Our panel of expert judges picked AES International as the Global Adviser Firm of the Year having deliberated over all the entries for the regional best practice adviser awards held around the world over the last four months.
These awards, in partnership with Old Mutual International, recognise those financial advisers within the industry that are, or have made, transitions towards best practice in key areas of their business.
AES International, run by its highly experienced and well-known chief executive Sam Instone, stood out in many of the categories in more than one region and scooping many awards including best adviser firm award for the Middle East.
With six chartered financial planners and an office in the Dubai International Financial Centre, where it offers fee-based advice, AES International is well placed to navigate the game-changing regulatory changes going on in that region.
Our judges felt AES International had a forceful and distinctive strategy with a clear focus on customers which was very effectively delivered.
Incredible honour
Sam InstoneAfter hearing from International Adviser that his firm had won the award, Sam Instone said: “I am absolutely thrilled that AES International has been chosen as the overall best adviser firm for 2016 by the esteemed International Adviser Best Practice Adviser Awards’ judging panel.
“This is an incredible honour for us, and as an organisation we couldn’t have achieved such a high and meaningful accolade without the dedication of every single team member to driving our mission for positive change.”
He added that the firm was exclusively focused on the “transformation of an outdated industry, into a reputable and worthwhile profession”.
This involved adhering to the highest ethical standards, putting the client and their best interests at the centre of everything and delivering best practice in every single area of its work, he said.
“We wholeheartedly support International Adviser magazine’s own focus on best practice, and we believe that those within the international financial marketplace who are committed to transparency and treating clients and colleagues fairly as we are, will eventually succeed in ensuring focus is placed on lowering client fees, delivering better returns, and ultimately ensuring better outcomes for all international investors.”
He also thanked the judging panel, everyone at AES International for their continued commitment, and “most importantly” all their clients.
Peter Kenny, managing director of Old Mutual International, said: “Through the Best Practice Adviser Awards we have recognised and celebrated the great practices which exist within the industry. The firms which have shone in this process are testimony to the great results that can be achieved when customers are placed at the heart of the firm. This is an interesting time for the international adviser industry, and the winners should be an inspiration to others looking to start the transition process.”
