Over the years we have been asked to look after the finances for those vulnerable people who are unable to properly do it for themselves. Tony is one such, he has been a client for nearly a decade.

Tony suffers from epilepsy, a disease which progressively got worse to the point where he was unable to work. Whilst medication has been able to assist with some of his symptoms, he would be the first to admit that from time to time his brain doesn’t really work all that well, and he can have periods of anxiety and depression followed by vagueness.

Tony received a significant lump sum payout when he left employment, and is also receiving government assistance. Recognising that the money he has now is all he is ever likely to have, we needed to think carefully about how we would structure his affairs. A Special Disability Trust was considered , but ultimately rejected for a number of reasons. The portfolio itself needs to have an income bias as Tony sometimes has significant costs. He needs to have ready access to funds should the need arise, in particular as neither of his parents are in the best of health either.

This is an assignment where we believe we can exhibit our best value. Tony is reliant on us to look after him, and it would be easy for those less principled to take advantage of him – even family members. We understand completely the degree of responsibilty we are accepting here, but we feel privileged to do so.