An adviser in the spotlight – Malcolm Stalker

At Foster Denovo, we have lots of great advisers who provide effective, tailored and valuable advice to each of our clients. Every one of them specialises in different areas and they all have their own unique ways of working.

To help you get to know them better, we are delving into the lives of our advisers to find out more about their day-to-day work, as well as more about them personally. In our July edition, we talk to Malcolm Stalker who is based in Cramlington. Malcolm, who loves living in Northumberland and is a rugby and cricket fan, talks about his role as a financial adviser as well as telling us his best joke.

Hi Malcolm, tell us about your role at Foster Denovo?

I am a Financial Adviser and Partner at Foster Denovo. I have a great team of administrators and paraplanners who make my job so much easier. Whilst they are ensuring a smooth operation behind the scenes, I spend most of my time speaking with new and existing clients.

And what areas do you specialise in?

I cover many different areas of financial advice but most of my work is in retirement and investment planning. A lot of what I do now is supporting those over the age of 55 with their financial planning. Maybe that’s to do with me being over that age bracket!

 How do you prefer to start your working day?

I am really fortunate because I have a gym not too far from where I live, and I am able to work there too. This means I can enjoy a workout first thing and then use their communal workspace to answer emails or start my client meetings.

 What would you say led you to a career in financial services?

There wasn’t one thing which led me to becoming a financial adviser. I actually graduated in Law but wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do. I had a couple of jobs in underwriting and insurance but straight away I knew they weren’t for me. Shortly after those, I transitioned into becoming a Financial Adviser and the rest is history. Now, I have been at Foster Denovo for over 15 years.

 Can you tell us the three best things about being a financial adviser?

There are so many great things!  Firstly, it would be that it allows me to help people, which is such a privilege. The second is that I get to form great relationships with lots of different clients. And lastly, seeing the results of not only my efforts but my clients’ efforts too. There is no better feeling!

 How do you like to spend a day off?

I like to spend it with my family or doing some cooking. I also love watching sport and reading too. I’ve just got back into gardening so when the weather is nice, I like spending time there. And of course, I can’t forget about having a good glass of red wine too!

 Can you name one thing most people don’t know about you?

I don’t think many people would know that I am quite musical. I used to play the clarinet and sing in a male voice choir.

If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would you choose?

Honestly, I don’t think I would want to trade places with anyone. But, if I had to chose someone, it would be Barack Obama. I think he is a really cool man!

 Do you have anywhere on your must visit list?

It would have to be Machu Picchu in Peru. It’s on my bucket list as I think it’s one of the most amazing bits of architecture.

And finally, saving the best until last, what is your best joke? 

My best jokes are unpublishable! And, I have been told I have the worst dad jokes ever so brace yourself!

A polar bear goes into a pub and walks up to the bar. He says to the barman “can I have a large gin and tonic please……………….. and a pint of lager”. The barman says, “certainly sir, but why the long paws”.

Brilliant! Thanks Malcolm.

To arrange an initial meeting with Malcolm or any of our experienced financial advisers please contact us. Or, if you are an adviser looking grow your financial planning business and would like to find out more about Foster Denovo, get in touch here.

This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute advice or a personalised recommendation.

The value of your investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount invested.

Foster Denovo Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.