Frequently asked
Questions about financial advice
The things clients most often ask before they start working with us.
Do I need a certain amount of money to get advice?
No. Some services suit larger portfolios, but our initial conversation is free and helps us both decide whether advice is right for you — whatever your starting point.
That first meeting typically covers:
- your current savings, pensions and investments;
- the goals you are working towards;
- whether ongoing advice would add value, or a one-off review is enough.
Ready to talk? Find an adviser near you.
How are your advisers paid?
We are transparent about all charges. Fees are agreed with you in advance and explained in writing before any work begins — there are no hidden commissions.
Depending on the service, charges may be structured as:
- a fixed fee for a defined piece of work;
- a percentage of the assets we manage for you;
- an agreed hourly rate.
See our full fee schedule for worked examples.
Is my money safe?
Your investments are held with established, regulated custodians. Mattioli Woods is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
You can verify our status independently:
- search the FCA Financial Services Register;
- look up our firm reference number;
- confirm the permissions we hold.
Our history
Three decades of advice
A timeline variant — years act as the row headers, milestones reveal on open.
1991 Founded in Leicester
Ian Mattioli and Bob Woods establish the firm with a simple belief: clients deserve advice built entirely around their lives.
2005 Listed on AIM
The company floats on the London Stock Exchange’s Alternative Investment Market, funding a period of sustained growth.
2026 A national presence
Today the firm advises clients across the UK from offices nationwide.
Jargon buster
Common terms explained
Plain-English definitions for the terms you will meet.
SIPPSelf-Invested Personal Pension
A pension that gives you greater control over how your retirement savings are invested.
ISAIndividual Savings Account
A tax-efficient wrapper for cash or investments, with an annual contribution allowance.
DFMDiscretionary Fund Management
A service where investment decisions are made on your behalf within an agreed mandate.