Frequently Asked Questions
What FEES DO AP ADVISERS LTD CHaRGe?
We usually charge between 0.50%-1.00% per annum, depending on the size of a client's portfolio. We align this fee to the account value which aims to create a mutually beneficial client-adviser relationship. We may also charge a fee for research and reports which is disclosed before any work is undertaken. You may also pay fees to the provider of your investment account and the underlying assets.
WHAT HAPPENS TO MY INVESTMENT ACCOUNT IF I LEAVE JAPAN?
If your investments are based internationally, we can continue to service your account should you cross borders. With online access to your portfolio and video conferencing, it is easy to maintain the relationship. Alternatively you can appoint an advisory firm in your new country of residence to take over the servicing of your investment account.
EXPLAIN AP ADVISERS LTD'S ADVISORY PROCESS
The first meeting by phone, video conference or in person, simply aims to define your current circumstances and future objectives. This enables us to decide if there is synergy between your goals and our advisory services.
On request, we can provide a bespoke investment advisory report with a clear financial road map. A second meeting explains the report in more depth and answers your questions.
If after you have conducted your own research and due diligence and select an investment platform, we monitor your portfolio periodically and meet you once or twice a year for an update on your circumstances and an investment performance review.
On request, we can provide a bespoke investment advisory report with a clear financial road map. A second meeting explains the report in more depth and answers your questions.
If after you have conducted your own research and due diligence and select an investment platform, we monitor your portfolio periodically and meet you once or twice a year for an update on your circumstances and an investment performance review.
WHAT KIND OF INVESTMENTS CAN I MAKE?
It depends on the account you select but most modern-day overseas platforms give access to mutual funds or index funds as well as Exchange Traded Funds offered by global fund houses. You can choose funds which invest in equities, bonds, cash, commodities and alternative asset classes and in different currencies. It also depends on whether you are seeking to save some disposable income every month, and/or have a lump sum to invest. AP Advisers simply gives you tips on how to construct a risk-adjusted portfolio based on your risk tolerance and goals and then if you wish, you can appoint us as your investment adviser.
how can i monitor my portfolio?
Modern-day platforms have secure online access to your account. This allows you to view your portfolio and keeps you updated on performance. If AP Advisers has been appointed as your investment adviser, any investments you wish to place can be first discussed with us to define if they meet your investment criteria and tolerance for investment risk.
WHAT HAPPENS IF AP ADVISERS LTD CEASES BUSINESS?
AP Advisers Ltd does not handle your money, we simply advise upon it. Your money sits on the investment platform you chose. Should AP Advisers Ltd cease business, you just find another investment advisory firm to advise upon your account. If your adviser at AP Advisers Ltd leaves the company, you will be swiftly assigned a new adviser from within the firm.
what are my chances of securing mortgage finance in japan?
Unless you have a secure, employed position with a large company in Japan, or a long-established and profitable business, and hold the Permanent Residency visa, you may struggle to source finance. Many banks also insist you need to be a member of the Japanese social insurance scheme. These are the starting criteria before approaching a lender. Should you be successful, loans may be granted for up to 35 years. We can advise upon a way to package your application so you have the best chance of securing finance to buy your own home or invest in another.
WHICH JAPANESE INVESTMENT PRODUCTS SHOULD I BE CONSIDERING?
AP Advisers Ltd does not give advice on local investments. If you are going to consider local investments, you should take into account your investment time frame, your intended length of stay in Japan, and your ability to read and understand product offerings in Japanese. Many financial institutions offer investment products like NISA's which allow you to invest while also deferring capital gains tax. You may currently invest a maximum of Y1.2 million per year per individual.
There are also IDECO's which are not unlike a personal pension scheme and you can choose how your money is invested. As it is recognized as a pension scheme there are also some tax benefits to the IDECO scheme. These retirement schemes are long-term in nature so you need to weigh up this with your intended length of stay in Japan. Depending on your employment status, you can usually invest between Y23,000 and Y68,000 per month.
This is not a solicitation to invest in these schemes, they are mentioned purely for informational purposes. You should seek advice and information from the issuers or distributors of these products.
There are also IDECO's which are not unlike a personal pension scheme and you can choose how your money is invested. As it is recognized as a pension scheme there are also some tax benefits to the IDECO scheme. These retirement schemes are long-term in nature so you need to weigh up this with your intended length of stay in Japan. Depending on your employment status, you can usually invest between Y23,000 and Y68,000 per month.
This is not a solicitation to invest in these schemes, they are mentioned purely for informational purposes. You should seek advice and information from the issuers or distributors of these products.
Financial investments bear risk and their values may fall as well as rise. Past performance is no guarantee to future returns and you may not get back the amount you invested. If you seek to invest in risk-based assets, you should adopt a long-term horizon of 5-10 years or more.
