Adviser Due-Diligence Toolkit

Prepare the right questions before you appoint an adviser.

A general framework for organising your facts and comparing professional engagements. It does not identify a suitable provider or recommend a course of action.

Verify

Confirm the adviser’s relevant qualifications, regulatory status where applicable, professional indemnity cover and complaints route.

Clarify

Ask what is and is not included in the engagement, how conflicts are managed, who holds original documents and how fees are calculated.

Compare

Use the same factual brief and questions when comparing proposals. A lower quote alone does not explain scope, responsibility or ongoing obligations.

Document

Keep clear records of advice received, decisions made, ownership information, source-of-funds evidence and required reporting.

Records checklist

Residence evidence, entity records, ownership documents, financial statements and source-of-funds information may all be relevant to professional due diligence.

Questions checklist

Ask about assumptions, reporting, costs, administration, conflicts, exit arrangements and the need for advice in other jurisdictions.

Review-ready materials

The forthcoming professional-adviser guide and planning workbook are both awaiting independent review.

View guide outlines