Avoid Five Asset Classes - Misleading, evasive and utterly untrustworthy
If you’re thinking of investing with Five Asset Classes – don’t. Save yourself the hassle, the stress, the financial loss, and the feeling of having been completely taken for a ride.
Between 2023 and 2024, I got to know Stephen Wright and Kristel Landicho on what I thought was a personal level. Naturally suspicious of the financial world, I didn’t rush into anything. I took my time, tested the waters, and tried to judge their integrity based on how they behaved and what they offered.
One of the products they pitched to me was a so-called casino investment. I was told it carried some risk, of course, but Stephen assured me that he was personally invested – to the tune of $30,000 – and that this particular casino had a flawless record, with Five Asset Classes involved for years and it never failing to deliver. Against my better judgement, I invested.
At first, things looked okay. A few regular interest payments came through, enough to build up a bit of trust and suggest legitimacy. But once they had a decent amount of my money in hand – things started to change. Meetings got postponed. Messages went unanswered. Excuses came thick and fast. And the returns that had been promised? They never arrived.
In total, I invested $20,000. I’ve received only $7,343.75 back.
On 18 March 2025, I sent a formal email requesting a proper financial statement for this investment – needed for my UK divorce proceedings (Form E financial disclosure). I explained very clearly that the statement needed to be on official company letterhead, covering the last 12 months, showing my account history, balances, and signed by someone authorised.
I’ve had no reply at all. Not even an acknowledgement.
Let’s be absolutely clear: this company has no interest in transparency once they’ve got your money. The personable front vanishes, and you're left chasing shadows.
Operating in places where people can be easily fooled
Five Asset Classes present themselves as a global firm offering “financial planning for expats.” Yes, they operate in the UK – but most of their business seems to be focused on countries where regulation is patchy and people are more vulnerable to financial trickery.
They proudly list testimonials from individuals in:
UAE: Simon Merrills, Michael Flamson, Mark Whitehouse, Jose Relles, Farzana Rujudawa
Kuwait: Daniel Gonzalez
Saudi Arabia: Mark Sousa, Lucy Watson
Qatar: Allan Dawson
Bahrain: Joe Dalton
Malaysia: Bob Nuttall
China: Warren Nash
Cambodia: Paul Cruishank
No doubt some of these people exist – but if you’re reading these glowing testimonials thinking they’re proof of reliability, think again. In my experience, what they’re selling is dressed up to look professional, but it's smoke and mirrors once you dig below the surface.
They also claim to work alongside NEBA Wealth Management and partner with 160+ firms. All that does is spread the accountability so thin you’ll never get a straight answer from anyone.
Final word
Don’t be taken in by smooth talk, LinkedIn profiles, or promises of strong returns backed by a so-called “track record”. What I’ve experienced is a company that fails to deliver, hides behind silence, and avoids responsibility the moment you start asking questions.
You’ve been warned.
(This review is based entirely on my personal experience and correspondence with the company and its representatives).
March 18, 2025
Unprompted review
