IFA firm Ascot Lloyd has hired Chartered Financial Planner Duncan Gregory to head its new adviser academy.

Mr Gregory joins from St James’ Place where he spent five years as area head of academy.

Other former roles include leadership roles at Prudential and Towry.

The new Ascot Lloyd Adviser Academy will begin training those looking to start a career in Financial Planning from early next year.

Trainees will complete a CII Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning.

Mr Gregory will be responsible for managing the launch of the academy and recruiting the first intake of future advisers.

Ascot Lloyd said it is aiming to recruit both those early in their career development, looking for a second career, and those returning to work after a career break for its inaugural adviser academy class.

The IFA said it will have a particular emphasis on providing opportunities for women and minority groups.

Nigel Stockton, CEO, Ascot Lloyd said: “We are thrilled to have Duncan join the company as head of the Adviser Academy. His extensive experience and deep knowledge of the sector will be invaluable as we launch the Adviser Academy to foster the next generation of talent.

“The academy is being created so we can invest in our talent, growing our excellent base of advisers from within the business. We want a career as a financial adviser to appeal to a wide audience, from those starting out in their careers, to those looking for a change, and others looking to return to the workplace. It’s the people that make Ascot Lloyd a brilliant place to work.”

Ascot Lloyd has acquired a number of financial adviser acquisitions over the past few years.

In 2021 the firm completed three acquisitions, taking the IFA to a total of 30 acquisitions since 2004.

So far this year the firm has made two acquisitions with several more several more at a “very advanced stage” and expected to complete this year.

Earlier this year Ascot Lloyd announced it is to undergo a change in private equity owners with European private equity firm Nordic Capital acquiring the firm from Oaktree Capital Management for an undisclosed sum. 

Oaktree has been an investor in the Financial Planning firm since 2013, and acquired the firm in 2017.

Ascot Lloyd has around £10bn in funds under influence, and provides Financial Planning, wealth management and corporate benefit solutions, to over 22,000 clients. It has over 500 staff, including over 130 advisers, across 16 UK locations.