Treating Our Clients Fairly
HFM Columbus Treating Clients Fairly Policy
We are committed to acting at all times in our clients’ interests operating a policy of openness and transparency.
Our policy specifically requires that:
1. Clients should clearly understand the nature of the services we provide, including our terms and conditions and remuneration options.
2. Clients are clearly advised on and understand the risks inherent in the markets and products in which they invest in through us.
3. We aim to communicate in an open, transparent and easily understandable manner and have a clear understanding of clients’ investment objectives, investment experience, attitude to risk, financial standing and resources.
4. We aim to be clear about the suitability of our recommendations to our clients and ask clients to confirm their understanding of any advice given.
5. Our Training and Competence programs embed the Financial Services Authority’s Principle of “Treating Customers Fairly” within our corporate culture.
6. Our complaint procedures are clear, unambiguous and impartial.
7. We aim to measure the effectiveness of our policies of treating our clients fairly.
Supporting Policies and Procedures
We seek to ensure that the financial planning and investment needs of our clients are properly and fully met. For example:
• Communication of information to clients is managed through detailed disclosure.
• HFM Columbus’s internal procedures and practices emphasise the importance of suitability of recommendations, and specifically require all staff to observe the FSA’s Conduct of Business Rules.
• HFM Columbus devotes significant resources and has a compensation structure encouraging professional development for all staff
HFM Columbus dedicates very significant resources to product research
Compliance Arrangements
HFM Columbus’s Compliance Officers carry out detailed monitoring tests that are reported to Senior Management on a quarterly basis.
HFM Columbus sets high standards for client service and satisfaction and has a policy of responding promptly and positively to all client queries and any complaints should these arise.
HFM Columbus’s Senior Management Team has full oversight and responsibility for ensuring effective management systems, controls and compliance arrangements.