Advanta adds £285m through Newcastle IFA acquisition
15th October 2026
Deal summary
Advanta Solutions has acquired Newcastle-based HJ Wealth Management, adding approximately £285m in client assets and establishing a financial planning presence in the North East of England.
The acquisition marks Advanta's 14th deal as it continues to expand its national wealth management business. The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed.
About Advanta
Established in 2012, Advanta is a UK financial services group providing financial planning, investment management, mortgage and insurance services. Its acquisition arm, Advanta Solutions, focuses on bringing established advice firms into the group while retaining their local client relationships.
Advanta is backed by Beech Tree Private Equity, which holds a minority stake alongside the group's founder and employees.
About HJ Wealth Management
HJ Wealth Management is an independent financial advice firm based at St Peter's Wharf in Newcastle, serving high-net-worth individuals, business owners and trustees across the North East and beyond.
Led by Chartered Financial Planner Harry O'Connor, who has more than 20 years' financial services experience, the firm provides retirement planning, investment management, inheritance tax planning and protection advice. It also offers specialist investment advice for personal injury claimants, working alongside trustees and Court of Protection deputies.
Why is Advanta acquiring HJ Wealth Management?
The acquisition extends Advanta's geographical reach into the North East, adding an established local practice and approximately £285m of client assets to its national network. It aligns with Advanta's strategy of combining regional client relationships with centralised investment, compliance and operational support.
What this deal means for IFA owners considering a sale
Advanta's acquisition of HJ Wealth Management illustrates the continued interest in established regional advice businesses with strong client relationships. For IFA owners considering a sale, the key considerations include valuation, client continuity, ongoing involvement and the level of independence retained after joining a larger group.
Chapters Capital can help owners explore their options through pre-sale planning, selling and retiring, or selling while continuing to advise.
Advanta's other recent acquisitions
Other publicly documented acquisitions by Advanta include:
Westcotts Financial Management – December 2025: Advanta acquired the South West financial planning business, which continues trading as Westcotts Chartered Financial Planners from offices in Exeter, Plymouth and Weston-super-Mare. The transaction marked Advanta's 12th acquisition since 2021.
City Financial Planning – November 2024: Advanta acquired the Bath and Exeter-based financial planning firm, adding approximately £800m in assets under management.
Penney, Ruddy & Winter – May 2024: Advanta acquired the City of London-based Chartered Financial Planning business, adding approximately £240m in assets under management and strengthening its presence in London.
Considering your next chapter?
At Chapters Capital, we specialise in financial planning and wealth management M&A.
If you own an IFA, financial planning or wealth management firm, we can help you understand the options available to you, from pre-sale planning and selling your firm to retire, through to sell and stay structures and partnership programmes.
For a confidential conversation about valuation, buyer fit or your route to market, contact our team.
📞 +44 (0)204 519 7811 | ✉️ info@chapterscapital.co.uk
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