Spotlight On … Clifford Knezovich - IFA
How / why did you get into your line of work in the financial services sector?
I’ve always been very service orientated, whether it was waiting tables in my teens or building and maintaining Enterprise network infrastructures in Spain and Portugal. I enjoy understanding complex, underlying concepts and I get great satisfaction when I can translate it into something my clients understand, relate to and see the benefits of. I got into financial services because I felt that it was very similar to my background in IT in that I continue to build networks, bridges and connections, however this time it’s not with equipment, it’s with people.
What is your special interest or particular field of expertise in the financial services sector right now?
Tax mitigation, Spanish Compliant Investment Bonds and ESG investing.
What is the most important aspect of your work, in relation to clients, or the part of your day-to-day role which gives you the most satisfaction?
When clients nod their heads, not because they agree, because they understand. Having confidence in yourself is as important as having confidence in your financial adviser.
What's special/unique/most interesting about the region you work in?
The weather and the people – nobody can deny the average of 320 days of sunshine a year. Helping people make the correct investment decisions and allowing them to enjoy the weather is paramount.
Right now, what is your one piece of invaluable information for expats or anyone seeking retirement planning and wealth management advice?
Due diligence and second opinions.
Blacktower already has a long and successful history in the sector, how will you and your colleagues continue to offer value to clients in the next 20 years and beyond?
By adapting to an ever-changing investment landscape and keeping clients abreast of important developments.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself
…. I’m terrible at golf, but even a blind squirrel trips over a nut from time to time.