Risk profiling applied, means better peace of mind for the investor
Investor risk profiling is used to assess the level of aversion an investor has to the risks involved with the various investment markets and/ or asset classes into which they may be investing. Risk profiling is undertaken in a variety of formats, usually addressing attitude to risk in a general sense, but also exploring time horizons, adaptability to volatility – and reaction to capital fluctuations.
How comfortable are you with unpredictable adversity?
What is your level of comfort as an investor?
How would risk profiling help?
Most likely, your answer will be affected by your stage of life; the level of wealth you have accumulated; and your past experiences as an investor. In a professional environment, risk profiling helps an investment adviser determine an appropriate asset allocation within your portfolio – and how to help you understand what is happening to that portfolio over time.
For a significant number of investors the concerns that cause most discomfort fall into two categories: financial; and emotional (feelings). Those two discomforts impact retirees more substantially: they include –
Financial
- loss of capital (investment capital lost, partially or completely, because of financial distress/ failure);
- income volatility (interest rates, rent and dividends can all fall or rise according to economic/ financial circumstances); and
- duration of wealth (will the capital accumulated last long enough to meet the goals sought).
Feelings
- uncertainty (about the influences on investment assets);
- confidence (concern about the lack of control/ consistency);
- event duration (irritation when the volatility events are prolonged).
How does investor risk profiling fit in to the financial advice process?
Financial planners are required to apply two specific standards (among a range of requirements) when delivering investment advice: they are required under the Corporations Law, to –
- know their client; and
- know the products they recommend.
Knowledge and awareness of human behaviour patterns, together with the financial and personal data that we can gather from you forms the basis of ‘knowing you – our client’; and knowledge of the financial products that we seek to recommend to clients is derived from understanding the financial markets and staying in touch with investment managers of various persuasions (particularly about whom we are satisfied that we have adequate research information). Linking these two is the investor risk profile: by assessing an investor’s aversion to the various types of risk that are involved with investing in particular assets, we are then able to ensure that their level of comfort with the asset allocation strategy recommended will be adequate to –
- allow them to sleep at night;
- give their ‘family’ peace of mind about their future;
- achieve their goals over the available timeframe; and
- facilitate understanding that there will be fluctuations over time, in asset values and income arising from investments.
Does your investor risk profile need updating?
Continuum Financial Planners Pty Ltd uses two assessment processes in relevant circumstances: one is markets-specific (‘the Risk Profiler Questionnaire’); the other is psychometric. We strongly support the policy of our Dealer Group (Lifespan Financial Planning Pty Ltd) in the requirement for investor risk profiles to be reviewed:
- whenever there is a significant life event occur;
- following a significant market disruption; and at the least
- every three years.
To ensure your Investor Risk Profile is properly appraised, arrange a review meeting with one of our experienced advisers: to do so, call our office on 07-34213456; or use our Contact Us facility and we’ll promptly confirm arrangements with you.
[Originally posted in May 2012, this article has been updated/ refreshed from time to time, most recently in April 2021.]
