SCHRODERS-OWNED BENCHMARK CAPITAL ACQUIRES NORTHERN IRELAND- BASED INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISER

Schroders-owned Benchmark Capital has acquired Kennedy Independent Financial Advice, its second acquisition in Northern Ireland after buying Waterhouse Financial Planning in May last year.

The move forms part of the firm’s strategy to create a central hub in Derry, with the aim of adding £80m ($111m) in assets, strengthening the team and accelerating growth in the region.

The financial advice firm’s staff will become part of Benchmark Financial Planning and move to the new premises.

Managing director of Kennedy Independent Financial Advice, Michael Kennedy, said Benchmark’s long-term philosophy aligned with his firm’s values:

“Our partnership with Benchmark marks an exciting development in the next chapter of KFA that will provide security and stability for our clients and our staff.

“We pride ourselves on our personal approach and working with client’s long-term goals in mind. Benchmark shares this long-term philosophy and will enable us to deliver the same quality advice, but with the added benefit of access to a wider pool of support through their technology enabled proposition.

“We’re looking forward to moving to the new offices in Derry and the potential that this move unlocks for us and the commitment to Chartered financial advice in the region”.

Ed Dymott, managing director of wealth at Benchmark, said the firm’s acquisition strategy aimed to offer security for firms whose owners may retire in three to five years, and to broaden its geographical reach:

“Kennedy Independent Financial Advice is a much-valued addition to the Benchmark family. It not only has a strong reputation for providing quality advice but has strong ties to the local area and a deep understanding of their clients.

“We feel this very much aligns with our own values and we look forward to working with them to further strengthen our base in Derry and also provide support for future growth and development in the region.”

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