Get an Independent Second Opinion Before You Sign

Your bank, advisor or platform has proposed a savings plan, structured product, fund switch or new portfolio. Before you commit, find out what it really costs, how the seller is paid, what you give up — and which questions to ask. Independent analysis from an INSEAD MBA and CAIA charterholder with UAE banking experience. No products to sell. No commissions.

Proposals UAE investors most often want a second opinion on

• Savings and investment plans — unit-linked or regular-premium plans sold to UAE expats, including the cost of keeping, pausing or surrendering.
• Structured products — capital-protected notes, autocallables and reverse convertibles offered by a bank's wealth desk.
• Advisor portfolio proposals — a new advisor or relationship manager proposing to rebuild or switch your portfolio.
• Discretionary mandates — an offer to manage your money for an annual fee.
• Funds and fund switches — what changes in cost and exposure.
• Private and pre-IPO deals — illiquid opportunities presented to you.

Seven questions every proposal should be able to answer

1. What am I actually buying?
2. What will it cost me in total?
3. How is the seller paid?
4. What do I give up — liquidity, lock-ups, surrender schedules?
5. What has to go right?
6. How does it fit with what I already own?
7. What should I ask before signing?

Second Opinion or Portfolio Health Check?

A second opinion reviews one product, plan or proposal and typically takes 5–7 working days. The Portfolio Health Check reviews your whole portfolio and typically takes 2–3 weeks.

What you receive

A decision memo: the proposal in plain English, a total-cost estimate, how the seller is paid, liquidity and exit terms, key assumptions, fit with your existing holdings, and a written list of questions to ask before you decide — plus a short walkthrough call.

Frequently asked questions

What is an investment second opinion?

An independent analysis of a specific investment proposal, product or plan — before or after you commit. It explains what the product is, what it costs in total, how the seller is paid, what you give up, and what questions to ask. It is analysis, not advice: the decision remains yours.

Will you tell me whether to sign or not?

No. A second opinion sets out the facts, costs, trade-offs and questions so you can make an informed decision. It does not provide buy, sell or hold recommendations, and it is not a regulated suitability assessment.

Can you review a savings plan I am already paying into?

Yes. Many UAE residents are paying into regular-premium plans they no longer fully understand. A second opinion can explain the charges, the surrender terms and the trade-offs of continuing, pausing or stopping — so you can discuss the options with the provider.

How quickly can I get a second opinion?

Written findings typically follow within 5–7 working days of receiving the documents. If you have a deadline, include it in your inquiry and it will be prioritised where possible.

What documents will I need?

Usually the proposal or illustration, the term sheet or key information document, the fee schedule, and any factsheets. These are requested separately through a secure process — not through the public form.

How is this different from the Portfolio Health Check?

A second opinion focuses on one decision — a specific product, plan or proposal. The Portfolio Health Check reviews your entire portfolio's fees, concentration, allocation and risks.

Do you earn commissions or sell products?

No. Ali Zaigham Agha does not manage assets, execute trades, sell financial products or receive commissions, referral fees or retrocessions. The review is paid for solely by you.

Request a Second Opinion · Free Portfolio Fee & Risk Checklist