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What does certified fiduciary advice actually mean?

When you receive investment advice, it is crucial to understand what interests the advice is based on.

Certified fiduciary advice means that the advice is given without commissions, ties or proprietary products influencing the recommendations, and that this is verified by an independent third party.

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Independent advice

In much of the financial industry, investment advice is provided by firms that also offer their own products or receive compensation from third-party providers. This can create conflicts of interest.

Anyone can claim to be independent. It is not a protected title. Connectum is the first certified fiduciary investment advisor in the Nordics and still the only one in Norway. That means we can document that our advice is truly independent.

At Connectum, we operate as a certified fiduciary. We receive no commissions, have no ties to banks or product providers, and and base our advice solely on what is right for you.

No commissions
We do not receive any commissions from product suppliers. Our revenue comes solely from our clients, and our recommendations are not influenced by third parties.
No ties to banks
We are not owned by or affiliated with any bank, insurance company or fund manager. This gives us full independence to recommend what is right for you.
Advice, not product distribution
Many players in the market distribute products under the guise of advice. We provide independent, evidence-based advice tailored to your situation.
CEFEX certified
Connectum is certified by CEFEX (Centre for Fiduciary Excellence), an international standard that confirms that we act in the client’s best interest.
License from the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway
We are licensed as an investment firm by the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway and are subject to strict requirements for competence, capital and client care.
Why independence matters
Independence is about trust. When the advisor has no hidden incentives, you can trust that the recommendations are made with your best interests in mind.
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When advice and products mix

In large parts of the financial industry, investment advice is provided by companies that also offer their own funds or other investment products.

When advice and product distribution are handled by the same company, the advisor may have financial incentives linked to specific solutions.

This can make it difficult to understand what the recommendations are actually based on.

How Connectum is organized

Connectum provides only fully independent investment advice.

We do not sell any investment products and have no distribution agreements with banks, funds or other providers. Nor do we receive any commissions from the investments we recommend.

As a client, you pay an agreed fee for advice and follow-up, with no hidden costs and full transparency.

Fully independent advice in practice

When advice is truly independent, investments are selected based on your situation, your goals, and the strategy we have developed together.

Decisions are not influenced by available products or relationships with providers.

Our advice follows a clear plan and is focused on what is right for you over time.

  • Tailored to your situation

  • Based on your goals

  • Aligned with your chosen strategy 

  • Independent of products

  • Independent of providers

  • Focused on what is right for you

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Certified independent advice

Connectum is licensed by the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway and is the only investment advisor in Norway certified by CEFEX as an independent advisor.

In many ways, CEFEX is an international gold standard for independent advice. They verify that the client's interests are always put first.

The certification is assessed and renewed every year and confirms that the advice we provide is not influenced by commissions, proproetary products or other financial incentives.

Download General terms and conditions and Customer classification

License from the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway
Regulated under Norwegian supervision.
CEFEX-certified independent advisor
Verified according to international standards for independent advice.
Annual external control
The certification must be renewed annually.

FAQ

How do I know that the advice you give is actually independent? We operate as a certified fiduciary and receive no commissions from products or suppliers. This certification sets clear requirements for how we work and how we are paid. It means our advice is not influenced by incentives or ties to providers, but based solely on your situation and what is right for you.
What does it cost to work with you? In the beginning, you normally pay an hourly fee to review your situation and develop a plan. If we continue working together, a fixed fee is agreed for follow-up over time. Costs and terms are always clearly agreed before you decide to proceed.
What do I gain from advice being independent? You receive advice based on your situation, not on products or commercial incentives. As a certified fiduciary, our recommendations are aligned solely with your interests. This gives you a clearer basis for important decisions and helps ensure that your choices remain consistent over time.

Do you want an independent assessment of your situation?

As your finances become more complex, it can be valuable to get a structured and independent overview. We take the time to understand your full situation before giving advice.