In today’s global advice landscape, too many clients are being approached by individuals and firms that look professional — but aren’t properly authorised.
Across the international financial advice industry, one issue has become increasingly visible: the rise of unregulated or unauthorised operators presenting themselves as legitimate financial professionals.
They may create polished websites, professional materials, and convincing stories — but without the necessary authorisations, oversight, or consumer protections, clients are exposed to significant risk.
At Blacktower Financial Management Group, we believe trust must always be built on genuine regulation, robust governance, and transparent accountability. These are not just words — they are the foundation of our 40-year legacy in global financial advice.
The Blacktower Group: Four Decades of Regulation
Founded in 1986, Blacktower has grown from a single UK-based financial planning business into an international wealth management organisation, with regulated entities across Europe, the UK, the US, and other key jurisdictions.
Every entity within the Group operates under the supervision of its respective regulator.
When clients work with a Blacktower adviser, they can be confident that:
- Their advice is provided within a regulated framework.
- Their assets and information are protected by robust compliance and governance systems.
- Their adviser is qualified, authorised, and underpinned by robust four-eyes and compliance oversight.
- They benefit from a network of colleagues across multiple jurisdictions, providing relevant local knowledge and experience to support truly informed, cross-border financial planning.
Blacktower’s growth has never been about volume — it’s been about building a network of integrity.
Understanding the Risk — and the Responsibility for Advisers
Not all individuals or firms in the financial services industry operate under the same regulatory standards. Some may offer advice or investment services without holding valid regulatory authorisation, while others operate under arrangements that provide limited protection for clients — and potentially for the advisers themselves.
These arrangements can include informal affiliations, handshake agreements, or borrowed licences that may give the appearance of legitimacy but do not provide full regulatory standing. Advisers working under such frameworks may expose themselves to legal, reputational, and professional risks.
Entrusting your pension, investments, or estate planning to an unauthorised individual or firm can mean limited or no regulatory protection if something goes wrong. In some cases, clients may bear the losses with little recourse for recovery.
That’s why regulatory clarity matters — for both clients and advisers. Operating within a properly authorised structure ensures that advice is guided by clear rules, robust compliance oversight, and professional accountability. It allows advisers to focus on delivering the right outcomes for clients, rather than worrying about the adequacy of their licence or supervision.
Nexus Global: The Network for Professionals
Under the umbrella of the Blacktower Group sits Nexus Global, the international adviser network designed to bring legitimate, qualified financial advisers together under regulated frameworks.
Every Nexus Global member is thoroughly vetted, trained, and monitored.
We don’t deal in “grey” areas — every adviser is accountable, transparent, and genuinely regulated.
That’s why Nexus Global is among the largest and most respected international adviser networks in the world today, supporting more than 200 regulated advisers across the globe.
Advisers who are part of a fully regulated global network benefit from the collective strength of colleagues across multiple jurisdictions — professionals who can share their knowledge, experience, and local expertise to support true cross-border financial planning.
Having access to this depth of insight and collaboration not only enhances the quality of advice we provide to clients but also strengthens the integrity and professionalism of our entire industry.
Clarity, accountability, and collaboration — these are the principles that define genuine, long-term success in financial advice
A Message to the Industry
To all advisers: take a moment to reflect. Working outside your authorised scope doesn’t strengthen your practice — it can put clients and the reputation of our profession at risk.
Advisers have a duty to ensure they are properly licensed, understand their permissions, and operate within them. Genuine regulation is never hidden; it is transparent, verifiable, and designed to protect both clients and advisers.
Regulation is not a burden — it is a privilege that safeguards the integrity of our profession. To the thousands of qualified, committed advisers who uphold professional standards every day: you are the reason this industry continues to earn respect. At Blacktower Financial Management Group, we stand with you.
Protecting Clients and the Industry
Our mission is simple: to protect.
- Clients – by ensuring their wealth is managed responsibly, transparently, and in full compliance with all applicable local and cross-border regulations.
- Advisers – by providing the infrastructure, training, and ongoing regulatory guidance to support ethical, long-term careers.
- The profession – by exemplifying best practices in compliant financial advice, with robust governance, risk monitoring, and adherence to international standards.
We are committed not just to words, but to measurable actions that safeguard client interests, support advisers, and uphold the integrity of the industry.
Written by John Westwood, Chairman of the Blacktower Group of Companies.
