Yamata Advisory Limited

Stefan Bonchev (ACSI) is an experienced Financial Professional with over 7 years in the financial industry. He's worked in Accounting for a Biotech Unicorn - Benevolent AI, as well as retail Fortune 500 - PVH corp. In addition, he has experience as an Investment Banking Analyst with the Capital Markets Business of Jefferies Inc. Most recently, he worked in Wealth Management with a single family office and a multi-family office boutique offering macro research and investment management to clients. He holds a MA Finance & Hispanic Studies from the University of Aberdeen, MSc Quantitative Finance from World Quant University and is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Investments and Securities (CISI). RDR compliant designation covering FCA activities 4 & 6.

Following his experience across the financial industry, he decided to embark on a journey to set up his own financial advice and wealth management business, Yamata Advisory, as part of M&G Wealth Advice. Stefan's keen interest in clients financial wellbeing and identification of their underserved needs, listed below, were driving factors behind his decision:

• Sophisticated advice, made simple - a rising demand for services as financial markets become increasingly more complex with investors seeking sophisticated wealth management solutions, estate and tax planning.
• Longevity - fortunately, the average UK citizens have an increasing lifespan. And a larger aging demographic creates challenges around the funding of their lifestyles, from accumulated assets, tax planning and intergenerational transfers – and all in an environment of changing regulations and rules each year. The United Kingdom contends as one of the countries with the most complex tax systems and lots of legacy and unfunded pension schemes.
• Benefit of Advice - currently, there is a general lack of advisers in the UK as demand outstrips supply while an aging demographic within the profession has led to more advisers retiring than new ones coming in. In terms of value add to clients, on average it could lead to people being £47k better off after 10 years according to - ILC, What it’s worth*

Why Yamata Advisory? Stefan's fascination with Japanese Culture led to the decision to put the foundational values of the firm based on three pillars:

• Consideration 思いやり (Omoiyari): This value emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and consideration for others' feelings and needs in order to build strong long-term relationships with clients.
• Obligation 義理 (Giri): The sense of duty and fulfilling commitments aligns well with the importance of trust and responsibility to clients.
• Respect 御恩 (On): Deep respect for hierarchy and elders translates to valuing experience and expertise.

‘Yamata no Orochi’, also known as the Eight-Forked Serpent, is a legendary creature from Japanese mythology. This massive serpent plays a significant role in one of Japan’s most popular myths involving the storm god Susanoo and the maiden Kushinada-hime. The serpent would request sacrifices from the local population. The storm god Susanoo intervenes, devising a clever plan. He offers to slay Orochi in exchange for the hand of the last remaining maiden.

After luring the beast with sake, Susanoo defeats it, showcasing his courage and resourcefulness. The story could be metaphorically translated in values for wealth management:

• Story Values: protect and safeguard its clients' assets from financial threats like market volatility, inflation, and unforeseen circumstances.
• Story Values: strategic financial planning and diversification to mitigate risk and maximize returns.
• Story Values: strong commitment to fiduciary duty, acting in the client's best interest and staying true to their financial goals.
• Story Values: the importance of building strong client relationships, open communication and collaboration with financial professionals to serve clients in the best way possible.

Stefan helps people achieve financial security by providing expertise across all areas of wealth planning, including retirement, investments, tax, and estate planning. After fully understanding their individual financial circumstances and goals, he takes great pride in recommending personalised investment solutions that meet his clients’ needs.

In his spare time, Stefan enjoys reading History while keeping on top of latest politics around the globe with the occasional adventure thriller. He is a keen free-diver and swimmer. When not in the water, he practices his golf swing and chess openings. Originally from Bulgaria, he is a keen traveler that has lived on four different continents. He is also part of the Royal Navy as a Reservist. 

*Source: Revisiting the value of financial advice, December 2019

From 19th November 2021, “Prudential Financial Planning” and “The Advice Partnership from Prudential” are now known as “M&G Wealth Advice”.