James Drake

James Drake

Martin Smith Independent Financial Adviser ltd

Minimum savings/pensions: Any amount

0330 038 8938
Based in North-Walsham
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Top Rated 2025
Verified since: May, 2023

4.9 out of 5

37 reviews


Checks carried out by VouchedFor

  • FCA Regulated

    Last checked: 19 March 2025

    James and/or the firm they work for (or are appointed representatives of) is regulated as appropriate by the Financial Conduct Authority

  • 6

    Recent Client Reviews

    Verified reviews: 100%

    James has received 6 client reviews in the past 12 months; 100% of these have been verified

  • Independent Financial Adviser

    Last checked: 14 November 2024

    An independent adviser can advise across a sufficiently diverse range of products to help meet a client’s objectives. They are in no way limited to products provided by companies they work for.

  • 2

    Qualifications Uploaded

    2 qualification certificates available to view

    James has added their qualifications to their profile. You can see them by clicking on the ‘qualifications’ tab below

  • Transparent Fees

    James has provided information on their typical fees

    James has added their fees to their profile. You can see them by clicking on the ‘fees’ tab below

  • 13

    Positive First Impressions

    100% of users who are not yet clients had a positive first experience with James

    100% of VouchedFor users have had a positive (4 or 5 star) first experience with James (based on 13 first impressions)

Checks carried out by VouchedFor

  • FCA Regulated

    Last checked: 19 March 2025

    James and/or the firm they work for (or are appointed representatives of) is regulated as appropriate by the Financial Conduct Authority

  • 6

    Recent Client Reviews

    Verified reviews: 100%

    James has received 6 client reviews in the past 12 months; 100% of these have been verified

  • Independent Financial Adviser

    Last checked: 14 November 2024

    An independent adviser can advise across a sufficiently diverse range of products to help meet a client’s objectives. They are in no way limited to products provided by companies they work for.

  • 2

    Qualifications Uploaded

    2 qualification certificates available to view

    James has added their qualifications to their profile. You can see them by clicking on the ‘qualifications’ tab below

  • Transparent Fees

    James has provided information on their typical fees

    James has added their fees to their profile. You can see them by clicking on the ‘fees’ tab below

  • 13

    Positive First Impressions

    100% of users who are not yet clients had a positive first experience with James

    100% of VouchedFor users have had a positive (4 or 5 star) first experience with James (based on 13 first impressions)

With almost two decades of experience in the financial services industry, my journey has evolved from fostering individual client relationships to leading a team of Premier Bankers. At Barclays, I honed my skills in business relationship management and financial services, guiding a successful team and streamlining complex banking solutions for affluent clients. Now, as a Financial Adviser & Director at Martin Smith Independent Financial Adviser Limited, I apply these competencies to provide strategic financial advice. The transition from Barclays to my current role was fueled by a desire to directly impact clients' financial journeys. Specializing in cross-selling and maintaining robust client relations, my goal is to demystify the complexities of personal finance. Our team strives to deliver personalized, up-to-date financial strategies that align with our clients' aspirations, ensuring peace of mind and fostering long-term loyalty. My days are no longer spent managing others and dealing with endless processes, they are now spent assisting clients reach their financial goals and providing support with Estate planning , including Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Estate Administration (Probate) All the things that matter most. I pride myself on working towards my clients timeframe, you will never feel rushed with my guidance. We will work together to create the best outcomes Away from work, my time is spent with my childhood sweetheart Lauren (25+ years and going!) and our daughters Lyra (2020) and Harper (2023) That and watching any sport that I am able to get a glimpse of. Ideally, Football (West Ham), Formula 1 or Golf. I hold a Diploma in Financial Advising as well as a 2:1 degree in Leadership and Business Management. I am also a Chartered Manager

Offers available through VouchedFor

Contact James through VouchedFor and your initial 1 hour meeting or phone call will be free of charge. You can use this to discuss your situation and find out whether you feel they are a good match for you.

£430,000 Consumer Protection

Your money is protected against bad advice by the Financial Ombudsman Service up to a maximum limit of £430k and by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) if the company goes out of business (in which case, limits may vary - see the FSCS website for more details).

About James's clients

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