Initial Disclosure Document
Important regulatory information about us, the services we offer, the costs involved, and your rights as a consumer.
Our Mortgage and Insurance Services & Costs
It is important that you read this document thoroughly as it confirms important regulatory information about us, the services that we offer, the costs involved and the protections that you have as a consumer when dealing with us. If you are unsure about any of the information contained in this document you should contact us immediately for further help and guidance.
By choosing to transact business with us, you are agreeing to accept and be bound by the terms included in this document.
How we are regulated
Altius Capital Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The FCA regulates financial services in the UK and you can check our authorisation and permitted activities on the Financial Services Register by visiting www.fca.org.uk. Our Financial Services Register number is 588472.
Our services
For mortgages we are independent mortgage advisers and we will recommend a mortgage product that is suitable for you following an assessment of your personal needs and circumstances. This will include a detailed assessment of affordability. We will consider all products and lenders that we have access to — this means we will not consider those lenders that are only available by you going direct to them.
Where you are increasing your borrowing we will consider the merits of both a new first charge mortgage and securing this by an additional mortgage on a second charge basis. You may have the option of a further advance from your existing lender; however, we will only consider this where we are able to deal directly with the lender on your behalf.
For non-investment protection contracts we are an intermediary and will act on your behalf when providing advice and making our personal recommendation(s) to you, based on a fair and personal analysis of insurers for term assurance, income protection, and critical illness.
For general insurance contracts we are an intermediary and will act on your behalf when recommending an insurer based on your demands and needs from a fair analysis of the market.
The costs of our services
Mortgages. We will receive commission from lenders. Different lenders pay different amounts depending on different commission models. For transparency we work with the following commission models: fixed fee and/or a percentage of the amount you borrow and rate for risk (this is based on the risk profile of the business). Further details of the commission model, calculation and amount will be disclosed to you throughout your customer journey.
Non-investment protection and general insurance contracts. We do not charge a fee as we will receive commission from the provider/insurer after the policy has been placed on risk.
Our ethical policy
We are committed to providing the highest standard of advice and service possible. The interest of our customers is paramount to us. In doing so, we will:
- Be open, honest and transparent in the way we deal with you
- Not place our interests above yours
- Communicate clearly, promptly and without jargon
- Seek your views and perception of our dealings with you to ensure they meet your expectations or to identify improvements required
- Adapt our communication means according to your needs where possible
How we will operate
During our initial consultation we will complete a client questionnaire (fact find) to enable us to better understand your circumstances and needs. We will subsequently conduct research to establish what products are most appropriate and make recommendations to you in writing. You will also be provided with an illustration regarding the product(s) recommended.
Cancellation rights
Depending on the product provided you will have different cancellation rights; these will be explained to you as part of our advisory process and will also be disclosed to you by the provider in their communications.
Instructions
We will normally accept your instructions verbally or in writing; however, we always recommend that all instructions are provided in writing for the avoidance of misunderstandings.
Complaints
If you wish to register a complaint, please contact us:
- In writing: Altius Capital Ltd, Unit 6, 6 Hornsey Street, London, N7 8GR
- By phone: 020 7112 4863
- By fax: 020 7112 4873
A summary of our internal complaints handling procedures is available on request. If you cannot settle your complaint with us, you may be entitled to refer it to the Financial Ombudsman Service at www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk or by calling 0800 023 4567.
Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)
Mortgage advising & arranging. Mortgage advising and arranging is covered for 100% of the first £85,000; the maximum compensation is £85,000 per person per firm. Further information is available from the FSCS at www.fscs.org.uk or by calling 0800 678 1100.
Insurance advising & arranging. Protection is at 100% for claims arising under compulsory insurance, professional indemnity insurance, death or incapacity due to injury/sickness, or building guarantee policies. Protection is at 90% for claims under other types of policy with no upper limit.
Client money
Client verification
We may be required to verify the identity of our clients and to obtain information as to the purpose and nature of the business we conduct on their behalf. We may use electronic identity verification systems and may conduct these checks from time to time throughout our relationship.
Law
This agreement is governed and shall be construed in accordance with the Law of England and the parties shall submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts.
Termination
The authority to act on your behalf may be terminated at any time without penalty by either party giving 7 days' notice in writing to that effect. Any transactions effected before termination shall be settled to that date.
Your responsibilities
It is your responsibility to deal with us in an honest and transparent manner. Failure to disclose key facts that relate to your personal circumstances could significantly influence the advice given and, in some circumstances, could impact your ability to obtain the most suitable product or even invalidate it.
It is also your responsibility to check that the product provided is as you expected. If it is not as expected, please notify your adviser immediately.