London’s financial heritage stretches back centuries, making the capital a magnet for investors, entrepreneurs and families seeking world‑class wealth management.
To help you navigate this sophisticated market, Oliver profiles nine of the city’s most reputable financial‑advisory houses. Each entry summarises the firm’s history, core services, what makes them special and how to contact them.
1. St. James’s Place – bespoke advice backed by a FTSE 100 network
History & heritage: St. James’s Place (SJP) was founded in 1991 by industry veterans Mike Wilson, Mark Weinberg and Jacob Rothschild. The company has grown into one of the UK’s largest wealth managers, headquartered in Cirencester and listed on the FTSE 100. It operates more than 20 offices across Britain and now manages billions of pounds of client money.
What they do: SJP offers holistic financial planning – investment management, retirement planning, mortgages and protection – delivered through a nationwide network of advisers. Their Lombard Street office stresses that advice is “bespoke” and focuses on long‑term relationships.
Why choose SJP: Clients appreciate SJP’s personal approach and the firm’s ability to draw on in‑house fund managers as well as external specialists. The company’s size also means access to exclusive products.
Contact:
London office: 30 Lombard Street, London EC3V 9BQ; Tel: 0208 042 0000; Email: lombard.reception@sjp.co.uk.
Head office: St. James’s Place House, 1 Tetbury Road, Cirencester GL7 1FP; Tel: +44 1285 640302.
Website: sjp.co.uk
2. Evelyn Partners – modern wealth management rooted in a 19th‑century legacy
History & heritage: Evelyn Partners emerged from the 2020 merger of Tilney and Smith & Williamson and rebranded in June 2022. The business traces its heritage back to 1836 when Tilney began managing investments in Liverpool. Today, Evelyn Partners manages tens of billions of pounds of assets and operates 25 offices across the UK and Ireland.
What they do: At their London head office, more than 1,600 professionals provide wealth management, financial planning, charity investment management, investment management and pensions and employee‑benefit advice.
Why choose Evelyn Partners: Clients benefit from a “one‑firm” approach combining investment specialists with tax and financial‑planning professionals. Their Bestinvest platform also allows self‑directed investors to access managed funds.
Contact:
London – Gresham Street office: 45 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7BG. New‑enquiries phone: 0203 131 6167; existing clients: +44 (0)20 7131 4000.
Website: evelyn.com
3. Rathbones Group – centuries‑old stewardship with modern capabilities
History & heritage: Rathbones began in 1742 as a Liverpool timber‑trading business before turning to financial management in 1912. The firm merged with Comprehensive Financial Services in 1988 and rebranded to Rathbones Group in 2021. Today it is one of the UK’s leading providers of discretionary investment management, unit trusts and private banking.
What they do: Rathbones provides discretionary investment portfolios, unit trusts, tax and trust planning, pension advice and banking services. The group employs more than a thousand staff across multiple locations and offers financial‑planning and tax‑advice services.
Why choose Rathbones: With a heritage spanning nearly 300 years, Rathbones offers stability and deep expertise. Its personalised discretionary service suits clients seeking tailored portfolios.
Contact:
London headquarters: 30 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7QN.
General enquiries: Tel: 020 7399 0000.
4. Killik & Co – boutique stockbroker with multiple neighbourhood branches
History & heritage: Founded in 1989, Killik & Co is an independently owned wealth‑management and stockbroking firm. The company prides itself on “relationship” service, emphasising accessibility, trust and integrity.
What they do: Killik offers investment management, wealth planning and advisory stockbroking, giving clients access to equities, bonds, funds, commodities and currencies across more than 30 markets.
Why choose Killik & Co: Clients can meet advisers at comfortable high‑street branches. The firm’s independence allows it to select from a wide range of investments rather than using in‑house products.
Contact:
Mayfair head office: 46 Grosvenor Street, Mayfair, London W1K 3HN; New clients: +44 (0)20 8051 3095; Existing clients: +44 (0)20 7337 0400; Email: info@killik.com.
Website: https://killik.com/
5. Charles Stanley (Raymond James Wealth Management) – heritage broker with modern backing
History & heritage: Charles Stanley first appeared as an independent member of the London Stock Exchange in 1852. Over the ensuing decades it became one of the UK’s leading investment‑management firms. In 2021 the business was acquired by Raymond James Financial and now trades under the Raymond James Wealth Management banner.
What they do: Charles Stanley offers investment portfolios, advisory and execution‑only services and online platforms. The level of involvement depends on how actively clients wish to manage their investments.
Why choose Charles Stanley: Clients gain the reassurance of a firm with more than 170 years’ heritage, now backed by a large North American parent but retaining the personalised service of a traditional stockbroker.
Contact:
Head office: Ropemaker Place, 25 Ropemaker Street, London EC2Y 9LY; Tel: 0207 739 8200.
Helpdesk: Charles Stanley Direct 0131 550 1234; My Charles Stanley 020 7149 6600.
Website: https://www.charles-stanley.
co.uk/
6. Quilter Cheviot – centuries of craftsmanship and investment innovation
History & heritage: Quilter Cheviot traces its roots back to 1771 when William Morris & Sons began dealing in commodities. The firm evolved into Quilter Balfour & Co in 1869 and later merged with Cheviot Asset Management in 2013. After Old Mutual Wealth acquired it in 2015, the business rebranded as Quilter in 2018 and continues to emphasise high standards and personal service.
What they do: Quilter Cheviot manages bespoke portfolios, discretionary investment mandates and sustainable strategies for high‑net‑worth individuals, charities and advisers. They also provide online investment solutions through Quilter’s platform.
Why choose Quilter Cheviot: With a 250‑year heritage, the firm blends tradition with modern product innovation. Clients value their dedicated investment managers and the choice between personalised and ready‑made portfolios.
Contact:
Registered office: Senator House, 85 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 4AB.
Phone: +44 20 7002 7051.
Website: quiltercheviot.com
7. RBC Brewin Dolphin – personal attention from a top UK investment house
History & heritage: RBC Brewin Dolphin can trace its London lineage to the earliest days of the London Stock Exchange. John Dawes was the first in the line of partnerships that led to today’s firm, and Arthur Brewin became a member of the Exchange in 1865. In 2022 the business became part of Royal Bank of Canada.
What they do: The City office helps clients plan their financial futures through portfolio management and financial‑planning services. The firm also offers discretionary fund management and investment‑management services for charities and intermediaries.
Why choose RBC Brewin Dolphin: Clients praise the firm’s personal attention and its ability to craft bespoke portfolios while drawing on RBC’s global research. Its charitable and intermediary services make it a popular choice among trustees and financial advisers.
Contact:
London City office: 12 Smithfield Street, London EC1A 9LA; Tel: 020 3201 3900.
New clients: Tel: 020 7246 1111.
Registered address (RBC Europe Ltd): 100 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AA.
Website: https://www.brewin.co.uk/
8. Fairstone Group – new‑model wealth management with rapid growth
History & heritage: Fairstone was formed in 2008 with the aim of building long‑term relationships and providing holistic financial advice. Headquartered in Sunderland with a management hub in London, the firm has expanded to more than 50 locations. Its timeline shows rapid growth – by 2024 Fairstone was trusted by over 95,000 clients and oversaw £15 billion of assets. The business achieved a £130 million revenue run rate in 2023 and launched its video‑advice service Mineral. It has consistently grown revenue above 20 % per year and now generates more than £100 million in annualised income.
What they do: Described as a “full‑service wealth management house” operating across retail and corporate sectors, Fairstone offers financial planning, investment management and corporate‐benefits services through one of the UK’s largest chartered financial‑planning firms. The company continues to acquire independent financial advisers to broaden its reach.
Why choose Fairstone: Clients appreciate the combination of holistic advice and the resources of a large network. The firm’s digital Mineral service provides convenient video advice.
Contact:
London office: 2nd Floor, 88 Leadenhall Street, London EC3A 3BP; Tel: 0207 665 8560; Email: info@fairstone.co.uk.
Head office: 8 Camberwell Way, Doxford International Business Park, Sunderland SR3 3XN; Tel: 0191 519 6000.
Website: https://fairstonegroup.co.uk/
9. Foster Denovo – award‑winning advisory firm putting people first
History & heritage: Foster Denovo was established in 2005 and has grown into a multi‑award‑winning national firm of financial advisers. The company provides specialist financial advice, services and investment solutions for individuals, families, businesses and charities. With more than 30 prestigious industry awards and Platinum accreditation from Investors in People, the firm prides itself on a client experience built on trust and personalised support.
What they do: Foster Denovo’s advisers offer tailored financial planning covering personal finance, retirement planning, mortgages, investment solutions, estate planning and financial protection. They also provide employee‑benefit consultancy through their Second Sight division.
Why choose Foster Denovo: Clients often cite the firm’s personable service and commitment to understanding their goals. Foster Denovo’s comprehensive range of services makes it a one‑stop shop for wealth management and employee benefits.
Contact:
London head office: 20 St Dunstan’s Hill, London EC3R 8HL; Tel: 020 7469 2800.
General enquiries: Tel: 0330 332 7866; Email: advise‑me@fosterdenovo.com.
Registered office: Ruxley House, 2 Hamm Moor Lane, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 2SA.
Website: https://www.fosterdenovo.com/
London’s wealth‑management scene is diverse, from centuries‑old names like Rathbones and Quilter Cheviot to fast‑growing challenges such as Fairstone and Foster Denovo. As always, do your own research or consult an independent adviser before making financial decisions.
Prepared by Oliver for Best in London bringing you insights on the city’s finest.
