Qualifications
Chartered Financial Adviser
Chris holds the Chartered Financial Adviser designation, awarded by the London Institute of Banking & Finance. Chartered status is the profession’s gold standard for financial advice. It confirms that Chris is highly qualified, experienced and committed to the highest professional and ethical standards.
Diploma in Financial Services
Chris holds the Diploma in Financial Services (DipFS), awarded by the Chartered Insurance Institute .Diploma status is for advanced technical knowledge and understanding across a broad range of key advisory areas, including pensions, investments and insurance.
Importantly
At work
After graduating with a degree in business and finance, I started my career working for a well-known independent financial adviser. Having initially joined as a trainee administrator, I quickly climbed the ranks to become a technical analyst and then practice manager. This taught me how to run and manage a successful financial advisory firm.
I then progressed to another well respected independent financial adviser in Bristol, where I headed up a team of technical analysts. This taught me the importance of a strong ‘back office’ in delivering great client outcomes.
After several more years, I decided to set up Frazer James. A boutique independent financial adviser with the resource to provide a first-class financial planning service.
On a day-to-day basis, I support the financial adviser with research, analysis and report writing. I’m also responsible for managing the day-to-day operations at Frazer James, making sure everything runs smoothly.
Personally
I enjoy running around the beautiful city of Bristol and plan on running a marathon in 2020. I also enjoy cycling – especially along the canals in Bradford-on-Avon, or as part of an organised charity ride each year from Northampton to Ypres.
As far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing more enjoyable than sitting in front of the fire on a wintery night with a good book. I’m also a fan of craft beer and I’m always on the lookout for new and novel places which serve it!
Fun fact: In December 2021, I’ll be completing the ‘world’s toughest row’, which is a 3,000-mile row from the Canary Islands to Antigua.
Chris' professional highlights
The proudest moment of my career so far is
Having the courage in my convictions that there is a better way of delivering financial advice and setting up Frazer James to do just that.
The three things I love most about my job are
The ‘aha’ moment when you show a client their big-picture finances for the first time.
Building relationships with clients that are about so much more than just their money.
Using my technical knowledge to help clients make the most of what they’ve got.
The types of people I most enjoy working with are
Friendly, jovial people who enjoy life and don’t take things too seriously.
Likes
- Thai street food
- Cooking
- A weekend with no plans
- That feeling after a good workout
- Bristol
Dislikes
- Fish
- That feeling when your holiday is coming to an end
- Winter
- People who don’t do what they say they will do
- Cider
Chris in the spotlight
On an ideal weekend, you can find me
Either pottering around the garden or cycling along the canals of Bradford-on-Avon.
My favourite holiday destination is
Fethiye in Turkey (the fact that most people don’t know about it is the best part!).
My favourite song to play in the car is
Eagle-Eye Cherry – Save Tonight.
When the dessert menu arrives, I’m looking for
Sticky toffee pudding – with lots of custard!
The three qualities that draw me to new people are
High levels of integrity, passion for something and a positive 'can-do' attitude.
My pet peeve is
People who turn up late to a meeting, with no good reason.
The three people at my dream dinner party would be
Tim Ferriss, Elon Musk and Joe Rogan.
The three small things that make my day better are
Coffee in the morning, fresh air in the afternoon and spending time with friends and family.