Global financial firm AES International reveals demand for its free 'X-ray' service unveiling hidden commissions and levels of risk has rocketed from last year
DUBAI: AES International - an award-winning global investment firm - has revealed that the number of requests for its free 'X-ray' service, showing hidden commissions on financial products, has soared twelvefold in 2016, from the same period last year.
The 'X-ray reports' were initially offered through the company's website in 2015 as a way for international investors to find out any hidden commissions that were paid to an adviser from the product provider or the investment provider. They also measure the true level of risk within a portfolio, check how funds have performed against their benchmark, assess if investments are properly diversified, see if a client was left exposed to tax and hidden charges, and uncover the lock-in periods which reduce flexibility and performance.
"We have been quite taken aback in the first quarter of 2016 by this massive surge in demand for a truthful, fully transparent assessment of individual investments," said Sam Instone, CEO of AES International. "The unfortunate fact is that many financial companies operate in high pressure sales environments with tough targets, so they don't always have their customers' best interests at heart. This can lead to an unscrupulous and quite aggressive approach to selling - and I think the knock-on effect is what we are seeing now with this huge increase in demand for the X-ray service."
The UAE has put many consumer protection laws in place over recent years, but one area that is still causing problems is investment schemes administered by insurance companies such as Friends Provident International, RL360, Hansard International, Old Mutual International, Zurich International, and Generali Worldwide. These are sold through financial advisory firms to people who put a lot of trust in what they are being told.
"We are passionate about setting the example of transparency and are making every effort to help people, who are often distressed, if they have historically made a bad decision," added Instone.
About AES International
Established in 2004, AES International is a globally recognised investment firm offering a UK-oriented approach to financial services wherever a client is in the world. It specialises in helping those frustrated with the performance of their investments and who want safer, more reliable alternatives. AES International's aims are: to ensure clients get the best information; to help them make smarter decisions for their savings, pensions and investments; and to de-commission the old way of investing and secure the best pricing.
Quick facts: 7 international offices / 65 financial licences / 35 jurisdictions where licences are held / nearly 11,000 private clients / 27 financial advice awards in the last six years / top 1% of all 'Investors in People' organisations / fastest growing financial services company in the UK
RESOURCES
Web: aesinternational.com
LinkedIn: AES International
Twitter: @aesint
Google+: AES International | Expat Financial Advice
FaceBook: AESInternational
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
AES International is pleased to assist media with case studies, expert quotes, or comment. Areas of speciality: international financial services including offshore private banking, international investing and international pension transfers.
For queries, further details, interview requests and high resolution images contact:
PR TEAM / Emma
Blowfish Media
team@blowfishmediame.com
+ (971) 4 374 4262
+ (971) 55 606 6641
Press Release 2016
