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Bespoke Financial Advice, at a Fair Price

I care about your financial independence, and that means I charge clients 30%-60% less* than the average UK adviser.​​ 

 

If you're looking for evidence-based financial advice with an adviser that will be with you for decades to come, click here to book a free, no-obligation chat with me. 

*Based on my average ongoing total client cost of 1.25% vs UK average 1.89% (2024), and my average initial fee of 1% versus the UK average 2.40%. See PIMFAs NextWealth report (2024) here, and this report from Which (2024).

Mr. Waweru, Potters Bar / Brookmans Park

Ciaran helped me get past all the financial jargon in the context of UK laws and translated my financial goals into a simple "To-Do" list. His knowledge on workplace pensions and benefits were simply invaluable.

How have I served my clients?

Dr. Zaayman, Guildford

Ciaran has helped me make important financial choices in my life. His expertise have helped me make the most of my tax-free allowances and understand my best investment options.

Mr. W, Enfield

DGS advised me on investments regarding my pension, which I have been extremely happy with. I trust DGS to do the best for me and have subsequently recommended a number of friends who are also now DGS clients.  

Why choose me?

Qualifications

Bachelor of Social Sciences (Philosophy, Politics, Economics) Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Economics Master of Arts (International Relations and Behavioural Economics) CISI Advanced Financial Planning (level 6) CISI UK Regulation & Professional Integrity (Level 4) CISI Investment, Risk and Taxation (Level 4) CISI Financial Planning & Advice (Level 4) Corporate Finance Institute (CFI™) Financial Modelling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA®) Certification

Accreditations

CISI Level 6 Certificate in Advanced Financial Planning CISI Level 4 Diploma in Investment Advice

I'm an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA)

That means I give impartial advice that suits your needs from all the possible financial products and companies. Together we will establish a long-term ongoing relationship and I will be your professional sounding board.

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I'm Highly Qualified 

I have 3 degrees and a Level 6 (Bachelor's degree equivalent)  National Qualifications Framework (NQF) diploma specifically for Financial Advice. 

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I'm Fair

My average total client cost is 30%-60% lower than the UK average, and I'll never charge you if I don't believe you are getting more value than you're paying. 

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Your First Meeting is Always Free

I only believe in working together if I can add value to you.  I'll give you 90 minutes of my time and expertise completely free. I'll listen to your situation, and if I don't think you need my help, I'll offer my advice for free. If you'd benefit from an ongoing relationship, we'll arrange a follow up. 

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I'm Local

If you live in or around St Albans, Brookmans Park, Potters Bar, or Cuffley, I will happily make home visits at convenient times, even if outside normal business hours.

Home: Headliner

Independent Financial Advice is a Great Deal...

Quantifiable benefits (~2-3% of your investible assets per year)

Illustrative only vs. average UK investor 

How can Financial Advice Help You?

My Advice has non-quantifiable benefits too:​

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Feel Supported​​

  • We will build a long-term professional relationship

  • I will be your sounding board

  • Enjoy greater peace of mind

  • Define your goals

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Plan Ahead

  • React to changing legislation​

  • I'll help you understand complex rules

  • Prioritise financial decisions

  • Together we will review and update your financial plan

*Note that the value of IHT planning, total return investing and asset allocation can be much greater than 0.1% but depends on specific circumstances.

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Sources:

1. PWL Capital (2015). Value Proposition: Twelve Value-Added Services Performed by Investment Advisors.

2.Vanguard (2020). Putting a value on your value: Quantifying Vanguard Adviser’s Alpha
3. Vanguard (2022). The value of personalized advice.

Recommended Resources

I'm committed to helping you reach your financial goals, and that includes helping you learn about all things personal finance. I host "Ask Me Anything" sessions for fianncial advice in Brookmans Park, Potters Bar, Cuffley and St Albans, and I am always available for a call - even if you aren't a client yet. 

Ask Me Anything - Brookmans Park

Financial Consultation

I offer free financial advice in Brookmans Park, Potters Bar, and beyond. I host one session a week, click below to find out details on times and dates. Attendance is completely free!

Learn More

My Investment Philosophy

Desk Globe

 I use mostly index funds. Index investing lets you own a slice of the entire market, without picking individual winners. By keeping fees low and avoiding the risks of active trading, your money works smarter, and harder.

Recommended Reading/Listening

Leather Bound Books

I believe in helping you grow and reach your goals. An important part of that mission is helping you learn as much as you can, from the best available sources. Click below if you'd like to learn more about all things Personal Finance.

DGS Independent Financial Advisers Limited is registered in England and Wales. Company number 03784035.

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Registered and trading address: 2 Crown Buildings, The Green, Chingford, London E4 7EX.

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Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under reference 225814.

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The guidance and/or advice contained within the website is subject to the UK regulatory regime and is therefore primarily targeted to customers in the UK.

Not all products and services offered are regulated by the FCA.

 

For further information and to check each firm’s registration details, please visit the FCA using the link alongside.

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The Financial Conduct Authority is the main regulatory body for the financial services, general insurance and healthcare industries http://www.fca.org.uk/.

 

The Financial Ombudsman Service provides consumers with a free, independent service for resolving disputes with financial firms http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/.

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If you have any questions relating to the information contained in this page, please contact us at enquiries@dgsifa.com.

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Should you wish to make a complaint about any aspect of the service we provide to you, you can do this by writing to enquiries@dgsifa.com or by telephoning us on 020 8524 8521 where we will try to resolve your concern at the earliest time possible.

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A summary of our internal complaints handing procedures for the reasonable and prompt handling of complaints is available on request and if you cannot settle your complaint with us, you may be entitled to refer it to the Financial Ombudsman Service at www.financialombudsman.org.uk or by contacting them on 0800 023 4567.

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©2025 by Ciaran Burks

Serving Brookmans Park, Potters Bar, Cuffley, St Albans, Harpenden, and beyond.

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