Clifton hits £4bn AUM with South Wales double deal

Chapters Capital is pleased to have advised Mark and Jane Banyard on the sale of Banyard Independent Advice Services to Clifton Wealth Partnership.

Deal summary

Clifton Wealth Partnership has acquired two independent financial planning firms in South Wales: Banyard Independent Advice Services, based in Pembrokeshire, and Wilcox Financial Planning, based in Talbot Green. The two transactions add a combined £68m in assets under management and more than 300 clients to Clifton, taking Clifton Asset Management's total assets under management to more than £4bn. They are Clifton’s sixth and seventh acquisitions of 2026.

Chapters Capital advised Mark and Jane Banyard on the sale of Banyard Independent Advice Services.

About Clifton Wealth Partnership

Clifton Wealth Partnership is the financial planning and wealth management arm of the Bristol-based Clifton Group, which was founded in 1986 and now serves more than 15,000 clients with around 180 employees. Backed by private equity firm CBPE Capital, which made a strategic investment in October 2024, Clifton has completed seven acquisitions in 2026, adding more than £400m in assets under management across the year. The group's stated acquisition strategy centres on partnering with established advisers who want long-term continuity for their clients.

About Banyard Independent Advice Services

Banyard Independent Advice Services was founded in 2016 by Mark and Jane Banyard, both of whom had spent decades in financial services before setting up their own practice. The firm is based in Pembrokeshire and serves approximately 80 clients with around £22m in assets under management. 

Zac Walshaw and Daniel Campanale at Chapters Capital advised Mark and Jane Banyard preparing the business for market and on its sale to Clifton.  

On working with Chapters Capital, Mark Banyard said:  "We had been in discussion with a number of firms at a high level, both directly and via M&A "specialists". It was not until we spoke to Daniel and Zac at Chapters Capital, that we felt we had someone on our side, a knowledgeable team who took the time to listen to our requirements and then come back to us with genuine opportunities that were matched to those requirements.

Before this, we found a lot of firms did not take the time to fully review our position and needs. A lot of mud was thrown at the wall and we were hit by some of it.

Daniel and the team were very different and after we formally reviewed our options, our business was sold to a company that was exactly the right fit. In the meantime, throughout the due diligence process, they kept in touch, offering support and a human touch."

About Wilcox Financial Planning

Wilcox Financial Planning was founded in 2015 by Gerwyn Wilcox, who began his career in the insurance industry at 19 before becoming an independent financial adviser. The firm is based in Talbot Green, Rhondda Cynon Taf and serves approximately 250 clients with around £46m in assets under management. The firm’s only other employee, a paraplanner, will join Clifton full time as part of the transaction.

Chapters Capital's role

Chapters Capital advised Mark and Jane Banyard on the sale of Banyard Independent Advice Services, supporting them with preparing the business for market, engaging with potential acquirers, negotiating terms and progressing the transaction through to completion.

What happens next?

Both transactions are complete. Mark and Jane Banyard will remain with Clifton for a two-year handover period before retiring. Gerwyn Wilcox will stay on as a consultant for two years to support the client transition, while his paraplanner will join Clifton full time.

Clifton Wealth Partnership's other recent acquisitions

Morgan Law Financial Services – July 2026

Clifton acquired the Ipswich-based financial planning firm, adding around 500 clients and £138 million in assets under management. Its five employees remained with the business, while director Simon Browne stayed for a transitional period.

Dukes Independent Financial Advisers – May 2026

The acquisition of Bushey Heath-based Dukes added approximately 170 client households and £43 million in assets under management. Founder Adrian Duke-Cohan remained involved to support clients through the handover before retirement. Chapters Capital advised Duke-Cohan on the transaction.

Cutting & Carter – April 2026

Clifton acquired the Maldon-based financial planning firm, adding approximately 500 clients and £60 million in assets under management. Directors Steve Carter and Gary Smith agreed to remain involved for up to two years as they moved towards retirement.

FAQs

Can I continue advising after selling my IFA business?

Yes. Owners who want to sell but continue advising their clients may consider a sell and stay deal. This involves selling 100% of the business and continuing to service clients as an employed adviser within the acquiring firm, often for at least two years through the integration and earn-out period. Find out more about selling your IFA business and continuing to advise.