Year in Review 2019

Acquisition International - Year in Review 2019 5 Oct19023 Based in the Bahamas, CFAL is dedicated to helping clients receive financial security. Now handling nearly $2 billion in assets for its clients, we spoke with Vice President Sophia Thurston to find out more. he guiding philosophy of CFAL is that, as stewards of capital, the firm’s clients’ interests are paramount,’ says Sophia. ‘As such, the firm builds long lasting relationships based on integrity, expertise and a high level of customer service.’ Any of these reasons could be the basis for the success of the Investment Company, but put together, it’s no surprise that CFAL is such a success. It has been entrusted with the management and administration of more than $1.9 billion in assets and is the largest provider of pensions in the Bahamas. The combination of over 50 years of security analysis and research experience means that the investment process is incredibly strong, making the best value for clients. Working alongside clients ranging from a couple of people to several thousand, CFAL is dedicated to providing a personalised service to all. ‘This relationship approach is what differentiates CFAL from our competitors,’ suggests Sophia, ‘and is one reason why our clients choose us as their trusted financial partner.’ It’s true that CFAL take a lot of pride in their ability to look after their customers. Instead of call centre bureaucracy, ‘each client is assigned an account officer, responsible for ensuring that all aspects of your Plan are addressed in a timely manner.’ Similarly, for pension accounts, there is a dedicated administrator for each allowing the all-important relationship to flourish between the two parties. ‘To protect clients’ long-term interests, we maintain a fundamental and disciplined approach and believe clients’ portfolios are more secure when financial fads and momentum plays are avoided,’ says Sophia. It’s this sort of patience and skill you pay for when you employ CFAL. Treating your money with care and respect, growing it while ensuring the risks are minimal, this is the way forward for investing. To further demonstrate how much they care for the client, and also to ensure the client is always up-to-date on their investments, ‘we also believe in providing clients with timely, pertinent information to help them understand the value-added CFAL brings in managing their investment portfolio.’ This re-enforcement of the worth that CFAL can bring is important to the firm, giving them a clear sense of accountability and record of success. ‘Protecting and enhancing clients’ assets are the most important aspect of our job,’ said Sophia. ‘We honour the trust, hard-earned dollars and hope that clients have placed in our hands. Long-term performance takes precedence in our investment decisions.’ The use of cutting-edge technology is key to providing an effective service to clients. ‘Central to CFAL’s service delivery is our online platform for clients,’ Sophia states. ‘The platform offers secure, real time online access with easy navigation and simplified clients’ records management.’ This addition to the CFAL’s portfolio of Stewards of Capital and Client Interest ‘T abilities is very helpful to clients. It allows them to keep track of their records at a glance without any added hassle. Not resting for a second, this system is constantly checked and updated. ‘All methods have been tested and proven secure over the past years with regular updates to make sure things remain as secure as they should be,’ says Sophia, demonstrating the company’s dedication to ensuring that clients’ investments are safe. It’s this practical way of making things clearer that helps to make CFAL the client’s choice of investment advisor. Ultimately, the future looks bright for CFAL, with its strong basis in managing investments now paying off as clients flock to be represented by the firm. With its experienced, customer-focused team on hand, there can be no doubt that this firm has earned a great deal of its trust, and that this trust is the real secret of its enormous success. ‘To protect clients’ long-term interests, we maintain a fundamental and disciplined approach and believe clients’ portfolios are more secure when financial fads and momentum plays are avoided,’ Contact: Sophia Thurston Company: CFAL Website: https://www.cfal.com/