Who are the 10 best wealth management firms in the UK?
Discover the top 10 best wealth management firms in the UK by assets under management and gain insights into how to select the one that best suits your unique needs.
- Wealth management firms are ideal for individuals with complex financial needs or significant wealth.
- Wealth management fees typically range between 1% and 1.5% of assets under management (AUM) annually, depending on service complexity and level of customisation.
- Unbiased can connect you with an expert financial adviser to help you navigate your finances.
What makes a good wealth management firm?
Choosing a wealth management firm is a critical decision that can have long-term implications for your financial wellbeing.
Let’s dive into the key qualities that set the best wealth management firms apart.
- Expertise and experience: A reputable wealth management firm boasts a team of seasoned professionals with extensive experience in finance, investments, and estate planning.
- Customised services: The best firms offer tailored solutions to meet your unique financial goals. They take the time to understand your needs, risk tolerance, and long-term objectives, creating a personalised strategy that aligns with your financial aspirations.
- Transparent fees: A good firm will provide clear information about fees, whether they are flat fees, hourly rates, or a percentage based on your assets.
- Strong track record: A firm’s history of performance and client satisfaction speaks volumes.
- Comprehensive services: Beyond investment management, the top firms offer various services, including tax planning, estate planning and retirement planning.
Wealth management firms in the UK must be authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to ensure they meet stringent standards for conduct, financial stability, and client protection.
Fees for wealth management services can vary significantly.
On average, expect to pay between 1% and 1.5% of your AUM annually.
Whether a fee is seen as high or not depends on the amount of assets you have, according to Chadwicks.
For example, Chadwicks charges the following fee for a portfolio:
- Valued at less than £300,000: A fixed fee of £3,000
- Valued between £300,000 and £1 million: 1% of AUM
- Valued at between £1 million and £2 million: 0.5% of AUM
- Valued at over £2 million: 0.3% of AUM
Some firms may have a minimum wealth requirement, typically starting at around £250,000, but this can vary widely.
Who are the best wealth management firms in the UK?
To determine the top 10 best wealth management firms in the UK, we've collated AUM data from various sources, including our own proprietary dataset.
When deciding whether a wealth management firm is best for you, it's also worth looking at other factors aside from AUM.
| Firm | Assets under management (£) |
|---|---|
| St. James's Place | 181.9 billion |
| Hargreaves Lansdown | 155.3 billion |
| Quilter | 106.7 billion |
| Canaccord Genuity | 96.2 billion |
| Evelyn Partners | 62.2 billion |
| M&G Wealth Advice | 56.4 billion |
| RBC Brewin Dolphin | 51.7 billion |
| LGT Wealth Management UK | 30.4 billion |
| True Potential Wealth Management | 26 billion |
| Charles Stanley | 24.9 billion |
St. James’s Place is a leading UK wealth management firm, offering financial advice and investment solutions to individuals, families, and businesses.
Specialising in pensions, retirement planning, and wealth preservation, it provides tailored guidance through its network of advisers.
With a focus on long-term financial security, St. James’s Place helps clients grow and protect their wealth while integrating responsible investing into its strategies.
AUM: £181.9 billion
Hargreaves Lansdown is a UK-based investment platform, helping individuals manage their savings, pensions, and investments.
It offers a wide range of services, including individual savings accounts (ISAs), self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs), and share dealing, making investing accessible to beginners and experienced investors alike.
With a focus on low-cost, flexible investing, Hargreaves Lansdown provides expert research, financial tools, and customer support to help clients make informed decisions and grow their wealth over the long term.
AUM: £155.3 billion
Quilter is a leading UK wealth management company, providing financial advice, investment solutions, and retirement planning services.
It helps individuals and families grow, manage, and protect their wealth through tailored guidance and investment expertise.
With a strong focus on long-term financial security and responsible investing, Quilter supports clients at each stage of their financial journey.
AUM: £106.7 billion
Canaccord Genuity is a global financial services firm with a strong presence in the UK, specialising in wealth management and investment banking.
It provides tailored financial advice, portfolio management, and capital markets expertise to individuals, businesses, and institutions.
With a focus on long-term growth and client-focused solutions, Canaccord Genuity helps investors navigate markets and achieve their financial goals.
AUM: £96.2 billion
Evelyn Partners is a UK-based wealth management and professional services firm, offering financial planning, investment management, and tax advisory services.
Formed from the merger of Tilney and Smith & Williamson, it helps individuals, businesses, and charities manage and grow their wealth.
With a focus on personalised advice and long-term financial security, Evelyn Partners supports clients in navigating complex financial decisions.
AUM: £62.2 billion
M&G Wealth Advice is a UK-based financial advice service, helping individuals plan for their future with tailored investment, pension, and retirement solutions.
Part of M&G, it offers expert guidance on wealth management, aiming to grow and protect clients’ financial wellbeing.
With a focus on personalised advice and long-term financial security, M&G Wealth Advice supports clients in making informed decisions to achieve their goals.
AUM: £56.4 billion
RBC Brewin Dolphin is a leading UK wealth management firm, offering personalised financial planning, investment management, and retirement solutions.
Part of the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), it helps individuals, families, and businesses grow and protect their wealth.
With a strong heritage and a focus on long-term financial security, RBC Brewin Dolphin provides expert guidance to support clients.
AUM: £51.7 billion
LGT Wealth Management UK is a specialist wealth management firm offering personalised investment and financial planning services.
Part of LGT, a leading private banking group, it serves high-net-worth individuals, families, and charities.
With a focus on long-term financial security, sustainable investing, and bespoke client solutions, LGT Wealth Management UK helps clients grow and protect their wealth while navigating complex financial markets.
AUM: £30.4 billion
True Potential Wealth Management is a UK-based financial services firm offering personalised investment, pension, and retirement planning solutions.
It provides expert financial advice alongside innovative technology to help clients manage and grow their wealth efficiently.
With a focus on long-term financial security and flexibility, True Potential supports individuals in achieving their financial goals through a combination of professional guidance and user-friendly digital investment tools.
AUM: £26 billion
Charles Stanley is a UK-based wealth management firm offering personalised investment management, financial planning, and retirement solutions.
With a heritage dating back to 1792, it helps individuals, families, and businesses grow and protect their wealth.
Focused on long-term financial security, Charles Stanley provides expert advice and tailored investment strategies.
AUM: £24.9 billion
Is it worth going to a wealth management firm for financial advice?
Many individuals seek help from a wealth management firm when their financial needs become complex or want to ensure their wealth is managed effectively.
Wealth management firms provide expertise in investment management, tax planning, estate planning, and retirement planning.
They help clients navigate complex financial situations and achieve their long-term financial goals.
For example, an individual with a high net worth with diverse investments and significant estate planning needs would benefit from comprehensive services offered by a wealth management firm.
A financial adviser may be more appropriate for those with less complex financial needs or lower levels of wealth. Financial advisers can help with saving, investment strategies and retirement planning.
Issues such as budgeting or basic savings strategies may not require the expertise of a wealth manager.
These situations can often be handled effectively by a financial adviser or through self-management with the help of online resources.
How to choose a wealth management firm
Choosing the right wealth management firm in the UK is a crucial step in securing your financial future.
Here are five tips to help you make the best choice:
1. Assess your needs: Understand your financial goals and needs. Are you looking for investment management, tax planning, or estate planning? Knowing your needs will help you find a firm specialising in those areas.
2. Check the company's credentials and experience: Look for firms with certified professionals and a proven track record. Experience and expertise are critical in managing your wealth effectively.
3. Evaluate fees and transparency: Ensure the firm is transparent about its fees and that you understand what you’re paying for. Compare fee structures to ensure you’re getting value for your money.
4. Consider client reviews and testimonials: Research client reviews and testimonials to understand the firm’s reputation and client satisfaction. A firm with positive feedback is more likely to provide a good service.
5. Meet the advisers: Arrange meetings with potential advisers to assess their approach and ensure they understand your needs. A good adviser should be a good fit for your personality and financial goals.
By following these tips and carefully considering your options, you can find the best wealth management firm to help you achieve your financial objectives and support your financial future.
Get expert financial advice
Choosing the best wealth management firm is a pivotal decision that can significantly impact your financial future.
The right firm will not only help you manage your wealth but also guide you through complex financial landscapes with tailored strategies, expert advice, and comprehensive services.
By analysing our list of the top 10 wealth management firms in the UK and understanding what makes a good firm, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your financial goals.
As you navigate this important decision, consider the firm's track record, the breadth of its services, and the technology it uses to enhance clients’ experiences.
Ultimately, partnering with a top-tier wealth management firm can provide peace of mind and help you build the financial future you want.
Let Unbiased connect you with a financial adviser for expert financial advice tailored to your unique needs.
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