First Wealth makes first acquisition with Kent IFA Accumulate
Updated: 11 minutes ago
21st October 2026
Deal summary
London-based financial planning firm First Wealth has acquired Accumulate Wealth Management (Kent) in its first acquisition.
The transaction forms part of a succession plan for Accumulate's founder, Geoff Airey, who will remain with the business during the transition to First Wealth. The acquisition adds approximately 120 client families to First Wealth.
Chapters Capital advised Geoff Airey on Accumulate's sale to First Wealth.
About First Wealth
Founded in 2009 by Anthony Villis and Robert Caplan, First Wealth is a London-based, B Corp-certified financial planning firm providing financial planning, investment management and private office services.
In March 2025, Marlborough Group acquired a 20% minority stake in First Wealth to support its expansion, including growth through acquisitions and investment in technology and staff.
About Accumulate Wealth Management
Accumulate Wealth Management was established in Halstead, Kent, in 2013 by Geoff Airey, who has been a Chartered Financial Planner since 2008.
Airey has worked with some of his clients for more than 20 years, making the continuity of their financial planning arrangements a central consideration in his succession plans.
On the transaction Geoff Airey, Director at Accumulate Wealth Management (Kent) said: “Accumulate Wealth Management (Kent) has always been about the people we work with and the people we work alongside. Seeing this succession through myself is important to me, and we’re looking forward to delivering it with First Wealth. For our clients today, their relationships and financial plans will continue, and I’m sure they will feel as confident as I do about what comes next.”
Chapters Capital's role
Chapters Capital introduced First Wealth and Accumulate Wealth Management (Kent) Limited and brokered the deal.
Simon Bourke, Founder and Managing Director at Chapters Capital, said:
"I first met Geoff many years ago, and since reconnecting over two years ago we spent a lot of time mapping out the right fit for him, his clients and his team. First Wealth's focus on financial planning and emphasis on the best client outcomes made them the obvious choice in my mind. Congratulations to Geoff, Anthony and both teams."
What happens next?
Geoff will work alongside First Wealth's Anthony Villis and Robert Caplan to oversee the transition.
Accumulate's existing support team will join First Wealth, while Airey will introduce clients to their new financial advisers at upcoming review meetings. He intends to remain involved throughout the handover before gradually stepping back from the business.
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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