The past year has continued the trend of consolidation and transformation across the financial advice and wealth management sector. Against a backdrop of regulatory scrutiny, strategic investment, and continued succession-driven activity, 2025 proved to be another significant year for mergers and acquisitions. Here’s a look back at some of the key industry developments and deals that shaped the IFA landscape in 2025.
January
Titan Wealth acquired Advisa Wealth (Jersey) adding assets of £525m
This acquisition strengthens Titan Wealth’s presence in the Channel Islands and forms part of its wider private equity-backed expansion strategy.
Evelyn Partners sold its Fund Solutions division (£10.6bn AUM)
The disposal reflects Evelyn’s continued strategic focus on its core wealth management offering.
Azets Wealth Management acquired Laurus Associates (Newcastle)
The integration of the ten-person advisory team expands Azets’ regional footprint in the North East.
February
Shackleton acquired Harrold Financial Planning adding assets of £300m
The acquisition supports Shackleton’s ambition to become one of the UK’s leading national advice firms and marks another step in its buy-and-build strategy.
March
Finli Group completed five acquisitions adding over £220m in assets
The deals span Birmingham, London, Somerset, Merseyside and Cardiff, reinforcing Finli’s strategy of building strong regional presence across the UK.
April
Corbel Partners completed seven IFA acquisitions in Q1
Focused largely on internal succession solutions, Corbel’s model supports adviser retirement while maintaining independence and client continuity.
May
Foster Denovo acquired Brian Mole IFA (£300m AUA) and Verum Wealth (£87m AUA)
These acquisitions expand the firm’s Midlands and Scottish presence and mark its continued rapid growth through acquisition.
Söderberg & Partners invested in multiple UK IFAs
The Swedish consolidator continued its minority investment strategy, including a 30% stake in Glasgow-based Murphy Wealth and several other UK firms.
Fidelius Group took a minority stake in London-based Vobis Ltd
This strategic investment enhances Fidelius’ footprint in the capital.
June
Futura Financial Services secured a £14.5m funding facility
The funding will accelerate its buy-and-build strategy as the firm targets smaller established IFAs in a still highly fragmented market.
July – August
Sector trend: Succession-led consolidation continues
With many advisers approaching retirement age, internal buyouts and structured succession solutions remained a major driver of deal activity across the summer months.
September
Schroders and Lloyds restructure wealth joint venture
Schroders sold its stake in Schroders Personal Wealth to Lloyds, which will rebrand the business as Lloyds Wealth, strengthening both firms’ strategic positioning in complementary segments.
October
Hoxton Wealth acquired Haven IFA (Manchester) adding ~£140m AUM
The acquisition establishes a strategic Manchester base and strengthens Hoxton’s North West presence.
November
FCA publishes Consolidator Review
The regulator’s multi-firm review highlighted expectations around governance, capital adequacy, integration, and Consumer Duty compliance. Firms were urged to demonstrate strong oversight and clear client outcomes when pursuing acquisitions.
December
Industry consolidation momentum continues
With multiple pipelines reported across networks and consolidators, the year closed with strong expectations of continued M&A activity into 2026, driven by succession needs, scale economics, and regulatory pressures.
Key Themes from 2025
1. Succession remains the primary driver
A significant proportion of transactions were adviser retirement or internal succession solutions, reflecting the ageing adviser population.
2. Minority stakes on the rise
Strategic minority investments (rather than full acquisitions) became increasingly common, allowing firms to access capital while retaining independence.
3. Private equity and funding support growth
Access to external capital continued to fuel consolidator expansion and competitive valuations.
4. Increased regulatory focus
The FCA’s consolidator review signalled closer scrutiny of acquisition structures, integration quality, and Consumer Duty alignment.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Regulatory Oversight and Consumer Duty
Following the FCA’s 2025 review, firms should expect continued supervisory focus on governance, integration standards, and value for money.
Continued Consolidation
The UK advice market remains fragmented, and strong demand for succession solutions suggests M&A volumes will remain high.
Funding and Valuations
Private equity appetite remains strong, although interest rate conditions and economic uncertainty may influence deal structures and pricing.
Technology and Efficiency
Operational scale, platform efficiency, and the use of AI and automation will increasingly differentiate successful consolidators.
Considering selling your IFA business in 2026?
With consolidation continuing at pace and strong demand from acquisitive firms, now could be an opportune time to explore your options.
Get in touch with IFA Acquisitions to discuss your strategy or call 0208 0044 162.