Who is Ardan International? Is Ardan International Legit? How long has Ardan International existed? These are common questions among investors and financial advisers. This article will impartially examine the pros and cons of the Ardan International Platform and consider whether there are superior alternatives available.

Innovest Global Wealth published the article in collaboration with the esteemed financial wealth manager and expat, Adam Fayed, from www.adamfayed.com. The article will explore the Ardan International Platform, highlighting its key advantages and disadvantages for financial advisers and clients.

While we strive to keep this review updated, it is crucial to remember that investment platforms and regulations are subject to change. Therefore, you should only use this article for informational purposes. We strongly advise that you always seek professional advice before making any investment decisions.

Who is Ardan International?

Ardan International is a global wealth management platform established in 2013, primarily designed for financial advisers. It is part of the International Financial Group Ltd (IFGL) and is headquartered in the Isle of Man, a region recognized for its offshore finance and regulatory structures.

The platform is designed to consolidate various investments into one place, offering a streamlined experience for expats, trustees, and corporate entities.

Is Ardan International Legit?

Yes, Ardan International is a legitimate company, licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority (IOMFSA), which guarantees that your investments are safeguarded in line with global best practices and the strict regulations set forth by the IOMFSA.

The Isle of Man possesses an Aa3 sovereign rating from Moody’s, retains its OECD whitelist status, and is acknowledged by the IMF as “a well-regulated offshore finance center of excellence”.

Is My Money Safe with Ardan International?

Yes, Ardan International takes proactive measures to ensure the safety of your funds. They use segregated client accounts held at premier financial institutions. The funds are held in the client's name, separated from Ardan International, and kept separate from the company's operational accounts.

In the unlikely event of Ardan International's failure, your funds are not treated or considered as part of the company's assets. Your funds are safe and secure, regardless of the company's status.

Nevertheless, this level of protection is common among most modern wealth platforms, regardless of jurisdiction (such as the Isle of Man, Luxembourg, Bermuda, etc.).

Where is Ardan Sold?

Ardan is available worldwide, particularly in markets that cater to expatriates, such as:

• Dubai
• Hong Kong
• Singapore
• Shanghai
• Brussels
• Bangkok
• Kuala Lumpur
• Qatar
• Kenya
• South Africa
• Mauritius

Please note that Ardan International's services are easily accessible to investors and clients in various regions and countries where there is a strong demand for access to international financial markets. Therefore, please do not hesitate to contact us if you are interested in starting an investment plan with Ardan International.

Can Clients Use the Platform Themselves?

No. Ardan International operates under an adviser-led model, which means that only licensed advisers are authorised to execute trades and manage investments for clients. Investors are not allowed to trade independently on the platform.

Why Do Financial Advisers Use Ardan International?

There are some legitimate advantages for advisers:

• Open architecture enables access to various asset types in a single location.
• Multi-currency features are ideal for internationally mobile clients.
• Model portfolio management options are available.
• Transparent, fee-based charging models help advisers stay compliant with regulatory standards.
• Allows customization of client access and experience.

However, many of these features are also offered by competing platforms that provide greater flexibility and lower total costs.

Ardan International Fee Structure

• Custody fee: 0.4% per year. It can change for larger accounts
• No minimum fee, which is beneficial for smaller portfolios
• Additional costs:

1. Fund-level fees
2. Adviser fees
3. Hidden fees (familiar with structured notes)

Minimum Cash Requirements

You must usually maintain a 3% cash buffer in the base currency to cover transaction and administrative costs.

Ardan International Investment Options

Ardan offers a wide range of investment financial instruments, including:

• 80,000+ funds
• Global currencies (USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, etc.)
• Equities and Stocks
• Structured notes
• Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
• Bonds

While the breadth of options may seem impressive, it's important to note that the depth and quality of choices—especially for larger accounts—may be more limited due to our focus on risk management and long-term stability, which may differ from some competing platforms.

Ardan International – Key Positives or Advantages

1. Segregated client accounts provide security
2. Reasonable fees for smaller accounts
3. No exit charges, which allows flexibility
4. Streamlined admin compared to some providers
5. Partnership with Lloyds Bank for fixed-term deposits

Ardan International – Key Negatives or Disadvantages

1. Platform Restrictions on investment types can limit performance potential. This is a crucial aspect, as certain platforms with comparable pricing offer a wider range of investment options, including private credit.
2. Adviser Competence is Critical, as the platform's effectiveness largely depends on the investment adviser or asset manager managing it.
3. The Actual Total Costs (platform + fund + adviser fees) are often underestimated or not adequately explained.
4. Familiarity Bias: Some clients are influenced by the Isle of Man domicile; however, the jurisdictional protections are now broadly comparable across major offshore centers.
5. Too Large to be Personal: Ardan International is part of a bigger group, which may compromise the level of service.
6. Not ideal for SIPPs and QROPS, as fees and restrictions on asset types often reduce net returns.

Are Clients Happy?

Experiences vary.

Some clients report satisfaction, particularly those with smaller portfolios and straightforward needs. Some clients are less pleased—often due to high fees, poor investment performance, or limited asset choice.

Ultimately, your experience will largely depend on the investment adviser you collaborate with and the specific investments that are selected.

Bottom Line: Is Ardan International Worth It?

Ardan International is a reliable platform that provides competitive pricing for smaller portfolios and has a wide global reach.

However, for most investors, particularly high-net-worth individuals, there are better alternatives available that provide:

• Greater investment flexibility
• Lower total costs
• Superior client service
• Fewer restrictions and hidden fees

If you are looking for a second opinion or better alternative platforms, do not be burdened; please email info@innovestglobalwealth.com or contact Adam Fayed at +44 7393 450 837 via WhatsApp or advice@adamfayed.com.

Note: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be regarded as financial, legal, or tax advice. Some facts may have changed since the publication date.