New IFA Absolute Finance Group launches

A new Independent Financial Advice (IFA) consolidator, Absolute Financial Group has officially launched.

The new business is led by CEO David Carter, formerly CEO of CMS Wealth, backed by Inflexion Private Equity and supported by non-exec chairman Paul Hogarth, founder of Tatton Asset Management, and Perspective Financial Group.

The business has an equity commitment of £115m from Inflexion Private Equity Partners
LLP, Tatton Asset Management and the management team.

The newly launched group has exchanged on its first acquisition, Absolute Financial
Management, a South East-based IFA firm, with its headquarters in Ashford, Kent
and £1.1bn in Assets Under Advice. The transaction is conditional on FCA change in
control approval.

The group stated that it will offer flexible acquisition structures, including both majority and minority sale options, and is focused on culturally aligned firms with strong client relationships and long-term ambitions.

Carter said: “We know there is concern amongst the IFA community about losing independence and a decline of client service standards when selling their business. We created Absolute to ensure that the ethics, integrity and legacy of an IFA’s business is maintained within a group that shares their values.

“Whether business owners are seeking succession planning or simply looking to join a larger values-led organisation, we are confident we will be able to meet their requirements through a range of options, underpinned by deep sector expertise and robust financial backing.”

Hogarth added: “I have always been passionate about the IFA sector and partnering with Inflexion, alongside a leadership team I trust, presents an exceptional opportunity to build a business that genuinely champions the IFA profession.

“Our ambition is not to commoditise advice, but to build lasting partnerships with client-focused firms, while supporting the long-term integrity and value of independent financial planning across the UK.”