The Real Difference a Fee-Only Wealth Advisory Firm Makes: Serving Families as I Would My Own

As I embarked on my next career journey, the big question was, “Could I find a path that would allow me to make a meaningful impact on the lives that I serve?”

My career began in corporate banking, where the focus was on managing the financial health of large institutions. While the role provided invaluable experience and professional pride, I realised the importance (if not more so) of managing the wealth of a family. After all, family is the key building block of a meaningful life. As I read up on my own finances, I found Providend.

I am an Associate Adviser with Providend, but I also hold a side gig as the Chief Chaos Coordinator (aka mother of two). My purpose in both roles is simple: to give the people I care about the very best, to guide them with honesty, and to prepare them to stand confidently on their own someday.

It’s this same sense of integrity and responsibility that led me to choose Providend as the place to build my career as a Wealth Adviser. I chose Providend because it is a fee-only wealth advisory firm, the clearest sign of a company that genuinely practises fiduciary duty.

Start with Patience, Planning for the Bigger Picture

Most mornings in my home feel like a race. “Where are your shoes?” “Do you have everything with you?” Amid the everyday chaos, it takes patience, planning and focus to ensure my children start their day right and are not late for school!

Good wealth planning is exactly like managing a busy household.

A responsible wealth advisory firm stays disciplined and helps clients keep sight of what truly matters: your long-term ikigai goals, your children’s education, your retirement, and most importantly, financial peace of mind.

Meet the two humans who keep me busy as Chief Chaos Coordinator!

The Truth, Always

As a mother, I tell the truth to my children because I care. Sometimes that means insisting on what’s best rather than what’s easy.

Similarly, at Providend, honesty is not an option. Our advice is based solely on what benefits our clients. We speak truthfully even when it means saying “no” to a popular trend or advising a more disciplined path.

Personalised Guidance, Not Generic Templates

No two children are the same. They each have their own dreams, fears and personalities.

Likewise, no two clients are the same.

At Providend, client advisers take time to understand a client’s story, family, lifestyle and ambitions. From there, a personalised wealth plan is crafted. And we don’t stop at giving advice. We explain the “why,” so you feel empowered, confident and financially wiser with every decision you make.

Being There, Rain or Shine

Children feel secure when they know their parents always show up, whether during a fever, a concert or a tough day.

Investing is no different. Markets rise and fall, and uncertainty is inevitable. A good wealth advisory firm stands by you in every season, not just when times are good. That stability is part of the value we bring.

The dedicated team at Providend during our National Day celebrations.

At Providend, I am grateful to practise wealth advisory the way it should be—an approach with integrity, independence and a commitment to always act in the client’s best interest. I want the very best for the families I serve—just as I want the very best for my own family.

This is an original article written by Elyse Khoo, Associate Adviser at Providend, the first fee-only wealth advisory firm in Southeast Asia and a leading wealth advisory firm in Asia.

If you are interested in joining our Providend Associate Adviser Programme, kindly visit this link to find out more: https://providend.com/careers

For more related resources, check out:
1. Beyond Stock Market Returns: How Providend Transformed My Investment Approach
2. To Everything There is a Season: Balancing Wealth, Health and Ikigai Through Life’s Changing Seasons
3. I’m in My 30s—Here’s the Advice I Wish I Knew in My 20s

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Through deep conversations with our advisers, you will gain clarity on what matters most in life and what needs to be done to live a good life, both financially and non-financially. Learn more about our investment philosophy here.

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