Professional investment is now a viable alternative to traditional saving plans: but how can you make sure you mitigate the risk and maximise your chances for profit?

With the Bank of England interest rate sitting at an all-time low of 0.5 per cent, many people are either switching to tax-free cash ISAs in a bid to reach their financial goals quicker, or they’re relying on investments to make their money go further. While investing is often considered the riskier option of the two, it can potentially yield high returns (particularly if you invest for the long-term). 

The trick is to pick your assets wisely and to create a professional investment portfolio that’ll make your hard-earned cash work as hard as possible – here’s how.

Buy a wide range of assets

If you’re looking to invest but can’t stand the thought of losing large sums of money, it’s wise to buy a wide range of assets across multiple regions, businesses and sectors. This will help lower your investment risk as by not putting all your eggs in one basket you’re less likely to suffer if a particular company flops or goes under.

If you’re not sure which assets to select or don’t have the time or desire to navigate the stock market thoroughly, buying a mutual fund could be the right option for you. A fund pools together money from small investors (often individuals) and is used to buy a wide selection of assets such as property and bonds. It’s looked after by a fund manager and opens up a wide range of investment opportunities that are often not easy to access as a lone investor. 

Moreover, you could seek the services of a discretionary online management company who will pick and manage an impressive array of investments on your behalf. This is a great option for anyone who wants to invest but doesn’t want the hassle and headache which often comes from watching the market. Intrigued? Then here are three businesses that offer such discretionary services.

Nutmeg

Over the past couple of year, Nutmeg has hit the headlines for becoming the UK’s first online discretionary management service providing everything from stocks and shares ISAs to personal pension schemes. Renowned for their hassle-free and no-nonsense approach to investing they take the stress out of developing a professional investment portfolio by doing all the hard work for you. 

Not only will they select assets according to your attitude to risk, but they’ll reallocate your investments when appropriate to ensure you get the best returns possible. Their system is automated for your convenience, but you can rest-assured that real-life humans do all the required analysis and research.

Here’s what some of Nutmeg’s customers had to say:

 “Found the most innovative investment business I have seen in years. Fantastic web interface and investing made simple.” — @jonathanwarren_

 “Nutmeg really called out to me. I felt it could offer a better return on my investment, in a way that suited me.” — Darren, business consultant

 Nutmeg have taken away the burden of managing my money. I feel safe. With Nutmeg, I have an expert investment team.” — Fergus, chartered accountant

Tilney Bestinvest

Tilney Bestinvest is a leading investment and financial planning firm that builds on a heritage of more than 150 years. With headquarters in Mayfair, London, they look after more than £9 billion of their clients’ behalf and pride themselves on offering the very highest levels of professional client service with transparent, competitive pricing across their entire range of financial solutions.

Tilney Bestinvest offers a range of investment services designed to help meet your individual goals and objectives including discretionary portfolio management which allow clients to benefit directly from their expertise in fund research.

So, here are some Tilney Bestinvest reviews:

 “Tilney Bestinvest is a dynamic and fast-growing UK private client investment group that has management by portfolio wonderfully. Customer service is top-notch and I feel they’re always on top of my finances.”

 “Bestinvest’s expertise and strong client service culture have been recognised in numerous awards, including Wealth Manager of the Year and Best Wealth Manager for Investments in the 2013 Investors Chronicle and FT Wealth Management awards. Bestinvest’s clients trust it to look after some £5 billion of their assets.”

Vestra Wealth

Vestra Wealth offers a fresh approach to wealth management with a service that’s transparent, reliable and tailored to suit your individual needs. Every client is different which is why Vestra 

Wealth strives to understand your particular situation and goals before helping to construct an investment portfolio to suit not only the type of investor you are but to help achieve your financial ambitions. Offering a range of services including discretionary portfolio management, Vestra strives to look after and build you wealth and will not invest in anything they don’t believe in.

Here are some reviews of Vestra Wealth:

 “Hart Financial Management uses DFM Vestra Wealth for its professional approach and investment ethos based on active multi-asset management.”

 “Vestra Wealth has evident understanding of the expectations of both the adviser and the client.”

 “Vestra is a young firm, but the breadth of expertise and experience that underpins it is palpable.”

 “Vestra’s investment managers have a track record in being able to perform in all market conditions.”