No two IFA exit journeys are ever the same. Beyond valuations and deal structures, personal circumstances often play a defining role in shaping the right strategy.
Recently, IFA Acquisitions spoke with a 66-year-old adviser generating £250,000 per annum in recurring income. While the business was in a strong position, the adviser was reluctant to explore a sale due to one key priority — funding ongoing care for a parent in their 90s.
Balancing financial security, personal responsibility, and long-term business value required a carefully considered, tailored approach.
The Vendor’s Objectives
From the outset, it was clear that any potential solution needed to address more than just the commercial value of the business:
- Certainty around funding long-term care
- Maintaining a reliable income stream
- Minimising disruption to clients
- Retaining control and flexibility over working arrangements
Like many advisers in similar positions, the perceived need to continue generating income created hesitation around selling.
Our Approach
Rather than focusing solely on a traditional exit, the conversation centred on risk management, flexibility, and long-term security.
Key areas explored included:
- The option to release significant capital from the business (c.£1m), reducing reliance on ongoing income
- Structuring a “sell and stay” arrangement, allowing the adviser to continue working with clients
- Reducing exposure to regulatory pressures, Professional Indemnity risk, and operational burden
- Protecting business value by addressing succession planning earlier rather than later
By reframing the discussion, the focus shifted from “giving up income” to “gaining certainty and control.”
The Outcome
While discussions remain ongoing, the adviser was able to clearly see a pathway that aligned both personal and commercial priorities:
✔️ Potential to secure a significant capital sum to support long-term care funding
✔️ Flexibility to continue working and earning through a structured transition
✔️ Reduced exposure to business, compliance, and health-related risks
✔️ Improved client retention prospects through a clear succession plan
The Takeaway
For many advisers, the biggest barrier to selling isn’t the market — it’s personal circumstance.
However, holding onto a business to maintain income can often introduce greater risk over time, particularly as regulatory demands increase and succession concerns begin to affect client behaviour.
By exploring flexible options such as selling and staying, advisers can:
- Protect what matters most
- Maintain income and purpose
- And secure long-term financial certainty for themselves and their families
If you’re considering your options but feel held back by personal or financial commitments, a tailored approach can help you find the right balance.
At IFA Acquisitions, we work closely with advisers to structure solutions that align with both their business goals and life priorities.