Attitude to Risk Questionnaire

Q1.What is your primary investment objective?

A)Preserve capital above all elseB)Generate income with minimal riskC)Balance income and growthD)Achieve above-average growthE)Maximise long-term capital growth

Q2.How long is your investment horizon?

A)Less than 2 yearsB)2–5 yearsC)5–10 yearsD)10–20 yearsE)20+ years

Q3.If your portfolio fell 20% in a year, what would you do?

A)Sell everything immediatelyB)Sell some to reduce riskC)Do nothing and waitD)Hold and invest a little moreE)Invest significantly more

Q4.What proportion of your net worth does this investment represent?

A)More than 75%B)50–75%C)25–50%D)10–25%E)Less than 10%

Q5.How would you describe your investment experience?

A)No experienceB)Basic — savings accounts onlyC)Some — funds or ISAsD)Experienced — direct equities and fundsE)Sophisticated — alternatives and complex products

Q6.What is your income stability?

A)Retired / fixed income onlyB)Employed but uncertainC)Stable employmentD)High earner with good securityE)Multiple income sources

Q7.Which statement best describes your attitude to investment risk?

A)I cannot accept any loss of capitalB)I can accept very small short-term lossesC)I can accept moderate fluctuations for better returnsD)I accept significant fluctuations for strong long-term returnsE)I seek maximum returns and accept all risk

Q8.Do you have an emergency fund covering 6+ months of expenses?

A)No emergency fundB)1–3 monthsC)3–6 monthsD)6–12 monthsE)12+ months

Q9.What best describes your tax situation?

A)UK taxpayer — concerned about income taxB)Tax resident in a moderate-tax jurisdictionC)Tax resident in a low-tax jurisdictionD)Territorial / remittance-style tax system abroadE)Zero personal tax jurisdiction

Q10.What is your approach to new investment opportunities?

A)I only invest in proven, very safe assetsB)I prefer established, lower-risk assetsC)I mix safe and growth assetsD)I actively seek growth opportunitiesE)I actively seek high-return opportunities including alternatives

0 of 10 questions answered

The five risk profiles explained

These profiles follow the risk categories commonly used by UK-regulated advisers. They are a starting point — your actual portfolio should be agreed with a qualified adviser who understands your full circumstances.

Cautious

Score: 10–19

Equities: Up to 20%

Capital preservation and income

Moderately Cautious

Score: 20–28

Equities: 20–40%

Income with low capital risk

Balanced

Score: 29–37

Equities: 40–60%

Income and growth in equal measure

Moderately Adventurous

Score: 38–44

Equities: 60–80%

Growth with some income

Adventurous

Score: 45–50

Equities: 80–100%

Maximum long-term capital growth

Frequently asked questions

What are the five investment risk profiles?

The five standard risk profiles are: Cautious (capital preservation, up to 20% equities), Moderately Cautious (income focus, 20–40% equities), Balanced (equal income and growth, 40–60% equities), Moderately Adventurous (growth-oriented, 60–80% equities), and Adventurous (maximum growth, 80–100% growth assets including alternatives and higher-risk investments).

Can my risk profile change over time?

Yes. Your risk profile is not fixed — it is influenced by your financial circumstances, investment horizon, income stability, and personal tolerance for volatility. Life events such as retirement, relocation, inheritance, or major financial obligations can all shift your risk profile. Most regulated advisers recommend reviewing your attitude to risk at least annually or after any significant life change.

Does living overseas affect my investment risk profile?

It can. Internationally mobile investors often have different considerations — currency risk, access restrictions on certain products (e.g. ISAs are unavailable to non-UK residents), potential access to structures not available in the UK (offshore bonds, certain funds), and the impact of local tax regimes on investment returns. Your jurisdiction of residence significantly affects what products are suitable and available to you.

Ready to put your risk profile to work?