James Scarr
(BA (Hons) DMS DipPFP CFP)
Background
James Scarr is an experienced Investment Advisor who joined Staples Rodway to establish Staples Rodway Asset Management Limited. As Director, his experience in all the different aspects of the New Zealand Investment industry has given him the broad range of skills required to develop the forward-thinking investment advisory service that Staples Rodway now have.Prior to joining Staples Rodway, James has advised a range of clients including practising lawyers, accountants, directors of multi-national companies and tradesmen. By helping them set up and then manage their investment portfolios he has been able to add significant value by improving returns and lowering risk. James has assisted others by devising practical retirement strategies. Previous experience includes:
BNZ PRIVATE BANKING – during his time with the BNZ, James looked after the investment assets of 160 of the bank’s most affluent personal clients. This included providing advice on cash management, investment portfolios, managing risk and income planning. While at the BNZ, James became the ‘in-house’ expert on Charitable Trust investment. His clients included some well known New Zealand and off-shore residents.
MORNINGSIDE INVESTMENT RESEARCH (formerly FPG Research) – Morningside are an international investment research house. During his time with Morningside, James was involved in consulting with financial planners, investment advisers, accountants and solicitors. Advice provided included briefing Trustees of their obligations under the Trustee Amendment Act; strategic investment advice; guidance on investment products, as well as client portfolio management.
UNITED KINGDOM – prior to coming to New Zealand in 1991, James held various managerial positions with Phillips Petroleum, Hobart Manufacturing Co. Ltd, and Extel Financial Services. This commercial background has provided a thorough understanding of the issues that many business clients face.
Specialist Areas
One area that Staples Rodway Asset Management have focused on has been working with Charitable Trusts, Pension schemes and Public Trusts. James’ focus has been to help Trustees in two areas: 1) to understand their obligations under the Trustee Amendment Act and 2) to understand risk and return and how different asset classes work. As part of this he also helps them to construct portfolios and then manage the assets on a low risk basis.James reads extensive global investment research all the time and has a good understanding of the opportunities and risks of investing in the ‘market’. He also attends fund manager and broker briefings on new and existing investments in the marketplace. He attends regular seminars, conferences (local and offshore) and economic briefings and is well placed to assist clients to design asset allocations and portfolios which will meet their expectations in the future. Staples Rodway Asset Management are unusual in that they offer clients the option of investing in either strategic or tactical asset allocation strategy. Adopting the Staples Rodway tactical asset allocation strategy has meant clients have benefitted with above market returns for lower risk.
