We work exclusively with IFA firms holding a minimum of £50M AUM — ambitious, high-performing practices ready to grow strategically and position for a successful exit in 5 to 10 years.
Our unique subscription model — the only one of its kind in the UK — combines 70+ years of global financial services expertise across M&A, Talent and Operations.
70
Global Perspective
Deep expertise shaped by international markets across 4 continents — bringing unmatched insight to UK advisory firms.
Unique Subscription Model
The only UK firm offering a retainer-based subscription for ongoing strategic consulting. Continuous. Compounding. Transformative.
Exit-Ready Focus
Every engagement is built around your 5–10 year exit. We align every strategy to maximise valuation and saleability.
Three Pillars. One Partnership.
M&A, Talent, and Operations — integrated under one roof, working in concert for your firm.
Our Three Pillars
Integrated expertise. Singular focus.
01
M&A Advisory
From valuation to deal structuring, buyer introductions and post-merger integration.
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02
Talent Search
Executive recruitment, succession planning and team building for ambitious IFA firms.
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03
Operations
Systems, compliance, process efficiency and infrastructure that scales with your ambitions.
→
New Cohort — Now Open
Limited places. Unlimited ambition.
We deliberately limit the number of firms we onboard in each cohort. This isn't a volume play — it's a commitment to genuine, partner-level attention for every client we take on. Once the cohort is full, a waiting list opens for the next intake.
Spots Remaining This Cohort3
Our Principles
The values that define how we partner.
01
Partnership Over Transacting
Long-term partnerships with firms we believe in — integrating deeply into your strategy for the long haul, not a one-off engagement.
02
Global Thinking, Local Precision
Our international exposure means we bring perspectives the competition simply doesn't have — applied with precision to the UK market.
03
Exit-Oriented Strategy
Every recommendation is assessed through the lens of your exit. We keep the end goal in sight from day one of our partnership.
04
Radical Transparency
We tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. Honest counsel is the foundation of every great partnership.
05
Integrated Expertise
Our three pillars work in concert, creating compounding value that no single-discipline firm can replicate.
06
Proven at Scale
We have operated at the highest levels of global financial services. Our expertise is forged in real-world, high-stakes environments.
Let's start a conversation.
Find out how Avantum Partners can transform your firm's trajectory. No obligation — just an honest conversation.
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About Avantum Partners
70 years of expertise. One unified partnership.
Four founding partners. Three disciplines. One shared mission: to transform ambitious IFA firms into category-defining businesses.
The Founding Partners
Meet the people behind the partnership.
Ana Marques
Co-Founder & Managing Director Operations Lead
A global operations strategist and fractional COO with deep expertise across financial services internationally. Ana brings unparalleled experience in scaling advisory businesses and building the infrastructure that powers sustainable growth.
Steve Auburn
Co-Founder Talent Search Lead
Steve combines strategic business acumen with deep knowledge of wealth management and financial services recruitment. Having built and led top-performing recruitment teams, his expertise spans executive search, candidate assessment and strategic talent planning for ambitious advisory firms.
James Ackland
Co-Founder Talent Search Lead
An executive search expert specialising in financial services, James has placed senior talent across the UK's most respected advisory firms. His network and insight ensure our clients always have the right people in the right seats.
Brian Swanson
Co-Founder M&A Lead
A seasoned M&A specialist with decades of experience across financial services transactions globally. Brian brings the rigour, relationships and insight to ensure our clients exit at maximum value, on their own terms.
Our Principles
The values that define how we partner.
01
Partnership Over Transacting
Long-term partnerships with firms we believe in — integrating deeply into your strategy for the long haul, not a one-off engagement.
02
Global Thinking, Local Precision
Our international exposure means we bring perspectives the competition simply doesn't have — applied with precision to the UK market.
03
Exit-Oriented Strategy
Every recommendation is assessed through the lens of your exit. We keep the end goal in sight from day one of our partnership.
04
Radical Transparency
We tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. Honest counsel is the foundation of every great partnership.
05
Integrated Expertise
Our three pillars work in concert, creating compounding value that no single-discipline firm can replicate.
06
Proven at Scale
We have operated at the highest levels of global financial services. Our expertise is forged in real-world, high-stakes environments.
Let's start a conversation.
Find out how Avantum Partners can transform your firm's trajectory. No obligation — just an honest conversation.
— or —
Our Services
Three disciplines. One transformative partnership.
Each pillar is led by a specialist partner with decades of sector experience — integrated around your firm's unique ambitions.
01
M&A Advisory
Led by Brian Swanson
Whether acquiring, merging or preparing for sale, our M&A team brings decades of transactional expertise to guide your firm through every phase — protecting your interests and maximising your return.
Business valuation & readiness assessment
Buyer & seller introductions
Deal structuring & negotiation support
Due diligence management
Post-merger integration planning
View Pricing Plans →
02
Talent Search
Led by James Ackland & Steve Auburn
Your team defines your firm's ceiling. We source, assess and place exceptional talent across advisory, leadership and operational roles — and build succession structures that add to your valuation.
Executive search & recruitment
Succession planning
Team structure & design
Culture & retention strategy
Interim & fractional leadership
View Pricing Plans →
03
Operations
Led by Ana Marques
Operational excellence is the foundation of a scalable, saleable business. We audit, redesign and optimise your systems, processes and compliance frameworks — creating an operation that impresses any buyer.
Operational audit & transformation
Systems & technology integration
Compliance framework design
Process efficiency & automation
Scalable infrastructure planning
View Pricing Plans →
Subscription Plans
Choose your growth trajectory.
The only subscription-based consultancy model of its kind in UK financial services. All plans include access to our expert partners, a curated resource library and ongoing strategic support.
⚠️ Commitment & Savings: All subscription plans require a minimum 12-month commitment. Clients who pay annually upfront receive an exclusive discount — speak to our team for details. Places in each cohort are strictly limited.
Growth
£699
per month + VAT
💰 Save up to 10% annually
✦Monthly strategy session (1hr)
✦Access to Avantum resource library
✦Quarterly business review
✦Growth & strategy modules
✦Email support
✦12-month minimum term
Scale
£1,099
per month + VAT
💰 Save up to 10% annually
✦Bi-monthly strategy sessions (2hrs)
✦Full access to all modules & resources
✦Monthly business review
✦2 specialist pillar consultations/month
✦Priority email & phone support
✦Talent & operations support included
✦12-month minimum term
Most Popular
Exit Ready
£1,599
per month + VAT
💰 Save up to 10% annually
✦Weekly strategy touchpoints
✦Full partner team access (all 3 pillars)
✦Dedicated account partner
✦M&A readiness programme
✦Exit strategy & valuation planning
✦Priority support — same day response
✦Full resource library & custom modules
✦12-month minimum term
Bespoke
Let's talk.
Custom engagement
✦Fully bespoke programme design
✦Dedicated senior partner team
✦On-site & in-person engagement
✦Custom M&A transaction support
✦Bespoke talent search campaigns
✦Full operational transformation
✦Flexible terms
Not sure which plan is right for you?
Book a complimentary 30-minute discovery call with one of our founding partners. No pitch. No pressure. Just an honest conversation about your firm.
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Avantum Blog
Insight for the ambitious IFA.
Practical intelligence, strategic perspectives and expert commentary from the Avantum Partners team — written exclusively for growth-focused advisory firms.
📊
M&A
April 20265 min read
What IFA Firms Get Wrong About Their Valuation
Most IFA owners overestimate their firm's value — not because the business isn't good, but because they're measuring the wrong things.
BS
Brian Swanson
M&A Lead
👥
Talent
March 20266 min read
Why Succession Planning Is Your Most Valuable Exit Asset
A firm that can operate without its founder is worth significantly more.
JA
James Ackland
Talent Lead
⚙️
Operations
February 20268 min read
The Operational Audit Every IFA Should Run Before Year 3
Operational inefficiency is invisible until it costs you.
AM
Ana Marques
Operations Lead
🌍
Strategy
January 20266 min read
What UK IFAs Can Learn from Global Advisory Markets
Our partners bring a rare global perspective. Here are the lessons the UK market hasn't learned yet.
AM
Ana Marques
Managing Director
📋
Subscription
January 20264 min read
Why Subscription Consulting Is the Future of IFA Advisory Support
A subscription model gives your firm continuous, compounding strategic support.
BS
Brian Swanson
M&A Lead
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