About us

Who we are

Black Swan Financial Management Limited is a small financial planning firm established by (Christopher) Mark Pritchard in July 2007. With over 20 years’ experience as a professional financial adviser, Mark is level-4 qualified, and possesses a deep wealth of knowledge from which to draw.

With discretion and in the strictest confidence we offer initial and ongoing financial planning and advice services to private individuals, trustees and companies. Our fields of expertise include; savings, investments, retirement planning, estate preservation, family and personal protection.

What we do

We provide clear financial direction, solutions and co-ordinated strategies that will enable our clients’ financial objectives to be achieved. The financial advice we offer is independent, unbiased and bespoke, and as a regulated firm, our clients are protected under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

Setting up financial arrangements or creating a financial plan is not an end in itself. Instead, it is usually just a means to an end; meeting a future objective, funding an important life-event, passing wealth to someone else – or simply opening up options that wouldn’t otherwise be achievable. To ensure a financial plan remains relevant, or an investment strategy is achieving its targets, Black Swan Financial Management provides ongoing advice and reviews.

How we do it

We take a holistic 'wealth management' approach to long-term financial planning, employing cash flow forecasting our clients are able to see what their financial future may look like and as a consequence make informed financial choices.

At every step of the way personal service is of utmost importance, so whilst modern technology and outsourcing makes it possible for us to compete with the research capabilities of a large firm, our size enables us to provide discrete, value for money advice that is timely and directly relevant.

Are we right for each other?

Our approach may be different from other financial advisers. We recognise that we may not be the right choice for everyone and for this reason we offer a no-obligation ‘discovery’ meeting. Here we’ll explain our services in detail, offer an overview of how we would apply our expertise to your financial objectives and confirm what we would charge for our services. If we both agree to take matters forward, a further meeting will then be arranged.

Testimonials 

Thank you for the investment advice you gave me in 2006

Following your advice we invested in ISAs... 15 years later we have drawn roughly 5.5% per annum... Thanks to your very wise advice, this has left me with strong capital (growth and...) in a financial position to continue enjoying myself. 

  • Alan Roberts

29 Mar 2021

If I have any queries Mark is there to help

Mark’s company was recommended to me by a friend around seven years ago. She had been using Mark’s services for several years prior to then.

When I met Mark I was still employed  and approaching retirement. I needed advice on how best to secure an income suitable for my life in retirement.

Mark went through my options in great detail as to how best to draw income from my private pension, and provided many different  illustrations from financial  institutions  for comparison.

My investments are now much more balanced ISAs which can also provide income.

This has worked very well for me since retiring.  At each annual review Mark has given me a comprehensive update on performance of investments and whether he recommends any changes to my portfolio.

At any time I can  login to my secure personal portal for up to date information on my investments. If I have any queries Mark is there to help.

  • Madeleine D

26 Oct 2020

no hesitation in recommending Mark’s services

I began to use Mark Pritchard as a financial advisor several years ago, on the recommendation of a long-standing friend who was very complimentary about Mark’s work.  I have been equally pleased, especially over the advice and service I received when I asked Mark to advise on my purchasing an annuity when I retired.  I was also impressed when, asking if I should transfer an existing investment into a fund he was already managing on my behalf, he advised me to leave it where it was, although this denied him a commission.  I have no hesitation in recommending Mark’s services.

  • R Fenton

24 Jan 2014

a constant source of sound advice

Mark Pritchard has been our financial advisor now for many years and we are pleased to say we have developed a trusting and positive relationship with him, having visited him at his office and received many visits at our home.

After long careers in teaching, we both needed guidance on pensions and investing savings and Mark has been a constant source of sound advice. He has the ability to explain matters in a way that is easily understandable to the lay person. After each meeting, Mark has followed up with a detailed, written analysis which we have always found interesting and useful.

Mark is extremely engaging and courteous as well as being up-to-date and extremely informative and knowledgeable. He always seems to be available by phone or e mail and arranges visits to suit us, often at quite short notice.

We place great trust in Mark’s advice and guidance and would recommend him to others with complete confidence.

  • Harold and Eve G