Pension Pulse aims to bridge advice gap with PE investment
- Simon Bourke
- Jun 12
- 3 min read
12th June 2026
Deal summary
Manchester-based independent financial adviser Pension Pulse has secured an undisclosed investment from HGL Private Capital. The investment is intended to fund Pension Pulse's technology development and support its national growth strategy, with a focus on making regulated pension advice accessible to consumers who have historically been excluded by traditional minimum wealth thresholds. Two of HGL Private Capital’s founding directors, Chris Hurley and Ged Gould, have joined the Pension Pulse board as non-executive directors.
About HGL Private Capital
HGL Private Capital provides up to £10m of equity through minority and majority investments, growth capital, management buyouts and cash-out transactions. The firm was relaunched in March 2025 after rebranding from Dealspan, with a strategic focus on investing in fast-growing businesses with UK and international growth ambitions. Two of the firm's founding directors, Chris Hurley and Ged Gould, previously worked together at LDC, the private equity arm of Lloyds Banking Group.
About Pension Pulse
Pension Pulse is an independent financial advice firm founded by CEO Aidan Carter and CIO James Igoe. The firm has developed a model combining technology, human advice and operational scale, designed to make regulated pension advice accessible to consumers regardless of the size of their pension pot. Pension Pulse operates from Manchester and aims to serve a market of individuals currently excluded from traditional advice models by minimum wealth thresholds.
What happens next?
The investment is now complete. HGL Private Capital's Chris Hurley and Ged Gould have joined the Pension Pulse board as non-executive directors. Hurley said the funding will support Pension Pulse's "continued expansion, technology development and national growth strategies." No specific timeline or operational targets have been disclosed.
HGL Private Capital's other recent investments
Stelvio Group – March 2025
HGL Private Capital acquired a minority stake in the technology-enabled recruitment business to support its expansion in the United States. Chris Hurley and Ged Gould joined the board as non-executive directors.
Retail Asset Solutions Group – June 2022
HGL invested alongside the Retail Asset Solutions management team as the business recapitalised with growth funding from Beechbrook and PNC. The investment was intended to support further technology development and overseas expansion.
On The Go Tours – January 2022
HGL co-invested alongside Beauport Partners following its acquisition of the international tour operator. Chris Hurley joined the board as non-executive chairman to support the company’s growth plans.
FAQs
What is the UK advice gap?
The advice gap refers to the large number of UK consumers who would benefit from regulated financial advice but cannot access it, typically because traditional advice models require minimum levels of investable assets to be commercially viable. The FCA's 2022 Financial Lives Survey found that only around 8% of UK adults received regulated financial advice in the previous year.
Does private equity invest in IFA firms?
Yes. Private equity has been an active presence in UK financial advice M&A for a number of years, backing consolidators and, increasingly, technology-enabled advice businesses. Investment structures range from full acquisitions to minority growth capital deals.
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