concerns flagged promptly.

This structure means our advice is backed by independent governance, expert insights and ongoing monitoring — so you can feel confident in the integrity of every recommendation.

What does this mean for you?

You get the reassurance that comes with a researched, trusted panel of providers — along with the freedom to go beyond it when your circumstances call for something different.

At Ginkgo Financial, we believe this offers our clients the confidence, clarity and flexibility they need to plan for the future.

***** 5 out of 5

What were the circumstances that caused you to look for a financial adviser?

I sought advice from Daren 10 years ago because I was concerned that my portfolio was not being actively managed by my existing adviser.

How did Daren help you?

Daren confirmed that my portfolio had been mis-managed for some years and that I had been paying excessive hidden fees. He moved everything into a platform in a tax-efficient way and explained all costs, risks and potential rewards very clearly. He has continued to actively manage my investments as well as advise on my pension, personal and business taxation and property holdings.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

100%. Daren has been able to balance the performance of my portfolio (which is considerable better than when he took over) with using it to achieve my personal goals. His advice is clear, accessible and jargon-free and backed by flawless service from the whole Ginkgo team.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

Review from Verified Client

***** 5 out of 5

What were the circumstances that caused you to look for a financial adviser?

We needed advice that would enable us to invest excess equity into the right investments.

How did Daren help you?

Daren spent time with us asking what we were hoping to achieve with our investments. He also then gave us the choice of risks, areas and returns that suited us best. He also secured property with Trust fund advice. With Daren’s help and advice on inheritance laws and tax we made our wills with confidence.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes

What could they have done better?

Daren has given us excellent service and the office staff have always been very helpful and friendly. Would recommend Daren and Ginkgo Financial Services.

Review from Verified Client

***** 5 out of 5

What were the circumstances that caused you to look for a financial adviser?

1.I had left employment and set up a business and wanted a pension plan. 2. I needed to remortgage our home as the fixed term had expired. 3. Moving my last employment pension plan that was not performing particularly well to a high performing one.

How did Daren help you?

Daren and his mortgage broker effectively advised on all of the issues fully explaining the impact of the actions that were proposed. The service is always of a high quality and bespoke to me.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

For all three issues I have achieved the outcome I was looking for.

What could they have done better?

Difficult to say how the service could have been improved. The high quality of service has been maintained by the use of MS Teams in lockdown.

Review from Verified Client

***** 5 out of 5

What were the circumstances that caused you to look for a financial adviser?

I co-own a production company and Daren has helped set up our pensions, insurances, investments and wills.

How did Daren help you?

He clearly explained everything we need and what we should invest in, he made it easy to understand and straight forward.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

We have seen a good outcome with Daren’s recommended investments and pensions.

Review from Verified Client

***** 5 out of 5

What were the circumstances that caused you to look for a financial adviser?

Pension, auto enrolment, insurance, shareholders protection

How did Daren help you?

Daren is extremely helpful, knowledgeable and approachable. He talked us through all the processes and made everything understandable and straight forward. Really great customer service from the whole team too.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely

Review from Verified Client

Intelligent advice. Plain speaking. Excellent service. The three guiding principles of Ginkgo.

The best time to start a pension plan is now - and if you have already started, have a closer look at your arrangements to make sure you are on track.

The best time to start a pension plan is now - and if you have already started, have a closer look at your arrangements to make sure you are on track.

The government’s pensions freedoms regulations give holders of a personal pension greater flexibility in how they can access and use their fund.

With so many types of savings and investments, it’s wise to begin with expert advice on the potential risks and rewards for your personal situation.

Alternative investments are dynamic, higher risk investments in environments the UK government wants to support, such as future technology.

Planning now for the inevitable fact that we won’t be around for ever is one of the kindest things we can do for our loved ones.

Planning now for the inevitable fact that we won’t be around for ever is one of the kindest things we can do for our loved ones.

Crossing fingers is not enough. Protect yourself and your family financially by making money available, should something unexpected happen.

You probably already protect your business’s property and other assets. So don’t overlook your most valuable assets: your staff and shareholders.

A mortgage is one of the most expensive, complex purchases you’ll ever make. With thousands to choose from, it makes sense to take professional advice.

With advance planning and an effective tax strategy, you can avoid paying more to the government than you need to.

Our handy calculators were developed by mathematicians to help you get a handle on some of the figures behind your biggest financial decisions.

Independent vs restricted advice

Body

FAQ Content

What are the benefits of restricted advice?

How does Quilter’s research and governance process work?

What does this mean for you?

Intelligent advice. Plain speaking. Excellent service. The three guiding principles of Ginkgo.

The best time to start a pension plan is now - and if you have already started, have a closer look at your arrangements to make sure you are on track.

The best time to start a pension plan is now - and if you have already started, have a closer look at your arrangements to make sure you are on track.

The government’s pensions freedoms regulations give holders of a personal pension greater flexibility in how they can access and use their fund.

With so many types of savings and investments, it’s wise to begin with expert advice on the potential risks and rewards for your personal situation.

Alternative investments are dynamic, higher risk investments in environments the UK government wants to support, such as future technology.

Planning now for the inevitable fact that we won’t be around for ever is one of the kindest things we can do for our loved ones.

Planning now for the inevitable fact that we won’t be around for ever is one of the kindest things we can do for our loved ones.

Crossing fingers is not enough. Protect yourself and your family financially by making money available, should something unexpected happen.

You probably already protect your business’s property and other assets. So don’t overlook your most valuable assets: your staff and shareholders.

A mortgage is one of the most expensive, complex purchases you’ll ever make. With thousands to choose from, it makes sense to take professional advice.

With advance planning and an effective tax strategy, you can avoid paying more to the government than you need to.

Our handy calculators were developed by mathematicians to help you get a handle on some of the figures behind your biggest financial decisions.

Independent vs restricted advice

Body

FAQ Content

What are the benefits of restricted advice?

How does Quilter’s research and governance process work?

What does this mean for you?

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