How are your fees structured?
We believe that transparency is essential to a successful advisory relationship.
For many clients, compensation is generated through commissions associated with investment transactions. These charges are fully disclosed and remain competitive with prevailing industry standards.
Clients with more than €500,000 in Assets Under Administration (AUA) may also have the option of transitioning to a traditional management-fee arrangement or a fee-based account structure, depending on their preferences and the nature of the relationship.
Each client has different objectives, investment activity levels, and service requirements. During our initial discussions, we will explain the available options and help determine which fee structure is most appropriate for your circumstances.
Our objective is simple: to ensure that clients clearly understand how they are being charged and the services they receive in return.
Is there a minimum account size?
We generally work with individuals and families who have at least €500,000 in investable assets, although many client relationships are substantially larger.
We do not operate with rigid account minimums, and every situation is evaluated individually.
We are often pleased to work with younger family members of existing clients, even where account sizes may initially be more modest. Our focus is on building long-term advisory relationships rather than applying arbitrary thresholds.
What level of control do I maintain over my assets?
Clients always retain ownership and control of their assets.
While we provide advice, portfolio management, and access to investment opportunities, major decisions remain yours. Assets remain visible and accessible, and clients receive regular reporting regarding their holdings and investment performance.
Certain private market investments may involve longer investment horizons and reduced liquidity, but these considerations are discussed in advance as part of the investment selection process.
Who do you typically work with?
Our clients are often entrepreneurs, business owners, corporate executives, retirees, and internationally minded families seeking professional guidance regarding investment management, retirement planning, succession planning, and cross-border wealth matters.
Many have accumulated wealth through business ownership, professional careers, inheritance, or successful investments and are looking for a trusted adviser to help coordinate and manage their financial affairs over the long term.
Do I need to live in Japan to become a client?
No.
While our office is based in Tokyo, our clientele is international. Many clients live in Europe, North America, Asia, and other regions around the world.
Modern communication and reporting systems allow us to maintain close relationships with clients regardless of location. In many cases, our international perspective is one of the reasons clients choose to work with us.
Why is Clifton Vogel based in Japan?
Japan occupies a unique position within the global economy.
Our location provides proximity to Asia’s financial and commercial markets while maintaining convenient communication with clients across Europe, North America, and other international jurisdictions.
For internationally minded investors, this perspective offers access to opportunities, insights, and relationships that extend beyond any single market or region.
Can you work alongside my accountant, lawyer, or tax adviser?
Absolutely.
Many clients already have established relationships with trusted legal, tax, and accounting professionals. Our role is not to replace these advisers but to coordinate with them where appropriate.
We believe that the best outcomes are often achieved when professional advisers work together to ensure that investment decisions, tax planning, retirement strategies, and succession arrangements remain aligned.
How often will we communicate?
Communication is an important part of every advisory relationship.
We conduct regular reviews and portfolio discussions, but some of the most important conversations occur between scheduled meetings. Significant life events, business transactions, relocations, inheritances, or changes in financial objectives often create new planning opportunities and considerations.
Clients are encouraged to view us as an ongoing resource rather than a service accessed only at predetermined intervals.
Do you offer access to private market investments?
Yes, where appropriate.
Private market opportunities may include private equity, co-investments, secondary market transactions, and select pre-IPO opportunities.
These investments are evaluated carefully and considered within the context of a client’s broader financial objectives, risk tolerance, liquidity requirements, and overall portfolio strategy.
Private market investments are not suitable for every investor, but they can provide valuable diversification and access to opportunities beyond traditional public markets.
What happens if my circumstances change?
Financial plans should evolve as life evolves.
Whether you are preparing for retirement, selling a business, relocating internationally, receiving an inheritance, supporting family members, or navigating another significant life event, we work with you to ensure that your financial strategy remains aligned with your changing objectives.
One of the advantages of a long-term advisory relationship is that decisions can be evaluated within the context of your broader circumstances rather than in isolation.
How do I become a client?
Every relationship begins with a conversation.
The initial stage focuses on understanding your circumstances, objectives, existing arrangements, and any specific challenges or opportunities you would like to address.
If it appears that we are a good fit for one another, we will outline a proposed course of action and guide you through the account opening and onboarding process. From there, the relationship develops through ongoing communication, planning, and investment management tailored to your evolving needs.
Who We Work With
Our clients are typically successful professionals, business owners, executives, retirees, and families whose financial lives extend beyond a single country.
Many have accumulated assets across multiple jurisdictions, navigated international careers, or experienced significant life events such as a business sale, retirement, inheritance, or relocation abroad. They value independent advice, personal service, and a long-term relationship built on trust and discretion.
We believe wealth management should provide clarity rather than complexity. By combining independent advice, international perspective, and long-term commitment, we help clients make confident decisions about their wealth, their families, and their future.