Investing with a local, personalised focus
Marlburians who are thinking about their investments and want personalised professional advice can now speak to locally based Forsyth Barr Investment Advisers.
Forsyth Barr is a New Zealand, staffowned investment business that started in Dunedin in 1936 and has advised clients throughout Marlborough for over 25 of those years.
The new office, located in Blenheim, means locals can now visit their Investment Advisers locally and create individualised portfolios with a truly personal feel. Marlborough’s investment advisory team of Brent Street, Nikki Jacobson and Jonathan Davidson bring a combined 80 years of experience. Their investment advice is backed by Forsyth Barr’s thorough research into NZX-listed companies and international markets.
Brent, who has been a long-time Investment Adviser for Marlburians, said, “There was an obvious attraction to move to Marlborough as it’s a region with a thriving economy outperforming many other regions.
“The next logical step was to formally open a branch, with the catalyst of having Nikki as someone with years of financial experience locally, and we’re glad to be here.” While Forsyth Barr is well-known for sharemarket investing, the business provides a full range of wealth management services including portfolio management, investment research, investment banking, cash management, investment funds, and Summer KiwiSaver.
“In terms of fixed income investments and bonds, it’s a really positive market for us locally, with longer-term bonds with higher rates, compared to the last few years but our differentiation is that we take our clients directly into markets instead of investing in collective funds”, says Brent.
“So, we’re effectively the portfolio managers with personalised portfolio construction in a much more direct fashion.
“We’re fortunate to have a large team of investment research analysts who provide an update every morning and cover everything that may impact investment decisions locally and globally.
“That means when we speak to investors during the day, we have the most up-todate information and are ready to make fully researched decisions for them.”
Investment Advisers then go through risk profiles with our clients and establish a clear understanding of their requirements and the level of investment risk they are comfortable with.
“We then ensure our investors own the shares and bonds they want in New Zealand listed companies, and international markets while adhering to pre-agreed limits”, Brent explains.
“We can work with any preferences that an investor may have. For example, we can take into account considerations regarding companies’ Environmental, Social and Governance policies to ensure investments aren’t going into businesses that don’t align with people’s ethics, or it may be ensuring that money remains liquid for our investors where they can pull out cash monthly or supplement pensions.”
While many of their clients have larger sums to invest, both for and in retirement, their expertise is accessible for smaller investors.
“If people are interested in finding out more about these options, please do call us and we will arrange a complimentary meeting.” Nikki says.
She adds that the Forsyth Barr presence across Marlborough, and the other 24 centres around the country, allows for the increased personal touch many investors are looking for.
“I think clients find being able to speak to their portfolio’s Investment Adviser directly is wonderful, and we’ve been delighted already with the number of people who have popped into the local office interested in having a chat about their financial future.”
Brent Street, Nikki Jacobson and Jonathan Davidson, whose views and opinions are expressed in this article, are Investment Advisers with Forsyth Barr Marlborough. To arrange a meeting to discuss your investment objectives in confidence, call 03 921 5020, email web.blenheim@forsythbarr.co.nz or visit the office at 3 Waters Avenue, Blenheim.