Frequently Asked Questions
What FEES DO AP ADVISERS LTD CHaRGe?
We usually charge between 0.25%-1.00% per annum, depending on the size of a client's portfolio. We align this fee to the account value meaning we are motivated to see your money grow. This aims to create a mutually beneficial client-adviser relationship. You will also pay fees to the provider of your investment account and underlying assets, which vary between them.
WHAT HAPPENS TO MY INVESTMENT ACCOUNT IF I LEAVE JAPAN?
As your investments are likely to be 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 a successful 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 resources.
If there is, we provide a bespoke investment advisory report with a financial road map for your perusal. A second meeting is arranged to explain the report in more depth and to answer your questions. There are no fees for this service but if you decide to set up an account, we will clearly explain what the fees are before you commit.
Once you are set up, we monitor your portfolio periodically and meet you once or twice a year for an update on your circumstances and an investment performance review.
If there is, we provide a bespoke investment advisory report with a financial road map for your perusal. A second meeting is arranged to explain the report in more depth and to answer your questions. There are no fees for this service but if you decide to set up an account, we will clearly explain what the fees are before you commit.
Once you are set up, 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 provider you choose but most give you access to a suite of 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. Some providers allow you access to individual stocks, bonds and bank term deposits. It also depends on whether you are in the accumulation phase of wanting to save some disposable income every month, and/or have a lump sum to invest. AP Advisers simply gives you advice on how to construct a risk-adjusted portfolio based on your risk tolerance and goals and then to monitor it with you on a regular basis.
how can i monitor my portfolio?
Through this website, you will have secure online access to your account. Or, you can set up a direct online arrangement with your account provider. This allows you to view your portfolio and keeps you updated on performance. Any trades you wish to place (purchase, switch, sale of an asset) is first discussed with AP Advisers to ensure this meets your investment criteria and tolerance for investment risk.
WHAT HAPPENS IF AP ADVISERS LTD CEASES TRADING?
AP Advisers Ltd does not handle your money, we simply advise upon it. Your money sits with the provider of your investment account. Should AP Advisers Ltd cease trading, all you need do is 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. You will also 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 and with current interest rates being so low, these are attractive features of Japanese mortgages. We can help you 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?
It depends on your investment time frame, your intended length of stay in Japan, and your ability to read and understand product offerings in Japanese. Aside from standard accounts, banks also offer investment products like NISA's. These are attractive from a tax point of view as it allows you to invest in Japanese stocks and bonds etc. but defer liability on capital gains. At present you are able to invest a maximum of Y1.2 million per year per individual.
There are also IDECO's offered by securities companies which are not unlike a personal pension scheme and you can choose how your money is invested. The tax benefits are the contributions are tax deductible, the money can grow tax free within the scheme and there are tax benefits when taking out the proceeds. The downside is you need to keep the money in the account until at least the age of 60, or face penalties to encash it earlier. Depending on your employment status, you can usually invest between Y23,000 and Y68,000 per month.
These schemes are worth considering if your Japanese level is sufficient and you intend to be a long-term resident of Japan. This is not a solicitation to invest in these schemes, you should seek advice from the issuers or distributors of these products.
There are also IDECO's offered by securities companies which are not unlike a personal pension scheme and you can choose how your money is invested. The tax benefits are the contributions are tax deductible, the money can grow tax free within the scheme and there are tax benefits when taking out the proceeds. The downside is you need to keep the money in the account until at least the age of 60, or face penalties to encash it earlier. Depending on your employment status, you can usually invest between Y23,000 and Y68,000 per month.
These schemes are worth considering if your Japanese level is sufficient and you intend to be a long-term resident of Japan. This is not a solicitation to invest in these schemes, you should seek advice from the issuers or distributors of these products.
