Pioneering Fee-Only Wealth Advice with Christopher Tan

In this episode, Christopher Tan, CEO of Providend, Southeast Asia's first and Singapore's sole fee-only comprehensive wealth advisory firm, shares his journey from a humble background to becoming a financial advisor. He tells the story of how he transitioned from engineering to the army, then to pharmaceutical sales and eventually to financial services. Despite initial industry resistance, Providend has grown to manage over $1 billion for 900 households, with a team of 55. Tan emphasized the importance of aligning financial advice with clients' life goals and credited the "hedgehog concept" from Jim Collins' "Good to Great" for guiding Providend's strategy.

Check out these key moments:

0:02:06 Christopher Tan introduces himself as the CEO of Providend, Southeast Asia's first and Singapore's sole fee-only comprehensive wealth advisory firm.

0:07:13 Christopher discusses how his time in the army instilled confidence, discipline, and a sense of pride in his work that he carried into his business career.

0:14:31 He shares how a client's feedback made him realize he was selling products rather than providing true financial planning advice, leading him to leave the insurance industry.

0:22:42 Christopher  recounts the initial industry backlash and personal attacks he faced when launching Providend's fee-only model, including threatening letters.

0:40:02 Christopher  emphasizes Providend's focus on helping clients achieve their life goals, not just managing their money, as a key driver of the firm's success.

0:51:40 Christopher  explains how the "hedgehog concept" from the book "Good to Great" has shaped Providend's corporate strategy and mission.

Connect with Christopher:

• Website: https://www.providend.com

• Email: chris_tan@providend.com

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-tan-19336a/

About the Model FA Podcast

The Model FA podcast is a show for fiduciary financial advisors. In each episode, our host David DeCelle sits down with industry experts, strategic thinkers, and advisors to explore what it takes  to build a successful practice — and have an abundant life in the process. We believe in continuous learning, tactical advice, and strategies that work — no “gotchas” or BS. Join us to hear stories from successful financial advisors, get actionable ideas from experts, and re-discover your drive to build the practice of your dreams. 

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