Wealth manager eyes landmark after revenue lift

A national wealth management firm says it is in a “strong position” to hit a financial landmark after chalking up a revenue rise.

Fairstone saw earnings climb 17 per cent year-on-year to £179.3 million in the year to December 31.

Officials say the uptick was fuelled by a 35 per cent rise in client assets under advice to £21.4 billion – which has since grown to more than £23 billion – and buyout and hub network moves.

They add the progress leaves the Sunderland-headquartered operator – which has offices across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – well placed to meet an ambition of doubling client assets under management to £40 billion by the end of 2030.

Hailing its progress, the firm nodded to the continued impact of its downstream buyout programme – which allows owners to work with the company and grow operations while planning for a sale – that recently saw Grainger Financial Planning, Riverstone Wealth Management and two Aberdeen businesses officially join Fairstone’s stable.

It also highlighted the company’s regional hub network, which allows offices to pool resources and services, that was boosted earlier this year by Scottish and Welsh endeavours.

Chief executive Steven Cooper, who joined the company last year following founder Lee Hartley’s departure, said: “2025 was another successful year, and we have continued to build on that momentum in 2026.

“We have strengthened our leadership team, invested in technology and capability, expanded our presence in key locations and continued to attract high-quality advisers, businesses and clients.

“The market continues to evolve, but we are in a strong position and I am confident about the opportunities ahead.

“We have a clear strategy, a growing set of capabilities and a business that is increasingly well placed to serve more clients, attract more advisers and accelerate our growth through 2027 and beyond.”

Operating from more than 50 bases across the UK, and employing more than 1450 staff and advisers, Fairstone oversees assets under management on behalf of 65,000-plus wealth and 60,000 mortgage clients.

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