Why can't my accountant do this?
An accountancy firm is primarily concerned with providing a service which calculates tax liabilities for the self employed or Ltd companies. Accountancy firms are not licenced by the FSA (Financial Service Authority) and are regulated by their own professional body. A licence from the FSA is required in order to legally provide professional financial advice and administer financial products. 1st Ethical is fully regulated and licensed by the FSA and as such offers a complimentary service which runs in parallel with that provided by your accountant.

Would I Lose control of a Trust?
Control of a Trust resides with the trustees. A person wishing to create a trust (settlor) can ensure their wishes are legally enforceable through crafting appropriate instruction in the trust document. They can also leave a letter of wishes offering trustees advice on how decisions should be made. Finally the settlor can exercise discretion in choosing only those persons to be trustees who will respect their wishes.

How well qualified are 1st Ethical to advise on trusts?
1st Ethical are regulated and authorised by the Financial Services Authority as a firm of Independent Financial Advisers, with all of our advisers holding a Financial Planning Certificate MLIA (Dip). Both our directors hold the advanced Taxation and Trusts G10 qualification, with Sufyan Ismail passing the paper with distinction and also holding the Advanced Financial Planning Certificate AFPC.

How likely is the Inland Revenue to challenge the tax advantages of our solutions?
There are many schemes which are based upon contentious interpretations of legislation, or are exploiting loopholes. Invariably these schemes are either challenged, or outlawed in due course by the Revenue. 1st Ethical do not offer these types of schemes.

All our solutions are time tested and operate wholly within the remit of appropriate legislation. Please refer to the 'our solutions' page for further details of legislation.

We have a ACA qualified accountant within our team, and a qualified actuary. At present three advisers are studying for the G10 examination.

Is what we offer really Islamic?
The principles by which 1st Ethical assesses the Islamic suitability of any product or service are enshrined in classical books of Islamic jurisprudence. 1st Ethical continually seeks to ensure that any recommendations made are not compromised by impermissible terms, are in line with client needs and in line with core principles of Shariah. 1st Ethical is also in regular contact with a number of leading figures in the field of Islamic Finance who provide on-going council.

What about saving tax through 'offshore planning'?
Offshore planning revolves around a persons residency, (a country they happen to reside in within a given tax year) and their domicile, (a country regarded as home). Offshore planning is best suited when pre-empting potential inheritance and capital gains liabilities prior to purchase of assets, but can sometimes be used to mitigate these taxes before crystallisation of the gain.

Can 1st Ethical help to invest my money?
Yes. 1st Ethical has built a reputation for offering sound investment advice in what is currently a hostile investment environment. 1st Ethical's famed 'investment psychology matrix' has enabled 1st Ethical to offer a highly accurate level of investment advice which reflects a clients attitude to risk in line with their stated objectives. Whether you're looking for a savings plan for your children's future or maybe just an alternative to leaving your money in the bank; 1stEthical is able to help.