Sell an IFA business

We took our time to find a new home that was right for us, our clients and staff. It has paid off. Our time has been freed up so we can now focus on our clients. We have handed over all responsibility for T&C, compliance and the day to day management of the portfolios. Our clients are happy which is the main thing for us. The deal achieved our objective and we have been able to continue to grow our business.

I was talking to Alan Hudson for two years about joining AFH. I didn’t move earlier due to a fear of the unknown, but I wish I’d have taken this step many years before. The deal was fair, it was a good move for me and my clients, I’ve reduced my overheads, become more profitable and I haven’t looked back since.

AFH is a great company with a client centric proposition. They provide good support and professional client documentation. The training updates and support during the Pandemic has been fantastic, introducing Signable and IT advancement that have allowed me to continue to provide a service to my clients.

I became freed of regulatory and financial burden and had access to a wonderful proposition of opportunity for both myself and my clients. Now, as I move into retirement, I feel satisfied that my clients will be looked after for many years to come.

When I first met with Dawn Walker-Bennett I felt she was trustworthy and clearly outlined the benefits of joining AFH for me and my clients. I joined AFH in January 2018. My expectations have been met and my clients are very happy with the transition. I have continued to advise my clients without the worry of escalating PI costs and now have the benefit of someone else taking ownership for keeping abreast of regulatory changes. For my clients, I believe that continuity is so very important.

AFH was definitely the right choice for our clients first and also for us.  Client outcomes are excellent, with genuine and authentic service propositions and the support of first-class administration, investment and technical teams.  We considered ten organisations to partner with, decided on AFH and they have exceeded our expectations throughout.

In conclusion, ‘the integrity of Alan Hudson is what I hoped for and I obtained peace of mind and financial security selecting AFH as a business partner.'

Believe in better, do your due diligence, recognise the benefits of the new proposition and have a plan to stop attrition. The support that we now receive from AFH is phenomenal.

Our advice to anyone thinking about their exit strategy would be to think of the reasons why you want to sell the business, do your due diligence and don’t just focus on the money. Make sure the acquirer will treat yourself, your staff and clients the way you would want to be treated. AFH have been fair and transparent. This is a two-way street for both sides.

Has it worked out? Yes, all of the boxes have been ticked. The deal has taken risk off the table and day to day office management.  We now have more time to deal with our clients and focus on growing our business, with the eventual aim of a secondary Practice buy-out in the future when we finally decide to retire.