Stargazing

IFAs wanting to move to a fee-based business model are often told they should segment their client base and concentrate on those clients who are likely to be most profitable.

Some light-hearted research published by APACS recently could make the task a whole lot easier, as it claims consumers’ payment behaviour can be predicted according to their star sign.

The survey of 2,000 consumers suggests Capricorns are the most financially astute – they are financially responsible in most areas, but they let themselves down when it comes to paying their credit card bills.

Sagittarians are not the most financially organised star sign, but they are responsible when it comes to paying off their credit card bills and checking their statements.

Other potentially good clients to look for are financially consistent Ariens and financially thorough Taureans.

But it may be wise to stay clear of Geminis, who find it hard to organise their bank and credit card statements, and Librans, who “demonstrate a distinct lack of interest and attention to detail when it comes to their financial management”.

However, it’s possible that the research is not entirely accurate, as the Sunday Times Rich List revealed steel baron Lakshmi Mittal was the richest person in Britain in 2006.

He was born on 15 June and as a Gemini he should be the least financially organised out of all the zodiac signs. So either he is an exception to the ‘rule’ or he has a lot of people doing the organising for him.

Sir Callum McCarthy, chairman of the Financial Services Authority (FSA), was born on 29 February and as a Pisces he would be described as “financially responsible”.

If you have any comments you would like to add to this story or would like to speak to its author about a similar subject, telephone Emily Perryman on 020 7968 4554 or email emily.perryman@incisivemedia.com.

IFAonline