Advise Only

Advise Only, established in 2011 as part of the startup Virtual B, operates within the Italian financial technology sector. The company was co-founded by CEO Serena Torielli, a professional with two decades of experience at firms like JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs, alongside Claudio Costamagna, also formerly of Goldman Sachs, finance expert Raffaele Zenti, and web strategist Fabio Marras. This team leveraged their extensive financial backgrounds to create a platform aimed at reducing the information gap between the finance industry and individual savers.

The firm targets retail investors and savers, providing them with tools and information to manage their savings with greater autonomy and transparency. Its core offering is a digital platform that combines financial education with portfolio management functionalities. Users can access investment ideas from the company's strategy team, create and customize portfolios to match their personal goals, and monitor their investments. The business operates on a freemium model. Core features, including access to financial news and educational content via its blog, are available for free to registered users. Revenue is primarily generated through annual subscriptions to its 'AO Tutor' service, which offers more advanced financial tools and expert guidance. Initially, Advise Only operated as a SIM (Società di Intermediazione Mobiliare), which allowed for personalized financial consulting. However, in 2013, the company shifted its strategy to focus entirely on its community of savers and the provision of simplified information for investment and risk assessment, liquidating the SIM after it recorded significant losses.

The platform's services are designed to be accessible to individuals without a background in economics. It provides tactical portfolio solutions using Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), which are adjusted based on changing market conditions and the firm's proprietary risk and valuation indexes. The investment approach is systematic, integrating both quantitative and qualitative analysis to inform asset allocation decisions across major geographic areas and asset classes. The company aims to empower savers by making the investment process straightforward and immediate through its technology.

Keywords: financial technology, investment management, personal finance, portfolio management, retail investors, financial education, digital wealth management, ETF portfolios, investment strategies, subscription model, freemium, asset allocation, risk management, savings platform, Italian fintech, financial transparency, online investment, DIY investing, financial community, investment tools