Coutts relaunches private office proposition for UHNW clients - Coutts has relaunched its private office offering under the new Coutts Family Office brand. The division will provide ultra-high-net-worth clients with access to additional services through NatWest Group and external partners, including BlackRock.

Barnaby Cecil opens new Highgate office - London-based IFA Barnaby Cecil has expanded its presence with the opening of a new client-facing office in Highgate. The move forms part of founder Thomas Skinner’s long-term growth plans for the firm.

St James’s Place announces 200 job cuts following business review - St James’s Place is reducing its workforce by around 200 roles following a strategic review. The firm said the changes reflect efforts to remove duplication and streamline operations.

NextGen Planners launches video training masterclass - NextGen Planners has partnered with Kate Holmes from the Innovating Advice Show podcast to launch a three-month programme helping financial planners improve their confidence and skills in video creation.

Succession Wealth reports improved financial performance - Succession Wealth has reported a reduction in operating losses, alongside continued client growth. The firm welcomed more than 500 new clients during the year as part of its ongoing expansion strategy.

M&G commits £5bn to sustainable private assets - M&G is investing £5bn into sustainable private assets through a newly established global investment team. The allocation will come from the Prudential With-Profits Pension Fund and focus on investments with positive social and environmental impact.

Independent Wealth Planners rebrands Welsh advice business - Independent Wealth Planners has renamed its Welsh hub, Bartholomew Hawkins Asset Management, as part of a refreshed strategy for the Cardiff-based business.

Advisers report issues following Quilter platform migration - Some advisers have raised concerns around technical challenges following their move onto Quilter’s updated Old Mutual Wealth platform. Reported issues include transaction errors and client direct debit problems, although firms have recognised improvements in support.

Jupiter announces workforce reduction programme - Jupiter is set to cut up to 90 roles as CEO Andrew Formica focuses on creating a more agile business structure. The reductions represent around 16% of its UK workforce.

AJ Bell fund arm surpasses £1bn in assets - AJ Bell’s investment business has reached £1bn in assets under management following strong platform flows. The milestone represents a doubling of assets compared with the same period the previous year.

FSCS levy remains at maximum level for advisers - Financial advisers face another year of the highest possible FSCS levy, with rising pension advice claims and the impact of the pandemic contributing to increased costs.

Brewin Dolphin ordered to compensate client over pension advice - The Financial Ombudsman Service has instructed Brewin Dolphin to pay £60,000 after finding advice provided to a client regarding a pension transfer was unsuitable.

Succession Wealth continues restructuring efforts - Succession Wealth recorded further losses during 2019 and 2020, impacted by restructuring costs, redundancies and financing expenses linked to its expansion strategy.

Aviva announces permanent office changes following pandemic shift - Aviva is closing several offices as it adopts a more flexible working approach beyond the pandemic. The insurer will reduce its property footprint while continuing to support remote working.

JM Finn prepares for new City headquarters move - JM Finn is relocating its headquarters to a new City of London office as it adapts to changing workplace patterns. The move will be the firm’s first headquarters relocation in more than a decade.

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Sanlam completes acquisition of Smith & Williamson funds - Sanlam Investments has completed the acquisition of eight funds previously managed by Smith & Williamson, adding approximately £1.2bn in assets under management.

Vintage Wealth acquires Corfe Wealth Management - Vintage Wealth Management has expanded its regional presence with the acquisition of Surrey-based Corfe Wealth Management. Founder Christopher Webb will remain with the business as a client-facing adviser.

Mattioli Woods expands property services division through BDO acquisition - Mattioli Woods has acquired BDO Northern Ireland’s direct property planning division, adding around £233m of trust assets to its existing SIPP and SSAS offering.

Mattioli Woods completes £2.3m Montagu acquisition - Mattioli Woods has strengthened its advice business with the acquisition of Twickenham-based wealth firm Montagu. The deal adds around £80m in assets under advice and 150 clients.

Martin Gilbert invests in AssetCo return to market - Former Standard Life Aberdeen CEO Martin Gilbert is returning to the investment sector with a £3m investment in listed firm AssetCo, alongside former colleague Peter McKellar.

Schroder UK Public Private benefits from Kymab sale - Shares in Schroder UK Public Private rose following the acquisition of portfolio company Kymab by Sanofi. The deal could generate a significant return for investors.

HPS Investment Management takes stake in Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management UK - US investment firm HPS Investment Management has acquired a 22% stake in Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management UK. The partnership will support future growth and acquisition opportunities.

Flexpoint Ford makes £225m offer for AFH - US private equity firm Flexpoint Ford has submitted a takeover proposal for financial advice business AFH. The deal would further expand the firm’s presence in financial services.

Thorntons Investments completes first acquisitions - Dundee-based Thorntons Investments has completed its first acquisitions with the purchase of Sonas Wealth Management and Matheson Financial Consulting.

Wren Sterling completes first acquisition of 2021 - Wren Sterling has acquired White Wells Investments, adding approximately £50m in client assets. Founder Michael Dunn will join Wren Sterling as an employed adviser.

Brown Shipley appoints Julius Baer executive - Brown Shipley has strengthened its intermediary offering with the appointment of Philipp Iarmaltchouk as Director. He will help develop the firm’s financial intermediaries proposition.

JM Finn welcomes back former investment director - Bill Tibbits is returning to JM Finn as Senior Investment Manager after nine years at Investec. He will join the firm’s Winchester office.

Brown Shipley launches charities and philanthropy division - Brown Shipley has created a new charities and philanthropy team led by industry veteran Rupert Cecil, focusing on supporting charities, schools and endowments.

Rathbones appoints Clive Bannister as Chairman Designate - Rathbones has appointed former Phoenix Group CEO Clive Bannister as Non-Executive Director and incoming Chairman, succeeding Mark Nicholls.

7IM portfolio head Haig Bathgate departs - Haig Bathgate, Head of Portfolio Management at Seven Investment Management, has left the business to pursue a new opportunity.

RWC Partners appoints ESG specialist - RWC Partners has hired former Columbia Threadneedle analyst Chris Anker to lead its environmental, social and governance initiatives.

Embark Group appoints new Head of Proposition - The Embark Group has appointed Sara Wilson, former Alliance Trust Savings platform chief, as its new Head of Proposition.

Amazon announces leadership transition - Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is stepping down as CEO, with Andy Jassy, head of Amazon Web Services, set to take over the role.

Maven Wealth Management appoints new CEO - Former Succession Wealth adviser Wes Nixon has been named CEO of Maven Wealth Management, subject to regulatory approval.

Hawksmoor expands Bath presence with new office - Hawksmoor Investment Management is opening a Bath office, appointing former professional cricketer Dean Hodgson as Senior Investment Manager.

George Osborne joins Robey Warshaw - Former Chancellor George Osborne has stepped away from roles at BlackRock and the Evening Standard to join M&A advisory firm Robey Warshaw.

Standard Life Aberdeen announces senior leadership changes - Standard Life Aberdeen has made several senior appointments, including changes across its advice, corporate development and international divisions.

EdenTree appoints Charlie Thomas as CIO - EdenTree Investment Management has appointed former Jupiter executive Charlie Thomas as Chief Investment Officer to help drive growth across its investment range.

Murphy Wealth CEO appointed MND Scotland Chair - Adrian Murphy, CEO of Murphy Wealth, has taken on the role of Chair of Trustees at MND Scotland, supporting the charity’s work and fundraising efforts.

Wishart Wealth strengthens planning team - Wishart Wealth has appointed Chartered Financial Planner Mark Thornton-Smith as part of its continued expansion.

M&G creates new Catalyst investment team - M&G has appointed Alex Seddon to lead its newly created Catalyst team, focusing on global private investment opportunities.

Wren Sterling Warwick expands with HNW adviser hire - Neil Carroll Chartered Financial Planner has joined Wren Sterling’s Warwick office, taking responsibility for a portfolio of high-net-worth clients.

Henwood Court appoints Midlands financial planner - Henwood Court has strengthened its Midlands team with the appointment of Chartered Financial Planner Steven Read.

Tilney Smith & Williamson strengthens corporate proposition - Gareth Sawyer has joined Tilney Smith & Williamson as the firm continues to develop its corporate offering.

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All information provided in this Market Digest has been gathered from multiple Financial Services Media sources and individual company press releases.