Frequently Asked Questions

Three things: independence, seniority, and personal attention. We are not owned by or affiliated with any financial institution, so we face no pressure to recommend in-house products. Every client works directly with a principal who has 18–26 years of experience — not a junior relationship manager. And because we intentionally limit the number of families we serve, each client receives genuinely personalised attention.

Yes. The company is registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) under registration number 201801018875 (1280891-W). For regulated capital markets activities, our advisers hold the Capital Markets Services Representative's Licence (CMSRL) issued by the Securities Commission Malaysia. We operate in full compliance with the Capital Markets and Services Act 2007.

Our head office is at Wisma Kinta, 11-7-5 Lorong Kinta, 10400 Georgetown, Penang. We also maintain a regular advisory presence in Kuala Lumpur for the convenience of our Klang Valley clients, and we travel to meet clients in Johor Bahru, Kuching, and other Malaysian cities as needed.

We are a fee-only firm. We do not accept commissions, rebates, trailer fees, or any form of compensation from third parties. Our fees are transparent and are agreed upon in writing before any engagement begins. Depending on the scope of work, we charge either a fixed retainer, an hourly rate, or a percentage of assets under advisory — and we will explain the rationale for whichever structure we recommend.

For ongoing investment advisory, our annual fee typically ranges from 0.75% to 1.25% of assets under advisory, with the rate declining at higher asset levels. For one-off engagements such as a Financial Health Audit or a corporate advisory mandate, we provide a fixed-fee quotation after an initial discussion. We are happy to provide an indicative fee range during an introductory meeting.

We typically work with clients who have investable assets of RM 500,000 or greater. However, we assess each enquiry individually. For younger professionals and entrepreneurs who demonstrate a clear commitment to building long-term wealth, we are open to discussing tailored arrangements with a lower initial threshold.

We believe in long-term, fundamentals-driven investing. We do not speculate, we do not time markets, and we do not chase trends. Our process begins with understanding your goals and risk tolerance, then constructing a diversified portfolio of quality assets — primarily equities, bonds, and selected alternative investments — that aligns with those parameters. We rebalance methodically and review holdings regularly, but we do not trade excessively.

We conduct formal portfolio reviews quarterly, with written commentary. Monthly, we share a concise market update. But you are welcome to call or email your adviser at any time — our clients have direct access, and we pride ourselves on responding promptly, typically within the same business day.

Yes. We have extensive experience constructing Shariah-compliant portfolios using sukuk, Islamic unit trusts, and Shariah-compliant equities listed on Bursa Malaysia and international exchanges. We also advise on Islamic estate planning, including wasiat and hibah structures.

First, we meet — in person or virtually — for an exploratory conversation at no cost. If we both feel there is a good fit, we proceed to a Discovery Phase: a thorough analysis of your current financial position, goals, and concerns. We then present a written proposal outlining our recommended strategy and fee structure. Only once you approve the proposal do we begin implementation. The process typically takes three to six weeks.

Yes. Our engagement letters include a termination clause that allows either party to terminate with thirty days' written notice. There are no lock-in periods, no exit penalties, and no deferred fees. We believe that if we are not adding value, you should not be obligated to stay.

The simplest way is to call us at +6011 1646 1919 or email info@advancefa-av.it.com. Alternatively, use the contact form on our home page. A principal will respond personally within one business day to arrange an initial conversation. There is no cost and no obligation — just an honest discussion about whether we can help you.