“If we can't explain it simply, we probably shouldn't be investing in it.”

That phrase gets said a lot in our office, and it’s not just a throwaway line. It’s a principle we work by.

At Rocq, we believe investing should be clear. Not simplistic. Not watered down. But clear enough that clients genuinely understand what they own, why they own it, and what it’s designed to do.

That clarity builds trust. And trust is the foundation of everything we do.

Complexity doesn’t mean sophistication.

The financial world has a habit of making things sound more complicated than they need to be.

Jargon, acronyms, and layers of abstraction create a sense of mystique for some firms. For clients, this often leads to confusion - or worse, blind trust in something they don’t fully understand.

That’s not how we work.

Our culture values straightforward thinking, not cleverness for its own sake. We don’t need to impress you with obscure terms. We want you to feel confident and in control, whether you’re investing £50,000 or £5 million.

It’s not unusual for someone to come to us with an existing portfolio they don’t fully understand, sometimes spread across half a dozen funds, all with overlapping holdings. The conversation often starts with: “I’m not quite sure what I’ve got anymore.” That’s our cue to simplify, clarify, and rebuild with purpose.

Conversations, not presentations.

We don’t do big, scripted pitch decks or glossy product sales. We have conversations. Face-to-face when we can. Real, human chats about what matters to you: your goals, your concerns, and what kind of relationship you want with your money.

From there, we build portfolios that match your priorities. And we explain them in the same tone, calmly, clearly, and without fanfare.

As someone said in a recent investment meeting, “If it takes more than five minutes to explain it, we probably don’t believe in it.” That phrase stuck with me, not because it’s catchy, but because it reflects how we think.

Informed clients make stronger investors.

One of the most overlooked parts of good investment management is client behaviour. When people understand their portfolio, they’re far less likely to panic when markets move or headlines flare.

That’s why we keep things transparent, focus on long-term themes, and avoid short-term tactics. We also believe clarity isn’t just a communication style - it’s part of risk management.

When everyone’s on the same page, we all stay calm. And calm is where good investing lives.

The bottom line.

We don’t try to sound clever. We try to be clear.

Because at the end of the day, investing isn’t about using the most technical language in the room. It’s about helping people feel secure in their decisions and confident that someone’s looking after their money with care and attention.

So, if something we say doesn’t make sense? Ask. We’ll be glad you did.

 

By John de Garis, Managing Director, Rocq Capital