Vista Advisers Limited — Fees, Charges & Remuneration

1. Our Approach to Fees

Vista believes that the way a financial adviser is remunerated matters.

The way an adviser is paid can influence the advice they provide, the products they recommend and the long-term relationship they develop with their clients. For that reason, we believe clients should understand clearly how their adviser is remunerated, what services they are receiving and how those fees have been determined.

Our objective is to align our interests with those of our clients by agreeing transparent professional fees directly with them.

We believe that high-quality financial advice can deliver significant long-term value. Equally, we believe clients should pay only for services they need, value and choose to receive. Our fees are therefore agreed individually, having regard to the scope of the engagement, the complexity of the advice required and the level of ongoing service requested.

We do not believe recommendations regarding investment products, investment managers, investment portfolios or financial structures should be influenced by how Vista is remunerated.

Where a conflict could arise between Vista’s remuneration and a client’s interests, our duty is always to act honestly, fairly and professionally in the client’s best interests. Where fees are calculated as a percentage of assets, we recognise that this could create an incentive in relation to the amount of assets invested or retained. Our duty to act in your best interests applies regardless of how our fee is calculated, and we will not allow the basis of our remuneration to influence our advice.

2. Independence

Vista is remunerated by professional fees agreed directly with its clients. Vista does not retain commission.

This approach supports our objective of providing independent advice and helps ensure that our recommendations are based upon our professional judgement rather than the remuneration associated with particular products, providers or investment solutions.

In limited circumstances, such as where a client asks Vista to arrange a life assurance policy or another financial product for which the product producer would otherwise pay commission, Vista does not retain that commission.

Where this occurs:

1. the arrangement, and any commission or other third-party payment, will be disclosed clearly to you before you proceed;
2. any commission or other third-party payment will be rebated to you, or offset in full against your agreed professional fees;
3. we will explain how the payment is treated before you commit to proceeding.

We will always explain how Vista is being remunerated before you commit to proceeding with our recommendations.

3. How Our Fees Are Determined

Every client relationship is different.

Before undertaking chargeable work, Vista will agree with you:

1. the scope of the services to be provided;
2. the expected deliverables;
3. the basis upon which fees will be calculated;
4. the estimated amount (or range) of fees where this can reasonably be determined;
5. when payment will become due; and
6. any additional costs or expenses that may reasonably arise.

Unless otherwise agreed, fees will be confirmed in writing before work begins.

4. Typical Fee Structures

Vista may charge fees using one or more of the following methods, depending upon the nature of the engagement.

The charging method most appropriate to your engagement will be agreed with you before work commences.

Service	Typical Basis of Charge
Initial financial planning	Fixed fee
One-off strategic financial advice	Fixed fee
Investment advice and implementation	Fixed fee or agreed percentage
Ongoing advisory service	Annual fixed fee, percentage fee or combination
Specialist consultancy	Fixed fee or hourly rate where appropriate

5. Indicative Fee Levels

The following figures are intended to provide a general indication of Vista’s typical charging structure.

Actual fees will depend upon the complexity of your circumstances, the scope of the services requested and the level of ongoing advice required.

Service	Typical Fee Range*
Initial financial planning	€5,000 – €10,000 + VAT
One-off strategic financial advice	Agreed fixed fee
Investment advice and implementation	Agreed fixed fee or agreed percentage
Ongoing advisory service	Typically from €10,000 per annum + VAT
Specialist consultancy	€250 – €500 per hour + VAT

*These figures are indicative only and do not constitute a quotation. Your agreed fee will always be confirmed before work begins.

Vista reserves the right to agree alternative fee arrangements where this is appropriate having regard to the nature of the engagement.

6. Payment of Fees

Fees are normally payable following the issue of an invoice unless otherwise agreed.

Depending upon the nature of the engagement, fees may be paid by:

1. direct bank transfer;
2. standing order;
3. deduction from an investment platform or product, where permitted and authorised by you;
4. another agreed payment method.

Payment terms will be specified in your Engagement Letter or invoice.

7. VAT

Unless stated otherwise, all professional fees are exclusive of VAT.

VAT will be charged at the prevailing rate where applicable. The VAT treatment of a fee depends on the nature of the service provided.

8. Expenses

Where significant third-party costs or disbursements are expected to arise in connection with your engagement, these will normally be discussed and agreed with you in advance.

Vista will not incur material costs on your behalf without your authority.

9. Reviewing Fees

Vista believes that fee discussions should be open, transparent and straightforward.

As relationships develop, the scope of the services we provide and the complexity of your affairs may increase or decrease.

Where we believe it is appropriate to review our fees, we will discuss this with you before any changes take effect.

Any revised fee arrangement will only apply once it has been agreed with you.

10. Third-Party Remuneration

Vista is remunerated directly by its clients and does not retain third-party commission.

Where any remuneration is received from a third party in connection with the services provided to you, we will:

1. disclose the nature and amount (or method of calculation) of that remuneration;
2. rebate it to you, or offset it in full against professional fees otherwise payable by you;
3. comply with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

11. Questions About Fees

We encourage clients to ask questions about our fees at any stage during our relationship.

We believe that open discussions regarding fees form an important part of a professional adviser-client relationship.

If, at any time, you are unsure how a fee has been calculated or would like to discuss the scope of our engagement, please contact us and we will be pleased to explain it.