Fairstone acquires Belfast-based investment management firm

Wealth management group Fairstone has expanded its presence in Northern Ireland with the acquisition of investment management firm Ferguson Hill Asset Management.

The Belfast-based firm offers a range of financial planning and wealth management services spanning investment advice, financial planning, and tax advice to individual and corporate clients.

It has £135m of client assets under management, with a team of three financial advisers and a chartered financial planner.

Ferguson Hill Asset Management is led by firm principal, Stephen Hill, and first partnered with Fairstone in March 2024 through the group’s Downstream Buy Out (DBO) programme.

Fairstone’s DBO model aims to help independent advisory firms meet their potential by investing in their growth during a period of partnership, before fully acquiring the business.

Ferguson Hill’s partnership period has been completed, with the firm now becoming a full part of Fairstone.

“We’re delighted to become part of Fairstone,” commented Hill. “Joining one of the UK’s largest and most trusted wealth management groups ensures that we can continue to give independent, whole of market advice to our clients but also offer them access to a wider choice of products at reduced fees.

“The DBO route has proved to be the perfect way for us to gradually adapt our processes and ways of working to those of Fairstone whilst continuing to serve our clients and to grow the business.

“It has ensured a smooth and seamless transition, reassuring our clients at the same time as giving them access to wider expertise and a broader range of services.”

Fairstone chief financial planning officer, Russell Bignall, added: “It is fantastic to have Stephen and the Ferguson Hill Asset Management team on board.

“Their client-centred values and commitment to providing high quality, trusted, independent financial advice stood out from day one and was perfectly aligned with our own approach.

“We already have a strong presence in the city thanks to our hub office in Belfast, and the addition of Ferguson Hill further increases our footprint in the city and the region.

“It will enable us to build even closer relationships with clients, respond more effectively to their needs and strengthen our position across Northern Ireland and the wider UK market.”

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