[Alan]

I wondered if people with experience of financial planning companies relating to emigration could put down the company they used and their own experience of that company as well as what they were used for, if they were used.

[victoria24]

to offer financial advise you have to be authorized by the financial services authority. www.fsa.gov.uk. if you click on the fsa register link, you can check out companies and also see if they have ever been fined for bad practice. interestingly I was looking at hbos on there for a client issue and they have been fined 2 million in the last 5 years! thats the Halifax etc

[mgbridges]

Interestingly I was looking at hbos on there for a client issue and they have been fined 2 million in the last 5 years! thats the Halifax etc

My family back it the UK have just moved all their business banking from HBOS as they were being very unreasonable about something. They've got a much better deal on mortgage/loans etc., better client service and all around better experience from their local branch of NatWest. Just shows that its always worth shopping around from time to time as your current financial provider might just be taking your custom for granted!

Anneliese

[BaldyBeardyBloke]

its always worth shopping around from time to time as your current financial provider might just be taking your custom for granted!


Couldn't agree more, particularly in the UK.

I worked in the financial and insurance industry (although in IT, not the retail side) for ten years in the UK (Royal Bank Of Scotland, Direct Line & Green Flag - all part of RBS nowadays)

Due to my last contract here - working on an online household financial planning application - I am pretty familiar with the retail side of NZ banking too.

Customer service in NZ is hugely better than in the UK and, yes, product ranges vary to a certain degree, but what financial organisations offer the customer is broadly very similar, therefore it is the customer service that makes the difference.

Satisfaction with customer service (or lack of) is the primary reason quoted for people changing banks, or providers.

In NZ I have personally found and know that the vast majority of people agree (including most on this forum) that NZ banking and financial service are much more 'customer friendly' here.

If you are not already here, you will almost certainly, be pleasantly surprised by how you are treated by your chosen bank.

That doesn't necessarily mean the services or products they offer are any better, but it is nice to be treated as a customer, not just a number.

[victoria24]

imagine the day when we can expect to get a good deal and good customer service!!!