Genuine feedback from individuals who have engaged our investment consulting services.
Return to HomePerspectives from individuals who have worked with Sterling Harbour for their investment advisory needs.
Singapore, Central Region
The orientation session proved useful for understanding whether their approach suited my preferences. No pressure to proceed beyond the initial conversation, which I appreciated. They provided several observations about my existing portfolio that prompted useful reconsideration of my allocation strategy.
December 18, 2024
Singapore, East Region
After receiving business sale proceeds, I required guidance on portfolio construction. The written deliverable provided clear reasoning for their recommendations, which helped me understand trade-offs between different approaches. Implementation support was available but not pushed, allowing me to proceed at my own pace through my existing brokerage.
December 14, 2024
Singapore, North Region
Their fee-only structure removed concerns about commission-based recommendations that influenced previous experiences with other advisors. The portfolio analysis included scenario modeling that helped visualize potential outcomes under different market conditions. Communication remained measured throughout without urgent language attempting to accelerate decisions.
December 10, 2024
Singapore, West Region
Approaching retirement required careful transition planning. Their support during this period focused on sequencing decisions appropriately rather than pushing particular products. The scenario modeling revealed implications of different withdrawal strategies that I had not fully considered. Appreciated their availability for questions as circumstances evolved.
December 6, 2024
Singapore, Central Region
The written recommendations included sufficient detail to implement independently while remaining clear enough for someone without financial background. Their explanation of asset allocation reasoning helped me understand why certain approaches might suit my circumstances better than alternatives I had been considering. No ongoing management relationship required unless desired.
December 2, 2024
Singapore, East Region
Their Singapore market specialization proved relevant for understanding local investment vehicle options and tax considerations. The advisory process followed a clear structure while remaining flexible enough to address my specific concerns. Response time to questions was consistently prompt throughout the engagement.
November 28, 2024
Singapore, North Region
Career transition required rethinking investment approach given changing income profile. The transition planning service addressed timing considerations and potential complications I had not anticipated. Their scenario analysis helped clarify decision factors rather than prescribing single "correct" approach. Implementation roadmap proved useful for executing plan over subsequent months.
November 24, 2024
Singapore, West Region
The preliminary orientation session allowed assessment of fit before committing to more comprehensive service. Their transparency about service scope and limitations helped set appropriate expectations. No attempt to claim expertise beyond their actual capability, which contrasted with previous advisor experiences where comprehensive capability was overstated.
November 19, 2024
Singapore, Central Region
Portfolio construction advisory included behavioral considerations alongside technical analysis. This integration proved more practical than purely mathematical optimization that ignores implementation psychology. The written deliverable serves as ongoing reference when market volatility prompts reconsideration of strategy sustainability.
November 15, 2024
Specific examples demonstrating how our advisory approach addresses different client circumstances.
Client received S$1.8M from business sale after decades focused on operating rather than investing. Limited prior investment experience meant uncertainty about appropriate portfolio structure. Previous advisor recommendations emphasized complex structured products that client did not understand despite multiple explanations.
Portfolio Construction Advisory service beginning with comprehensive assessment of timeline, risk capacity, and behavioral preferences. Analysis revealed client valued understanding holdings over maximizing theoretical returns. Recommendations focused on transparent vehicle selection across globally diversified asset classes. All products included in final portfolio could be explained clearly without technical jargon.
Client implemented straightforward portfolio costing 0.42% annually versus 2.1% for previously proposed structured products. Written deliverable allowed independent implementation through low-cost brokerage platform. Client reported comfort with understanding what they owned and why. Subsequent market volatility did not prompt panic selling, which advisor attributed to sustainable strategy matching client temperament. One year later, client referred two business associates facing similar situations.
Client approaching retirement in fourteen months needed guidance on coordinating multiple financial decisions: CPF withdrawal timing, property downsizing, supplementary retirement scheme liquidation, and portfolio reallocation. Attempting to optimize each decision independently created conflicts. Market timing concerns were amplifying decision paralysis.
Transition Planning Support service modeling different sequencing approaches under various market and property scenarios. Analysis revealed that attempting to time markets across multiple decisions simultaneously introduced unnecessary complexity. Recommendations emphasized coordination over individual optimization, with specific trigger points determining property sale timing rather than attempting market prediction.
Client implemented sequenced approach over twelve-month period. Clear decision framework reduced anxiety about timing each component perfectly. Property sale proceeded when suitable buyer emerged rather than waiting for perceived optimal market conditions. CPF and SRS withdrawals coordinated to minimize tax impact. Client reported that having written roadmap with contingency approaches allowed confident execution during what otherwise would have been stressful transition period.
Client inherited S$620K following parent's passing. Existing portfolio already adequate for objectives, raising questions about whether to integrate new funds or treat separately. Emotional discomfort about inheritance proceeds complicated rational decision-making. Multiple family members offered conflicting advice about appropriate use of funds.
Portfolio Construction Advisory addressing both technical integration question and behavioral dimensions of inheritance management. Analysis demonstrated that maintaining separate accounts provided no technical advantage while creating additional complexity. However, client preference for mental accounting meant recommending integration within total portfolio while maintaining notional separation for emotional comfort. This allowed rational management while respecting psychological needs.
Client integrated inheritance into overall portfolio while maintaining separate tracking for emotional reasons. Clear allocation framework prevented reactive decisions during initial grief period. Six months post-inheritance, client reported comfort with approach and appreciation for advisor's acknowledgment of emotional factors alongside technical considerations. Family conflicts around fund usage resolved once client had clear rationale for chosen approach.
Metrics reflecting our advisory practice and client relationships over thirteen years of operation.
Multiple ways to reach our advisory team for inquiries about our services.
+65 6482 7159
Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Marina Bay Financial Centre
12 Marina Boulevard, #17-05
Singapore 018982
If these client experiences resonate with your preferences for working with an investment advisor, we welcome your contact.