Wealth Managers & IFAs

With continued market volatility, geo-political shifts and an evolving investor base with a more ‘mature’ and rounded attitude to risk, it is important that you are able to offer your clients diversification options that match their needs.

A balanced mix of asset classes seems to be the current trend, so a non-correlated, safe haven asset with strong historical returns should represent a strong option for your clients.

An association with Stanley Gibbons offers you (and your clients):

• Long term value creation with wealth protection
• Differentiation
• Ease of management
• Generous commission
• A range of products appropriate to differing investment aspirations
• Significant expertise and experience in our field – backed by a lifetime guarantee of authenticity
• Specialist stock pickers to ensure the best risk-return ratio
• Trust and reliability
• Transparency - thanks to our 120 year history of published price lists, indices available on Bloomberg and our dedicated investment team on hand for valuations and advicePlease note that whilst we do have certain key investment products/wrappers - we can offer a bespoke service and more flexible options for Family Offices and HNWIs.

In summary

For wealth managers and for clients, rare stamps represent an ‘easy investment’ in the sense that they are a medium term hold and are managed by SG experts requiring little intervention and updates - this allows wealth managers to manage other financial products more actively and communicate with clients regularly on these.  They are also excellent for strategic planning precisely because they represent a solid and strong medium term hold and are ideal for risk management.

For clients who are looking for good, solid advice and trustworthiness in a wealth manager, we provide the same stability, expertise and reliability to you.

For more information simply call us on 0845 026 7170 (UK) or 00 44 1534 766 711 (int) or e-mail investment@stanleygibbons.com.

Regulation and compliance

At Stanley Gibbons, we recognise that our primary responsibility is to our clients and to upholding the trust they place in us to manage their investments to the best of our ability.  In addition to that, with our worldwide standing and as holders of the Royal Warrant, we have our own reputation to uphold; as was quoted in The Times about Stanley Gibbons, “its brand is imbued with an unblemished reputation for expertise and honest dealing.”

FSA: Stamps and certain other collectibles are not designated investments for the purposes of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities) Order 2001 and as such are not subject to regulation by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) or otherwise.

GFSC: Stamps and certain other collectibles are not "Controlled Investments" for the purposes of the Protection of Investors (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 1987 (as amended) and as such are not subject to regulation by the Guernsey Financial Services Authority ("GFSC").  However, we take financial compliance very seriously and so Stanley Gibbons (Guernsey) Limited has registered with the GFSC under the Registration of Non-Regulated Financial Services Businesses (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Law, 2008 (as amended) as a financial services business and therefore is regulated by the GFSC in respect of Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financial Crime and Terrorist Financing matters.

What this means for you?

What this means for you is that before we enter into any investment with any of our clients, we go through a rigorous compliance procedure to protect both you and them.  As with any other major investment, this involves:

• Obtaining an application form, giving details of the investor and the source of funds
• Identity documents such as a certified copy of the investors passport and utility bill

For more information simply call us on 0845 026 7170 (UK) or 00 44 1534 766 711 (int) or e-mail investment@stanleygibbons.com.

FAQs

 - Stanley Gibbons investment products are not regulated.
Please refer to the section on regulation and compliance above.

 - Why should I spend time learning about stamps and Stanley Gibbons, when there are a lot of other investments that are easier to sell and easier for the client to understand? 
Stanley Gibbons investments are clearly not going to be appropriate for everyone, but for the right investor looking to manage risk and for strong, stable, medium-term returns an investment with Stanley Gibbons can provide a strong diversification option.

With no annual charges or transaction fees, our investments also represent good value.  An academic and independent study by Elroy Dimson & Spaenjers in 2009 titled, ‘The Investment Performance of Collectible Stamps (1900-2008)’ concluded that stamps had, “an annualized return of 7.0% in nominal terms, or 2.9% in real terms… higher than those on bonds but below those on equities. (However) estimates of average after-cost returns for individual investors show that stamps may rival equities in terms of realized performance. Stamp returns are impacted by movements in the equity market, but the systematic risk of stamps remains low. Stamps partially hedge against unanticipated inflation..”

 - Stanley Gibbons sets the price for stamps.
Stanley Gibbons may be the global brand leader, but we do not control the market.  Stanley Gibbons’ annual turnover is a small fraction of the $10 billion collectors spend on stamps each year.  We set prices based on market values and these prices are set by our philatelic experts not the Investment division; as an investor is buying at SG value and selling at SG value this concern can be negated.

 - Stanley Gibbons are not front of mind.
The fact that premium collectibles are ignored by most investors and wealth managers is exactly why they do not correlate with mainstream asset classes and the reason for their stability and strong performance.  For the right investor they can present a powerful diversification option.

For more information simply call us on 0845 026 7170 (UK) or 00 44 1534 766 711 (int) or e-mail investment@stanleygibbons.com.

You can also download an application form here

We look forward to a mutually successful relationship with you.

“Since it was launched, I have sold more Great Britain rare stamp portfolios to my clients than equity sum capital growth ISA’s."

- Nigel Bolitho, IFA and Investors Chronicle Journalist

“Every now and again, I like to look at my stamps - so much more rewarding than a share certificate! When I get more money to invest, Stanley Gibbons will be my first port of call.”

- Nick S (Investor)