Charles Stanley has formed a new chief investment office through the merger of its asset management, research, and intermediary sales teams, as it continues its integration with Raymond James.

The wealth management firm said the centralised investment team is designed to meet the evolving needs of clients and support the ongoing integration of Charles Stanley and Raymond James as Raymond James Wealth Management (RJWM).

It will be led by Charles Stanley chief investment officer, Patrick Farrell, who will also join the RJWM executive committee.

The firm said that the formation of the chief investment office would expend the breadth and depth of the investment experience available for clients, financial advisers, and wealth managers through integrated investment management services and financial planning.

The chief investment office will create a single house view, aiming to improve clarity for clients, wealth managers, and advisers, and deliver strong investment performance.

Leadership of Charles Stanley’s asset management product range will transition to Farrell and head of portfolio management and asset allocation, Abbas Owainati, who will work with the combined investment teams to deliver client solutions.

The new structure will also see the introduction of a new business management team, which will oversee the centralised investment management functions.

This includes bringing together the intermediary sales team into the chief investment office, aiming to expand the firm’s market reach and capabilities in delivering innovative solutions.

The business management team will be led by Tom Hawkins, who will assume the role of director of business management.

These changes come as Charles Stanley and Raymond James Investment Services progress with their integration and follows the announcement that it will be formalised under one UK legal entity, Raymond James Wealth Management Limited, in early 2026.

Both Charles Stanley and Raymond James will continue to operate in the market, with further integration proposals to be guided by client and wealth manager needs.

“As RJWM, our focus is on building an industry leading, service-led proposition for our clients,” commented RJWM CEO, Kim Jenson.

“We have ambitious goals to be a leading wealth manager in the UK and the creation of our chief investment office is an important step forward - not only in enhancing our central investment management capabilities, but also in building a stronger, more efficient business that will best serve the market both now and in the future.

“Core to our decision is the creation of a single and consistent house view formulated by the chief investment office. This will enhance the clarity of our investment messaging for clients, wealth managers and advisers and enable us to take our investment propositions and client service to even higher levels.

“This is a positive and strategic move that reflects our commitment to continuous improvement, client-centricity, and operational excellence. By aligning strategy, processes, and delivery, we will be better positioned to meet the diverse needs of our clients and support our long-term growth in the UK.”

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