Wimbledon-based Chartered Financial Planning firm Holborn Financial has acquired Whitchurch-based IFA Kingsley Financial Management for an undisclosed sum.

Kingsley, founded by Eamon Keelan, advises 120 private clients and has £20m in assets under advice.

Mr Keelan has retired from the firm with the completion of the deal.

Mr Keelan said: “As I planned for retirement I knew I could sell my business easily. However, I have both the statutory duty and also a strong personal desire to ensure that all my clients have a smooth and orderly transition to another highly regarded and respected IFA firm. To this end, I conducted a rigorous selection process.

“After a very diligent search, I agreed terms with Emyr and his team. Holborn Financial is a larger firm with greater resources and also one of only 600 IFA (firms) holding Chartered status. I am confident that the ways of working and investment strategy, which are also closely aligned with my own ethos as well as the strong ethical, moral and personal customer service that will be maintained.”

Holborn Financial was founded in 1988 by Emyr Blease and specialises in advising business owners, self-employed professionals, and retirement planning.

Mr Blease said Holborn Financial has more acquisitions planned.

He said: “While we are planning to grow our business by acquisition, we will only do deals with retiring principals who uphold our ethos. Eamon has served his clients very well over the years and it is our duty to ensure they continue to receive the best possible advice and service."

In September 2021 a majority stake in Holborn Financial was acquired by South African IFA firm Alpha Wealth. 

AlphaWealth is a South African investment and advisory business that provides financial services to high-net worth and family office clients. It has offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, London, Geneva and Mauritius.

AlphaWealth was founded in 2005 and manages global assets of over £550m.