Consult pushes the boundary of advice possibility

In an economic landscape fraught with unpredictability, uncertainty and fear, the need for quality, trusted and authentic financial advice has never been greater. Financial planning and advisory group Consult has embraced a new future with a new identity and brand – and a singular purpose – to bring objective, bespoke, and authentic financial advice to life.

For Consult CEO, Hannes van den Berg, this evolution has come at a critical time in their journey. After seven years of strong growth – going from 18 financial advisers to 308; R2 billion to R31 billion in assets under advice; and R116 million to R4 billion in assets under management – the business felt that the time was right to reposition themselves for the future while keeping their roots firmly planted in the same principles that helped them achieve so much thus far.

“There is an immense need for authentic and trusted advice. People and businesses everywhere are grappling with increases in the cost of living, small or no annual salary increases and the aftermath of COVID-19, increasingly complicated tax and retirement regimes, the list goes on.”

“We are here to partner with clients and to help them navigate through the noise to ensure that they achieve their financial goals, their success is our number one priority and purpose,” he says.

He believes that under the new Consult umbrella, the business’s value pillars can come through stronger than ever before. “We have always been advice-led and professional in our approach to financial planning. The way we engage with clients has always been a two-way street where we listen to their unique requirements and provide appropriate advice. And we will always be proud of our roots and heritage. None of this has changed. We have simply created a more deliberate focus on who we are and what we stand for so that others can partner with us on this journey.”

As an advisory firm, Head of Marketing, Brand & Communications Marjorie Van den Heever says deciding on the brand name and logo was the natural product of the business’s growth path. “The name Momentum Consult already had considerable brand equity attached to it and it was well known throughout the industry. By shifting the primary focus of our name to Consult put a spotlight on our differentiated approach to advice, really honing in on what sets us apart, while still having a vote of confidence as an endorsed brand of one the biggest players in the industry.”

Van den Heever continues to explain why the brand evolution forms part of a bigger picture of professionalism in the financial advice industry. “Clients are willing to pay a fee or premium to a doctor or lawyer when they consult with them, but this isn’t a given in our industry. It’s so much harder to prove the tangible value of advice. By evolving our brand as a reputable advice provider that focuses on the act of consulting and the power of advice, we believe it will go a long way in helping further shape how consumers view financial advisers and the value they bring.”

“When people think of advice best practice they will think of Consult. That is our goal.”

From a branding perspective, Van den Heever believes by consistently telling the story, by emotionally connecting with clients and by repositioning the brand with its new identity – Consult will be able to lay a solid foundation and start redefining the value that consumers derive from financial advice in a contemporary and ever-shifting economic landscape.

“Our clients have felt the value that we have added for years, but now we truly want each and every one of them to see us as a partner in their journey to success as we redefine, reconfigure and reimagine advice.”