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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Military pension lost. What more can I say. I transfered my pension across with wonderful promises and delights. After absolute zero gains on my portfolio over a number of years I asked to transfer... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Tony Littlefield has been extremely helpful during the whole process which for me came at a very difficult time in my life. I needed to make decisions about my money and Tony explained the options car... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Simple answer. Marc and Steven. They are excellent professionals, problem solvers, market savvy, creative, client focused. They took a tough financial situation and managed it, and me, very well.... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

CI Associated contacted me about a year ago and the overall process was very smooth. I was afraid they were going to be pushy and try to shove whatever product down my throat but it felt exactly the... See more

Company replied

Company details

  1. Financial Consultant

Written by the company

We are a firm of independent international financial advisors specialising in providing tailor-made solutions across a broad range of services.


Contact info

4.4

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

52 reviews

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The CI Associates-investment strategy on a personalized level

The CI Associates team takes the mystery and confusion out of investment. They are transparent, clear, concise, and always ready to answer any questions regardless of their clients level of investment knowledge. They look at each client's individual requirements and needs and develop an individualized investment strategy to ensure it meets that particular client's requirements.

July 17, 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

What a wonderful team of investors and…

What a wonderful team of investors and their support staff! They strive to make your experience a pleasant one while navigating the complicated world of investments - ensuring assets are safely invested as the client wishes. I have never worked with a better investment group and wish to have a long and satisfying relationship with this team knowing they have my back and ensure safe investments for years to come.

October 17, 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Pensions scandal

I and hundreds of thousands of Servicemen and women lost fortunes of our pensions money that was entrusted to CI.
The court cases are ongoing so i can’t say more.

August 15, 2023
Unprompted review
CI-Associates logo

Reply from CI-Associates

Dear Pete,

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We genuinely regret hearing about your concerns. At CI, we prioritise the well-being and satisfaction of all our clients, and we take any issues regarding pensions and investments very seriously.

Our goal is to provide clarity and support to our clients during any challenging times. We are committed to resolving these matters fairly and transparently.

To address your specific situation, we would like to offer a personal meeting with one of our senior representatives. This will provide an opportunity to discuss your concerns in more detail and explore potential solutions. Please contact our customer service team at info@ci-associates.com to schedule a convenient time.

Myself being ex Military, it might be of interest to book a meeting with me, through the customer service team.

Thank you for your service and for giving us the chance to address your concerns. We look forward to assisting you.

Sincerely,

Steven Gillespie
Chief Operating Officer

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Navigating Financial Success: CI Associates Expert Guidance

As someone who's entrusted their financial future to CI Associates, I can't speak highly enough of the exceptional service provided by Jonathan Haskell and Caterina Ingrande. Their expertise and personalized approach have made navigating the complexities of financial planning a breeze. Jonathan's keen insights and Caterina's meticulous attention to detail have instilled in me a sense of confidence and security in my financial decisions.
Whether it's crafting investment strategies or planning for retirement, they've been there every step of the way, offering guidance that's not only professional but also deeply personal. Hansard is more than just a financial planning provider to me—it's a partnership built on trust, and Jonathan and Caterina are the pillars of that partnership.

April 22, 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

What an amazing group of professionals…

What an amazing group of professionals that want to work with you and help you! I particularly had an excellent experience with Caterina Ingrande who provided excellent advice and help on how to navigate the AFPs in Chile! Without her I think I would still be lost

December 4, 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

CI Associates, our go-to for retirement planning

The experience with CI Associates has been great so far and tailored to our specific needs and requirements which has been one of the things that we have valued the most. We are very comfortable and satisfied with their advice for the planning of our retirement and extremely happy with having Vicente Rodriguez as our trusted advisor on this regard.

August 21, 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Scam, unethical, unregulated, nightmare company

Scam, unethical, and an unregulated company who orchestrated the transfer of 1000's of British Military pensions, every person I have spoken to has lost thousands of pounds because of this company. David Clarke is the main culprit, he has totally destroyed my pension as it sits in a scheme where I have no control over it, whilst being eroded away by high fees, everyone associated with my pension is making money out of it but me. My military pension that I worked so hard for is gone. Do not trust this company, read the negative reviews as I would not trust the positive ones. These are an unregulated company for a reason and only interested in making money for themselves. Corrupt thieves.

August 5, 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

"Very happy with both the initial…

"Very happy with both the initial approach from CI-Associates and the ongoing relationship with my adviser Luke Abbott. He is a pleasure to work with and I would recommend him to anyone seeking professional financial advice."

July 5, 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Nothing But Accolades for Steven and Marc

Simple answer. Marc and Steven. They are excellent professionals, problem solvers, market savvy, creative, client focused. They took a tough financial situation and managed it, and me, very well. They exceeded my expectations and have always been there when needed. I have nothing but accolades for them...and I enjoy working with them too.

June 20, 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

CI Associates has been very thorough in…

CI Associates has been very thorough in explaining to me my options as a foreign executive in Chile (thank you Marc Cardoso!), through helping me get set up with the chosen investment options and the corresponding necessary local procedures (thank you Caterina Ingrande!). Highly recommended for any foreign executives relocating to Chile.

May 25, 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great company

I have been a client of CI Associates for a few years now, and I am extremely pleased with their services. The team at CI Associates has been highly responsible and efficient in handling all my administrative needs. Their attention to detail and prompt responses have exceeded my expectations. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Caterina Ingrande, their administrative assistant, for her exceptional support. Her professionalism and dedication have made my experience even better. I am grateful to be a client of CI Associates, and I look forward to continuing our partnership for many years to come.

June 12, 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Comment on David Pryor Review

I have read David Pryors review of CI Consultants. The similarity of David experiences to mine are uncanny. Its hard to convey how much I regret transferring my military pension to Harbour pensions.
My advisor David Clark was pleasant enough. However, his strategy was hard sell, concentrating on the benefits of transferring. There was no mention of the monthly charges, only the introductory fee.
Since transferring in 2015 I can only describe the last 8 years as a nightmare.
I started with a pension worth £115,000 it is now valued at £97000. The companies now involved are STM Malta, Ardan and Creechurch Capital. I cannot describe how poor their service is. I will be pursuing legal action against them. CI Consultancy only want your money and do not value their clients.

May 31, 2022
Unprompted review
CI-Associates logo

Reply from CI-Associates

Dear Mr. Griffiths,

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback regarding your experience with CI Consultants. We appreciate your openness and understand the frustration you have expressed. We apologise for any negative impact this situation may have had on your financial well-being.

We regret to learn that the transfer of your military pension to Harbour Pensions did not meet your expectations. We acknowledge the similarities between your experience and Mr. Pryor's review, and we understand the concerns and disappointment you have expressed.

We respect your decision to pursue legal action against the companies involved, and we genuinely hope that a fair and equitable resolution can be reached to address the challenges you have encountered. While we cannot speak on behalf of all the companies mentioned, we encourage you to continue pursuing appropriate channels to resolve this matter.

Your feedback is important to us, and we assure you that it will be duly considered. We are committed to continually improving our practices to ensure the satisfaction of our valued clients. Your experience serves as a reminder of the importance of transparent and reliable services in our industry.

Should you require any further assistance or have any additional concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to support you throughout this process.
Best regards,

Steven Gillespie
Managing Director (Latin America)

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Solid trustworthy financial advice and beyond

I've had my pensions etc through Caledonian for the last 9 years. The team have never been anything other than helpful. The advice received has been good and they are open to dialogue. They have been extremely helpful in negotiating local bureaucracy and helping to ensure we are compliant. The Caledonian folk here definitely go the extra mile to resolve and issues. I am extremely satisfied with the services I have received and highly recommend them.

October 6, 2022
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Only for those with Endless Funds

Having been contacted about transferring my MIlitary pension with what was more than good benefits i now find myself in a situation where i have spent 2 -3 years trying to move my pension away from their "recommended" pension with suspended funds. I would take anything said with a pinch of salt, definitely look at the small print and would probably be more worthwhile looking at someone with a proven track record and regulated for sound advice especially if you are in the UK.

Though it has been noted by CI they were disappointed by the adviser and the poor performance of my pension (thanks for that) it still doesnt transfer my pension to a competent and proven pension provider. Though the words of sounding apologetic dont do anything to resolve my pension issue.

December 23, 2020
Unprompted review
CI-Associates logo

Reply from CI-Associates

Dear Alex,
Thank you for your comments. However, we are left wondering which of the points you make are our fault.
The QROPS option introduced to you was by definition (Q)ualified and (R)ecognised by both HMRC and your ceding pension scheme.
The scheme remains regulated, qualifying and strictly regulated.....and ordinarily permits the free movement of funds to other qualified schemes.
Where regulation required FCA regulated advice to fulfil a transfer request, we supplied advices to clients from a suitably qualified advisor, advices which accompanied your application and were acknowledged by yourself.
I have taken the liberty of reviewing the correspondence you have had with our company over the past years and see that we have always been responsive and helpful where our resources and influence allow.
But, as you know we have no control and no influence over the funds management and can not be blamed for the suspended fund(s) that are precluding the movement of your pension.
Once again, I reiterate, we share your frustration but can not be held responsible for suspended fund(s) or the fact your new pension scheme will not accept an in specie transfer of the suspended assets.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Military pension lost. SCAM SCAM SCAM

Military pension lost. What more can I say. I transfered my pension across with wonderful promises and delights. After absolute zero gains on my portfolio over a number of years I asked to transfer my pension. Basically I've lost my pension. Ci-associates have completely left me to fend for myself and have put me in contact with some Maltese company. AVOI AVOID AVOID AVOID. SCAM SCAM SCAM SCAM.

Further update- you can say whatever you want in your smarmy reply, the end of the day you have convinced me to transfer my pension. I did. 7 years later I still am none the wiser to where it is. What it's doing. Why its suspended. I have no control over it. And I've just had an email from the so called trustees to seek financial advice. That's a laugh, do you think they'd recommend d you guys? Crooks.

December 18, 2020
Unprompted review
CI-Associates logo

Reply from CI-Associates

Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to comment in a public forum with regards to your accusations……we will take each point in turn.

“Military Pension Lost”…this implies that you have suffered a total loss and is very dramatic, you know your pension is with one of the largest pension trustees in a regulated and qualifying jurisdiction, furthermore the pension statements you receive would suggest you have certainly not lost your pension.

“After absolute zero gains on my portfolio over a number of years”
This same question has been a theme in much of your correspondence during the past years I repeat we have had no influence over the fund’s selection or the funds management since the pension funds were transferred, this function is outsourced to discretionary fund managers.

“Basically I've lost my pension. Ci-Associates have completely left me to fend for myself and have put me in contact with some Maltese company”
Basically, you have not lost your pension despite 27 emails in the past two years discussing the transfer of your pension…..This also does not imply “being left to fend for yourself” and “some Maltese company” they are your pension trustees, one of the largest company’s in their field and Malta is a strictly regulated financial centre.

We do not wish our comments to appear dismissive as this is not our intention. However, the contents of your message are unfairly directed towards us. Given we have had no ongoing involvement since you transferred your pension they are without foundation and with disregard to the facts.

And finally “AVOI AVOID AVOID AVOID. SCAM SCAM SCAM SCAM”.

There are a number of aspects regarding your pension statement we would like to make public to show this is certainly not a scam, but are precluded from doing so. However, let me summarise in general terms…..We share your disappointment regards the performance of the underlying investment funds over the past years, as a company we shared your expectations for the future we but have not been responsible for the fund’s performance nor funds selection. The theme of your recent correspondence with us and your pension trustees centres around approximately 6% of your portfolio value being in suspended funds and this restricting the onward transfer of the pension to another provider……we have not made the rules that preclude an in-specie transfer of these assets another provider.

To your update.
"Ci Associates have left me to fend for myself" I see we have sent 17 emails over the past 24 months in reply to your requests, we will continue to offer administrative support as our resources allow. However, the request to transfer your pension is nothing we can action and need to refer these messages to your pension trustees.
"Some Maltese Company" these are your pension trustees STM who you have been in regular correspondence with over the past 2 years.
"I have just received an email from the so called trustees to seek financial advice...that is a laugh" the trustees are legally required to ensure that any onward transfer of your pension is accompanied by regulated financial advice.
We do not wish our comments to appear dismissive as it is not our intention and we will continue to offer adminstrative assistance. Furthermore, it is worth noting members of our own management team hold the same suspended funds you refer to in your message, we understand your frustrations and continue to press for a satifactory outcome for all concerned

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