Julian Bovill

London

Journalist at Citywire

Journalist @citywire. [email protected]

Articles

‘This is where we add value’: How some planners are navigating the tariff crash

2 weeks ago | citywire.com | Joe Stonor |Julian Bovill

LONDON: A week of tariff-induced market chaos has sent many investors into a panic. But sell-offs are where financial planners show their worth, and their watchword is calm. Annual meetings in which advisers urge the prudence of emergency cash supplies and warnings about the volatility of markets have proven their worth.
Tariffs turmoil reverses private markets optimism

2 weeks ago | citywire.com | Julian Bovill |Selin Bucak |Joe Stonor

Many private equity (PE) dealmakers started the year more optimistic than they had been in a while, expecting a pickup in deals and a better fundraising environment. But that is not the case anymore. As US president Donald Trump’s tariff announcements hit public markets, private market executives were putting deals on hold, pausing IPO plans, and discussing what this would mean for portfolio companies. Meanwhile, limited partners (LPs) were assessing how they could rebalance their portfolios.
From Thatcher to AI: Capital director Don Fraser on 46 years in advice

2 weeks ago | citywire.com | Julian Bovill |ayesha khan |Joe Stonor

‘I still have no plans to retire,’ says Don Fraser, director of London-based Capital Asset Management, who has worked in financial services since 1979. His career began when a chance introduction led him to Imperial Life of Canada, just as Margaret Thatcher’s government came to power. Nearly five decades later, Fraser has witnessed monumental changes in the profession. ‘Before Thatcher, finance was mainly reserved for the wealthy landowners. There were no regulations or exams.
IWP chief executive Rob Allen to exit ahead of Titan takeover

2 weeks ago | citywire.com | Greg Neall |Julian Bovill |Joe Stonor

Independent Wealth Planners (IWP) chief executive Rob Allen is leaving the advice consolidator at the end of the month. Allen, who joined IWP in 2022, is joining offshore investment firm International Financial Group Limited (IFGL), where he will replace David Kneeshaw as CEO on 1 May. IWP is in the process of being acquired by rival consolidator Titan Wealth, which announced its deal at the end of last year. However, planners were told last month that the deal may not complete until the summer.
Fidelity sells £2.2bn pension book to Scottish Friendly

2 weeks ago | citywire.com | Julian Bovill

Mutual insurer Scottish Friendly has acquired a book of 76 pension schemes comprising some 40,000 members from Fidelity International. The business will take over the administration of Fidelity’s Section 32 pension business. Subject to regulatory approval, the deal will be completed in September 2026. The book includes £2.2bn of legacy Section 22 pension schemes and 1,000 annuity customers. Already have an account? Which of the following best describes your role?
‘This is where we add value’: How planners are navigating the tariff crash

2 weeks ago | citywire.com | Joe Stonor |Julian Bovill

A week of tariff-induced market chaos has sent many investors into a panic. But sell-offs are where financial planners prove their worth, and their watchword is calm. Annual meetings in which advisers urge the prudence of emergency cash supplies and warnings about the volatility of markets have proven their salt.
Söderberg & Partners buys stake in Stockton-on-Tees advice firm

2 weeks ago | citywire.com | Julian Bovill

Söderberg & Partners has acquired a stake in Stockton-on-Tees advice firm Active Financial Planners. Filings on Companies House show Söderberg & Partners became a ‘person with significant control’ of the advice firm today (8 April). Söderberg now holds between 25-50% of the equity in Active Financial Planners, the Companies House filings show. Already have an account? Which of the following best describes your role?
Quilter buys NHS pension specialist run by former planner

2 weeks ago | citywire.com | Julian Bovill

Quilter has acquired Medifintech, a specialist pension support service for NHS and other public sector workers. Medifintech was founded in 2019 by Graham Crossley, who was previously a chartered financial planner at Quilter before going on to become the wealth manager’s head of technical business development. NHS pensions are a complex financial planning topic. The structure of the scheme means that taking on more hours can carry pension benefit and tax implications. Already have an account?
Ten years on from pension freedoms - by those that were there

2 weeks ago | citywire.com | Julian Bovill

Ten years ago on Sunday, George Osborne’s pension freedoms came into effect. After the industry had spent a year preparing the ground, people could access their pensions in any way they pleased, with the first 25% tax-free. And after tearing down the framework that made pensions a rigid product, the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition allowed people to buy what they like – even a Lamborghini.
Brooks Macdonald acquisitions boss exits

3 weeks ago | citywire.com | Tania Mitra |Sophie Downes |Victoria Bell |Julian Bovill

Alick Mackay, who has led a series of Brooks Macdonald acquisitions over the last few years, is to leave the business. Mackay, who was director of strategy and corporate development at Brooks, exits after eight years with the wealth manager. In a statement sent to Citywire, Brooks confirmed Mackay was leaving on 30 April to pursue other opportunities. It is not clear if he is taking another position in wealth management. Already have an account?