The latest mergers, acquisitions and other corporate actions in the wealth management sector.

Absolute Financial Group
Four independent financial advisor (IFA) firms based in the North-West have joined IFA consolidator Absolute Financial Group, as it builds on recent acquisitions in the West, South and East of England aimed at creating an independent financial planning business.

The firms – Allied Financial Services, based in Wigan; RSJ Financial Planning, based in Liverpool; Millcroft Wealth Management, based in Manchester; and Mackenzie Financial Planning Limited, based in Bury – bring a further £577 million ($786 million) to Absolute’s assets under advice (AUA), taking it to more than £2.1 billion.

The largest of the four firms – Allied Financial Services – will operate as a North-West hub for Absolute, establishing a stronger presence for the group locally. All four firms’ existing offices and colleagues will be part of Absolute, as it expands its footprint in the region.

This marks a total of 10 IFA firms across England which have joined the consolidator since it was established, with eight deals completing in the last month.

“These businesses add not only scale but deep local expertise, strong client relationships, and shared values around the importance of truly independent advice. Establishing a North-West hub through Allied Financial Services strengthens our regional presence and underlines our commitment to supporting advisors with the infrastructure, resources, and autonomy they need to deliver outstanding outcomes for clients,” David Carter, CEO of Absolute Financial Group, said.

“Absolute’s long-term vision, commitment to advisor support, and respect for the individuality of local businesses made this a natural fit. Becoming the North-West hub gives us the opportunity to retain our local roots while benefiting from the scale, investment, and collaborative strength of a growing national group,” Alisdair Lindley, founder of Allied Financial Services, added.