Independent London IFA Advies Acquires St Andrews Financial
- Simon Bourke
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
6th May 2026
Deal summary
Advies, a London-based independent financial planning firm, has acquired St Andrews Financial, adding approximately £200 million in assets under management and 300 clients to its business. The deal strengthens Advies' presence across London and the South East and was supported by financing from the Saltus Partnership Programme. James Hickson, founder of St Andrews Financial, will join Advies as Executive IFA and continue advising clients from the firm's office at 100 Bishopsgate.
About Advies
Advies was founded in 2006 by Conor MacSweeney and James Wills and has grown into one of the UK's leading independent financial advisory firms. The firm had £400 million in assets under management when it joined the Saltus Partnership Programme in October 2023 as a Transition partner, gaining access to capital, M&A expertise, and technology infrastructure to support its growth. The acquisition of St Andrews Financial marks a further step in that strategy, increasing Advies’ scale in London and the South East.
About St Andrews Financial
St Andrews Financial is a boutique independent advice firm established more than 20 years ago by James Hickson. The business advises around 300 clients and oversees approximately £200 million in assets under management, with a client base made up mainly of professionals and families in London and the South East.
The firm has grown through referrals and has built its proposition around personal advice and long-standing client relationships.
Why is Advies acquiring St Andrews Financial?
The acquisition gives Advies further scale in London and the South East, while adding an established client base, experienced staff and additional financial planning capability. The deal also fits Advies’ stated approach of acquiring client-focused firms that align with its advice-led culture, following its 2025 acquisition of specialist financial planner Nicholas Trayford, which added £100 million in client assets and 100 clients.
What happens next?
St Andrews Financial will be rebranded as Advies, with integration expected to take place over the next year. James Hickson will join Advies as Executive IFA and will continue advising clients from the firm’s office at 100 Bishopsgate, supported by the wider Advies team.
What this deal means for IFA owners considering a sale
The transaction shows continued demand for advice firms with durable client relationships, clear adviser continuity and a strong referral base. For IFA owners considering a sale, it is also a reminder that growth-backed acquirers are often looking for firms that can integrate without losing the personal service that made them valuable in the first place. Owners thinking about their next step may want to read more about how to prepare your IFA firm for sale.
Advies' other recent acquisitions
Nicholas Trayford – August 2025
Advies acquired specialist financial planner Nicholas Trayford in a deal that added £100 million in client assets and 100 clients to the City of London-based firm. The transaction was also supported by financing from the Saltus Partnership Programme.
Considering your next chapter?
At Chapters Capital, we specialise in financial planning and wealth management M&A.
Whether you are considering a sale, merger, or want to learn more about buyers in the space, please contact one of our professional associates today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.
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