Financial Services newsletter Friday 9th January 2026

Financial Services News

Hansford Bell, a Tavistock-based Financial Planning firm, is launching the free Edge Southwest Conference on April 16 in Exeter. The event aims to foster collaboration among independent advisers in the South West by offering a full day of professional development, networking, and industry insights. Featuring speakers from firms like Timeline, Octopus Investments, and Tatton Investment Management, the conference seeks to build a supportive regional network and celebrate the role of independent advisers. (Financial Planning Today, 8/1/2026, 'South West Planner launches free adviser conference')
Tavistock Investments is launching an AI-supported hybrid advice model to make financial advice more accessible and cost-effective. Leveraging its acquisition of Lifetime Financial Management, the model combines AI efficiencies with human expertise to address the needs of underserved clients. CEO Brian Raven emphasised the goal of empowering individuals to take control of their financial futures. (Financial Planning Today, 23/12/2025, 'Tavistock to roll out new AI-supported hybrid advice model')
The management buyout (MBO) of Global Pension Corporation (GPC), formerly STM Group, has been completed, pending regulatory approval. GPC, a major SIPP and SSAS provider, aims to strengthen control, ensure stability for clients and advisers, and position itself for future innovation while maintaining its Gibraltar-based FSCS-protected services. (Financial Planning Today, 22/12/2025, 'MBO completed at former STM Group')
A survey by Standard Life reveals that 77% of financial advisers anticipate a surge in demand for inheritance tax (IHT) advice ahead of the April 2027 changes, which will impose IHT on unused pensions. Advisers expect workloads to increase by 20%, with 40% of clients requiring significant financial plan reviews. Many advisers are refreshing their IHT knowledge as clients express concerns about the 40% tax charge, prompting reassessments of retirement strategies and wealth transfer plans. (Financial Planning Today, 16/12/2025, '3 in 4 financial advisers expect IHT advice boom')
Financial advice enquiries surged by 23% following the Autumn Budget, according to Unbiased. The spike reflects growing concerns over tax hikes and policy changes, with searches for pension-related topics up 74% and business articles up 65%. Unbiased CEO Karen Barrett emphasised the importance of planning and expert advice to navigate these changes, including strategies to maximise ISAs, mitigate tax impacts, and prepare for upcoming policy shifts. (Kimberley Dondo, 16/12/2025, Money Marketing, 'Financial advice enquiries surge 23%')
Barnett Waddingham has opened a new office in Edinburgh, expanding its presence in Scotland. This move reflects the firm's commitment to strengthening its regional footprint and providing enhanced services to clients in the area. (Financial Planning Today, 8/12/2025, 'Barnett Waddingham opens new Edinburgh office')
Schroder Investment Solutions is set to launch a new Blended Model Portfolio Service (MPS) in early 2026, featuring six portfolios tailored to diverse client objectives and risk profiles. The Blended MPS combines active and passive strategies, includes alternative assets for diversification, and aims to provide added protection during market volatility. Additionally, Schroders is introducing seven new component funds to its Active MPS, offering diversified exposure to equities, bonds, and asset allocation, with integration planned for early 2026. (Financial Planning Today, 4/12/2025, 'Schroders adds to MPS with blended solution')

A NextWealth report reveals that compliance and regulation, along with a lack of structured due diligence frameworks, are major barriers to AI adoption among financial advisers, with 79% citing these as challenges. Only 5% of advisers have comprehensive AI policies in place. While 73% of wealth managers see AI as critical to their future, advisers remain cautious, seeking clear governance, reliable data integration, and practical support from providers to overcome these hurdles. (Financial Planning Today, 2/12/2025, 'Advisers deterred from using AI by red-tape')
Get ahead in 2026 with key market insights- Stay ahead of the curve by accessing our 2026 Salary Guide and Market Sentiment Report. Discover the latest salary data, hiring trends, and expert advice to plan your next career move or refine your recruitment strategy. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Get ahead in 2026 with key market insights')
How leading wealth advisors are using AI to stay competitive - Leading wealth advisors are leveraging AI for enhanced portfolio management, compliance, client communication, and predictive analytics, achieving up to 40% in operational efficiency improvements. But how are they managing critical challenges like data privacy, AI bias, and technology integration? Read our insights piece to find out. (IDEX Consulting news, 'How leading wealth advisors are using AI to stay competitive')
Looking for a new financial services career opportunity? - Our recruiters are supporting leading firms across wealth management, pensions, actuarial and employee benefits. Check out our latest vacancies. (IDEX Consulting news, 'Looking for a new financial services career opportunity?')
The cost of unpreparedness in Financial Services - For wealth and asset management firms, an estimated 10-20% of sale value is being eroded on deals due to a lack of preparation before sale. Considering selling your firm? Our M&A team can help you boost EBITDA growth and strategically position your firm for sale. Learn more about our unique approach. (IDEX Consulting news, 'The cost of unpreparedness in Financial Services')

Mergers and Acquisitions

Verso Wealth Management has acquired Midlands-based Everlong Wealth Limited, a Chartered Financial Planning firm managing over £350m in client assets with offices in Derby, Ashbourne, Birmingham, and Nottingham. Everlong’s Managing Director Paul Hamilton will join Verso, while Chair Richard Garside and Director Jakki Grogan will leave. The acquisition aligns with Verso’s client-centric model and expands its national presence, with over £2.4bn in assets under advice. (Financial Planning Today, 7/1/2026, 'Verso buys Midlands Chartered Financial Planning firm')
Utmost Group has sold its life and pensions arm, Utmost Life and Pensions (ULP), to JAB Insurance for an undisclosed sum. The sale, expected to complete by mid-2026, includes ULP’s £5bn in assets and 175 employees. Utmost will use the proceeds to focus on its wealth solutions business and repay debt, while JAB plans to support ULP’s growth in the bulk purchase annuity market. (Financial Planning Today, 22/12/2025, 'Utmost sells life and pensions arm to JAB')
Perspective Financial Group has acquired Prosser Knowles Associates Ltd, a Midlands-based firm with £400m in assets under management. The acquisition, Perspective’s largest to date, adds 27 staff and two offices, which will serve as regional hubs. Prosser Knowles has been rebranded as Perspective (Prosser Knowles), with some staff transitioning to group roles to support future growth. (Financial Planning Today, 18/12/2025, 'Perspective acquires £400m AUM Prosser Knowles')
Finli Group has acquired three advice firms - Catterson Wealth Management (Stirling), Groundwell (Swindon), and Oaklands Wealth Management (Birmingham) - adding £1.1bn in assets under advice. This brings its 2025 total to £2bn. The acquisitions expand Finli’s presence in Lancashire, Yorkshire, and the Home Counties. Established in 2021, Finli now manages over £6bn in assets and serves 20,000 clients nationwide. (Financial Planning Today, 18/12/2025, 'Finli acquires 3 advice firms in growth spurt')
Perspective Financial Group has acquired three firms - BLM Partnership Limited, Chiltern Consultancy Limited, and Lloyd O’Sullivan Financial Services Limited - adding £650m in assets under management, 1,800 client households, and 36 employees. The acquisitions expand Perspective’s national footprint, retaining offices in Oulton, Stokenchurch, and East Molesey. Perspective now manages £11bn in assets with over 690 staff across 50 offices. (Financial Planning Today, 18/12/2025, 'Perspective boosts AUM by £650m with 3 takeovers')
Wren Sterling has acquired Evans Hart, a £900m AUM financial advisory firm with 2,450 clients in London and the South East. The deal adds 28 staff across four offices, including new hubs in Fleet Street, Kingston, Bookham, and Deddington. This acquisition brings Wren Sterling’s total acquired assets in 2025 to £1.8bn, further strengthening its presence in the region. (Financial Planning Today, 12/12/2025, 'Wren Sterling buys £900m AUM Evans Hart')
Integrity365 has acquired Brooks Wealth Management, a Bristol-based financial planning firm. This acquisition strengthens Integrity365’s presence in the region, aligning with its growth strategy to expand its client base and service offerings. (Financial Planning Today, 11/12/2025, 'Integrity365 acquires Bristol Financial Planning firm')
Titan Wealth has acquired Morgans Limited, a Bath-based financial planning firm with £650m in assets under administration. The deal adds 3,000 clients, five advisers, and eight support staff to Titan’s operations in the southwest, including offices in Bath and Cheltenham. Morgans’ clients will gain access to Titan’s broader investment management and technology-driven solutions, aligning with Titan’s strategy to expand locally-based wealth planning services across the UK. (Financial Planning Today, 10/12/2025, 'Titan Wealth acquires £650m AUA Bath firm')
Futura Financial Services has acquired Jones Financial, a Norwich-based firm established in 2001. The acquisition strengthens Futura’s presence in the East of England, with Jones Financial continuing to operate under its existing team led by Simon Jones. This move aligns with Futura’s strategy to consolidate high-calibre regional advisory firms while preserving their local identity and enhancing growth opportunities. (Financial Planning Today, 9/12/2025, 'Futura snaps up 24-year-old Norwich firm')
Clifton Wealth Partnership has acquired Lifestyle Financial Advice, a Talbot Green-based firm managing £75m in assets under management (AUM). The acquisition adds 400 family households to Clifton’s client base. Lifestyle’s director, Iain Atmore, with 40 years of experience, will remain in his role. This marks Clifton’s tenth acquisition in 2025, bringing its total AUM added this year to £721m. (Financial Planning Today, 1/12/2025, 'Clifton Wealth acquires £75m AUM Welsh Planner')

Movers

Emma Lovell, former CEO of the Lending Standards Board, has been appointed as the new CEO of STEP, the global professional body for trust and estate practitioners. With a background in leading complex organisations and roles in insolvency and financial oversight, Lovell aims to support STEP’s 22,000 members across 96 countries in navigating regulatory changes and emerging technologies while upholding professional standards. She succeeds Mark Walley, who retires after seven years as CEO. (Financial Planning Today, 8/1/2026, 'STEP hires ex-Lending Standards head as new CEO')
Bentley Reid, an employee-owned wealth manager, has promoted Kevin Andrews to Chief Operating Officer. Andrews joined the firm in December 2023 as Head of IT and Operations, following roles at C. Hoare & Co. and Arbuthnot Latham. Since joining, he has led enterprise-wide transformation and operational strategy. In his new role, Andrews will support Bentley Reid’s growth strategy and client service excellence. (Dan Cooper, 7/1/2026, Money Marketing, 'Wealth manager Bentley Reid promotes Kevin Andrews to COO')
Brooks Macdonald is restructuring by merging its distribution and investment management teams, leading to the departures of Chief Commercial Officer Robin Eggar and Co-CIO Richard Larner. Neil Cowell will lead the new integrated team to enhance client service and drive growth. (Financial Planning Today, 7/1/2026, '2 senior execs to exit Brooks Macdonald in reshuffle')
Lee Hartley, founder of Fairstone, has stepped down as Deputy Chair after a brief tenure, following his earlier resignation as CEO. Hartley, who launched Fairstone in 2008 and oversaw its growth to £20bn in assets under management, is now focusing on his new venture capital firm, Castrius Capital Partners, aiming to bring £10bn in funding to the North East over the next decade. (Financial Planning Today, 6/1/2026, 'Fairstone founder Hartley steps down as deputy chair')
Rholo Mba, Chartered FCSI and Investment Adviser at Barclays, has been appointed President of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) Jersey branch, succeeding Rhea Wright. With 14 years of financial services experience, Mba has been instrumental in organising CISI Insight Days to inspire students about careers in finance. He aims to expand educational initiatives and establish a charity program to support local projects. (Financial Planning Today, 17/12/2025, 'CISI picks Barclays adviser Rholo Mba as Jersey President')
Fidelity International has appointed Graham Folley as its first Head of Model Portfolio Service (MPS) and Intermediary Solutions. Folley, previously Head of Business Development and Discretionary Sales at Quilter, will lead the development of Fidelity’s MPS and intermediary solutions, focusing on enhancing adviser offerings and ensuring seamless service delivery.(Tabitha Lambie, 11/12/2025, Money Marketing, 'Fidelity hires first-ever head of MPS and intermediary solutions')
Evelyn Partners has appointed Victoria Gammon as a Financial Planning Partner for the Midlands. Based in Nottingham, Gammon brings over 20 years of experience, specialising in court of protection and high-value personal injury cases. Previously an Associate Director at IM Asset Management, her expertise will enhance Evelyn’s ability to support vulnerable clients and professional partners across the region. (Financial Planning Today, 8/12/2025, 'Evelyn appoints new Midlands Financial Planning partner')