As the UK wealth market undergoes significant consolidation, Columbia Threadneedle Investments has created a new wealth solutions role to drive sales growth and deepen advisor partnerships.

Columbia Threadneedle Investments, a global asset management group, has appointed Richard Borthwick (pictured) in the newly-created sales role of head of UK Wealth Solutions..

Borthwick, who will continue to lead Columbia Threadneedle’s UK regional sales team, will also oversee the firm’s engagement with UK wealth management consolidators, with direct accountability for UK wealth sales performance and growth. He will work with senior leadership teams to develop deeper commercial partnerships across the industry, driving client acquisition and strengthening advisor relationships, the firm said in a statement.

The appointment comes as the UK wealth market is undergoing significant consolidation – a result of the transformation of the financial advice sector and increased private equity investment.

According to the latest EY financial services M&A analysis, deal activity across UK financial services surged in the first half of 2026, with wealth and asset management emerging as the standout sector for M&A momentum – a trend borne out by several high-profile private banking and wealth manager combinations completed or announced during the period.

As assets become more concentrated, Columbia Threadneedle said it has developed its strategy to reflect the market changes by supporting advisors with tailored investment solutions and resources to help them grow and adapt. This includes partnering with both consolidators and independent firms, while serving the needs of traditional fund buyers who remain a core part of the market.

Building on its UK wealth presence, Columbia Threadneedle said it will draw on its global investment capabilities to deliver the best of these to clients, including multi-asset solutions. These services, designed to meet client needs, are complemented by support to help advisors integrate them effectively into their client propositions.

Columbia Threadneedle’s UK wealth solutions offering is underpinned by the firm’s experience partnering with wealth management firms and their clients across key markets. The team does this by understanding client goals and providing solutions to help achieve them. The firm's services are supported by being the global asset management group of Ameriprise Financial, a global diversified financial services firm with $1.7 trillion of assets, which includes a $1.1 trillion wealth manager.

“As consolidation reshapes the advice market, the ability to combine investment expertise with practical business support is becoming increasingly important,” Mike O’Toole, head of UK Wholesale Distribution at Columbia Threadneedle Investments, said. “This enhanced structure ensures our distribution team is aligned to changing market dynamics, with a clear focus on driving growth, strengthening advisor partnerships and delivering for clients.”

Columbia Threadneedle Investments is a global asset manager, entrusted with $706 billion on behalf of individual, institutional and corporate clients around the world.