AAB Wealth Accredited as one of the Top-Rated Financial Advice Firms for 2024

AAB Wealth, a leading independent chartered financial planning firm, has qualified as one of the top-rated financial advice firms for 2024 by VouchedFor, following outstanding client feedback.

This marks AAB Wealth’s inaugural VouchedFor accreditation since the initiative launched four years ago. The 2024 application process required firms to meet a higher standard of client experience than previous years, rendering the qualification particularly noteworthy.

AAB Wealth is one of 112 firms achieving this status from across the United Kingdom with an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5.

In addition to qualifying as one of top-rated firms, eight of AAB Wealth’s financial planners have been recognised as top-rated financial advisers, demonstrating their commitment to delivering client service excellence.

Aberdeen – Lisa Tait, Ian Campbell, Martyn Paterson
Belfast – Debbie Connolly and Alastair Moore
Glasgow – Alan Turner
Edinburgh – Richard Johnston
Leeds – Tom La Dell

Head of Financial Planning at AAB Wealth, Ian Campbell, expressed a deep sense of accomplishment, stating, “I am incredibly proud of this achievement for AAB Wealth, and I commend the individuals who have deservingly secured their place in the list of top-rated financial advisers in the UK. This achievement is testament to our team’s commitment to providing the best advice to our clients across Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland.”

AAB Wealth will be listed in 2024 Guide to Top Rated Financial Advisers which will be distributed in The Times, The Telegraph and The Mail on Sunday, reaching over 3 million people across the UK.

AAB Wealth Director collects Financial Adviser of the Year Award

Debbie Connolly, AAB Wealth Director for Northern Ireland, has been named Financial Adviser of the Year – Northern Ireland & Scotland, at the Women in Financial Advice Awards 2023.

Debbie, who has more than 16 years’ experience in tailored financial services became part of the AAB Wealth team in January of this year, based in their Belfast office. This national award recognises her exceptional talent, dedication, and expertise in the financial advice industry, as well as her impact as a woman financial planner.

Combined with AAB Wealth’s recent win of the coveted Top Planning Firm award across the whole of the UK, this latest accolade cements the team’s position as a leader in the financial planning industry.

Now in its sixth year, The Women in Financial Advice Awards celebrate the achievements of women, who continue to be underrepresented within the financial advice community and across the UK financial services sector.

The glittering ceremony, hosted by comedian Lucy Porter and Professional Adviser Deputy Editor, Jenna Brown, took place at the Marriott Grosvenor Square in London earlier this month.

Debbie was commended for her achievements and contributions to the industry, with the judges revealing that her nomination stood out from the other 1,200 nominations submitted.

Debbie said:

“To me, financial planning is much more than providing advice; it’s about providing unwavering support to my clients on their financial journeys. Taking the time to understand their unique needs and goals, and working with them to develop a personalised financial plan that helps them achieve their dreams.

“I am honoured to have been recognised for this work, as it reaffirms my belief in the power of personalised financial advice to positively impact lives. I hope that my achievements can inspire others and empower more women in my profession.”

Cross-border accountancy and business advisory firm FPM merged with AAB Group, in May 2022, creating a significant regional presence across the UK and Ireland. As part of AAB Group, Debbie is based in the FPM Belfast office.

Feargal McCormack, FPM Managing Partner, congratulated Debbie on her achievement, saying:

“Debbie’s win is a testament to her foresight and knowledge in the financial advice industry. We are so proud of her accomplishments and the positive impact she has on our clients.”

AAB Wealth wins Top Planning Firm award

AAB Wealth, a leading independent chartered financial planning firm, has been awarded the prestigious ‘Chartered Financial Planning Firm of the Year’ award at the Personal Finance Society Awards 2023/24, following a year of significant growth and geographical expansion.

Head of AAB Wealth, Andrew Dines, Chartered Financial Planner, Ian Campbell, and Head of Operations and Compliance, Vikki Venerus represented the firm at the award ceremony, which took place on Thursday, October 12, at the exclusive 12th Knot Bar venue in London.

The Personal Finance Awards, presented by Claudia Winkleman, co-host of Strictly Come Dancing and the BBC gameshow The Traitors, recognise and celebrate excellence in the financial planning profession. These awards highlight the vital role the industry plays in providing clients with the confidence and clarity to meet their financial needs and long-term aspirations.

The event brought together financial advisers, paraplanners, and their support teams to acknowledge the high achievers in the financial planning profession, honouring the teams and individuals who have shone brightest over the past 12 months.

AAB Wealth’s commitment to delivering client service excellence and their highly innovative approaches were commended by the judges. They were also praised for their positive team spirit and dedication to supporting clients and colleagues in achieving their goals.

Andrew Dines, Head of AAB Wealth, expressed his immense pride in receiving the award, stating, “We are truly humbled to be recognised as the best Chartered Financial Planning Firm in the UK by the Personal Finance Society, the leading professional body for the financial planning industry. This achievement is a testament to our team’s unwavering dedication and commitment to helping our clients across Scotland, England, and Northern Ireland achieve their goals.”

AAB Wealth expands further in Central Scotland with key appointment

AAB Wealth is expanding its operations further across the Central Belt of Scotland with the appointment of a Senior Financial Planner based in Glasgow.

As part of the AAB Group, AAB Wealth offers tailored financial planning and covers all aspects of personal finance, retirement and tax planning, with a focus on ensuring that our clients have confidence in their financial future and achieve the best from life.

Alan Turner has more than 12 years experience in financial planning and has previously held positions at Bank of Scotland, Grant Thornton Wealth Advisory and abrdn Financial Planning. Alan is the tenth Financial Planner to join the fast growing AAB Wealth team.

Ian Campbell, Head of Financial Planning at AAB Wealth said: “We are delighted to welcome Alan to the team. AAB Wealth are well-established in Aberdeen and Edinburgh and this expansion will allow us to develop our client base further across the Central Belt of Scotland, but as the business grows, the service we provide to clients will always remain our top objective.”

Angus McCuaig, Managing Partner of AAB in Glasgow added: “Alan is a people person and as the saying goes, people make Glasgow. At AAB Group, everyone works cohesively towards the same goal, to provide a first-class service to our clients, and I’m thrilled to be strengthening our team even further.”

Alan Turner, Senior Financial Planner at AAB Wealth said: “I’m pleased to be part of the team and I’m looking forward to introducing AAB Wealth to our clients, some need advice on their pensions and life savings, others who have sold or are in the process of selling their business. I enjoy listening to clients, finding out what their top objectives are and helping them to protect and enjoy the wealth they have worked hard to achieve. I ultimately treat them as I would my own family.”

AAB Wealth now have experienced Financial Planners based in offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds and Belfast.

Featured image left to right: Angus McCuaig Alan Turner, Ian Campbell

AAB Wealth growth continues in Northern Ireland with appointment of Debbie Connolly as Wealth Director

FPM, an AAB Group Company, has appointed Debbie Connolly as Wealth Director in Northern Ireland.

This senior appointment, which follows the recent appointment of Chartered Financial Planner Tom La Dell as Wealth Director in the North of England, further enhances AAB’s business-critical client services at a time of growing demand for personal finance, retirement and tax planning advice.

Debbie, who has more than 16 years’ experience in tailored financial services, is the seventh Chartered Financial Planner to join AAB’s wealth management team since the firm’s foundation in 2011. She is a member of the Irish Ladies Fly Fishing Team, plays darts in her local league and has represented Northern Ireland in ladies pool events.

Welcoming the appointment, FPM Managing Partner Feargal McCormack said: “Debbie’s extensive financial services experience will add significant value to our market leading wealth management team. As a Fellow and Chair of the Personal Finance Society, and a Chartered Financial Planner, Debbie is a real asset to have on board. We look forward to working together to realise our vision of helping clients achieve the best from life through personal finance, pension savings and retirement planning.”

Andrew Dines, Head of AAB Wealth, said: “Welcoming Debbie to the team is another key milestone for AAB Wealth. In the past year, we have doubled the number of Financial Planners in the team, extending the breadth of service we offer across all our locations. We now have Chartered Financial Planners in our offices across Northern Ireland, Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Leeds and our team’s diverse range of talent and depth of expertise allows us to deliver awesome outcomes for our clients.”

Debbie Connolly said: “It’s fantastic to be part of the firm’s growth and I’m really looking forward to delivering for our clients and helping them to protect and take advantage of the wealth they have worked so hard to achieve.”

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Featured image left to right: Alastair Moore Chartered Financial Planner at AAB Wealth Belfast, Feargal McCormack Managing Partner of FPM Accountants, Debbie Connolly Northern Ireland Wealth Director and Andrew Dines Head of AAB Wealth:

AAB Wealth expands client base in Aberdeen with Kilkee acquisition

One of Scotland’s leading independent chartered financial planning firms, AAB Wealth, has today announced the acquisition of Kilkee Financial Services Ltd (Kilkee), based in Aberdeen.

AAB Wealth has experienced year-on-year growth since the firm was established in 2011, and the enlarged business will have revenue of c£4.5m and assets under advice (AUA) of c£550m. The combined team of 25 are dedicated to helping families and individuals plan for the future with confidence across Scotland, England and Northern Ireland.

Kilkee Financial Services Ltd was established in 2002 by Geoffrey Purcell. The well-established firm has over 100 clients in Aberdeen and offers professional advice to families and individuals regarding their financial future. The transaction will facilitate Geoffrey’s retirement planning but he shall remain with the business to deliver a suitable handover period for all of Kilkee’s clients.

Andrew Dines, Head of AAB Wealth commented: “We are delighted to welcome the Kilkee team to AAB Wealth. The transition for Kilkee clients will be seamless as both of our firms offer an exceptional level of service from trusted advisers. Our diverse rules-based approach to investing is the platform to provide a tailored financial plan to support their personal aims and ambitions, supporting our clients navigate the challenges we are all facing in these uncertain times.”

Geoffrey Purcell, Director at Kilkee Financial Services added: “We have really enjoyed getting to know the AAB Wealth team over the last year and think we have found a great home for our team and clients.  I feel very proud to have sold my business to an Aberdeen based company with the calibre and reputation of AAB Wealth. The continuing wellbeing of both my clients and staff has been paramount as I considered my retirement plans. Knowing that my clients Financial Planning, and their investments will be responsibly looked after into the future gives me great reassurance and peace of mind”.

The full team from Kilkee will join the AAB Wealth team and will be based at the AAB Group office at Prime Four Business Park Kingswells.

Financial planning is a process that helps individuals make sensible decisions about money to achieve the best from life. It covers all aspects of personal finance, everything from pension planning and savings, to retirement planning and investments. The team at AAB Wealth have developed skill, insight and understanding to deliver successful personal financial plans tailored to our clients’ individual aims and ambitions.

Featured image left to right: Ian Campbell, Geoffrey Purcell, Andrew Dines, Vikki Venerus. 

AAB Wealth expands into North of England with key appointment

AAB Wealth is expanding its operations in the North of England with the appointment of a Chartered Financial Planner based in Leeds.

As part of AAB Group, AAB Wealth covers all aspects of personal finance, pension savings and retirement planning. Tom La Dell has more than 16 years experience in financial planning and has previously held positions at BHP and Hentons. Tom is the sixth Chartered Financial Planner to join the AAB Wealth team since the firm was established in 2011.

In November 2021 Leeds based accountancy firm Sagars merged with AAB to further enhance the depth and breadth of services provided to businesses and individuals across the UK. Tom La Dell will be based in the heart of Leeds in the Sagars office on St Paul’s Street.

Andrew Dines, Director and Chartered Financial Planner at AAB Wealth said: “Welcoming Tom to our team is another key milestone for AAB Wealth. We are well-established in Scotland and we’re delighted to be able introduce our services to the North of England.”

Tom La Dell, Chartered Financial Planner at AAB Wealth said: “It’s fantastic to be part of the firm’s expansion into Yorkshire and I’m really excited to introduce AAB Wealth to our clients. Having been a big believer in a client centric, evidence-based approach to financial planning, I am looking forward to helping individuals and families with their financial planning and specialist tax advice.”

AAB Wealth now have Chartered Financial Planners based in offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Leeds and Belfast.

Featured image left to right: Ian Campbell, Tom La Dell, Andrew Dines, Vikki Venerus. 

AAB Wealth Expands into Northern Ireland with Key Appointment

Earlier this year AAB Group announced a merger with a leading all-Ireland independent accountancy and business advisory firm, FPM. FPM have a team of over 120 people across 5 locations in Belfast, Dublin, Dungannon, Mallusk and Newry. 

The merger has created the opportunity for financial planning practice, AAB Wealth to expand their service offering to cover Northern Ireland and as a result, they will welcome Alastair Moore, who currently resides in Saintfield, back to the AAB Wealth team in Northern Ireland as a Chartered Financial Planner.  

Andrew Dines, Director & Chartered Financial Planner at AAB Wealth said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Alastair back to our team. We are well-established in Scotland and look forward to developing our client base across Northern Ireland with Alastair back on-board.”  

Paddy Harty, Private Client Partner at FPM said: “We are thrilled to welcome Alastair in-house, bringing with him the vast skills and strength of AAB Wealth to the people of Northern Ireland. Alastair will be a invaluable asset to both our clients and local business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals in Northern Ireland, who have experienced a boost in personal wealth, estimated at £11bn, as a direct result of personal savings during the pandemic.” 

Featured left to right: Andrew Dines, Paddy Harty, Ian Campbell and Alastair Moore.

Financial planning is a process that helps individuals make sensible decisions about money to achieve the best from life. It covers all aspects of personal finance, everything from pension planning to savings, retirement planning to investments. Put simply, it protects the wealth our clients have worked so hard to achieve. The team at AAB Wealth have developed skill, insight and understanding to financially maximise a client’s business into a legacy for future generations, while simultaneously structuring investments to boost return and keeping tax to a minimum.

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AAB Wealth invites Ukrainian refugees to enjoy Aberdeen City Orchestra

Aberdeen Chamber Orchestra was founded in 1982 by a group of friends who had known each other at school and university in the city. Their aim was to promote small-scale concerts for the enjoyment of friends and relatives. Going from strength to strength and increasing significantly in numbers over the years, Aberdeen Chamber Orchestra has been relaunched as Aberdeen City Orchestra (ACO).

This Saturday, 25th June, at the Music Hall, the ACO will be celebrating their 40th anniversary by performing a concert with favourite prom’s music including Star Wars, Nimrod, Jupiter and The Blue Danube. They will be sharing the 40th anniversary of ET and will also be playing Crown Imperial to celebrate Her Majesty, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The ACO will also be proudly playing the Ukrainian National Anthem and Plyve Kacha featuring Ukrainian musician, Nataliia Naismith.

At AAB Wealth we are always looking for ways to support the communities and we are delighted to be able to play a small part in supporting the Aberdeen City Orchestra to bring this performance to a wider audience.

Shona Owen from Aberdeen City Orchestra said:

“We wouldn’t have been able to invite over 90 refugees and their sponsors to attend this concert without the fantastic support from AAB Wealth. It has been 6 years since we last performed at the Music Hall so it will be a truly special night for the 100 strong orchestra to be back performing.”

Andrew Dines from AAB Wealth added:

“We are delighted to support this event to enable more people to enjoy the performance who may have not been able to attend otherwise. The connection from Ukrainian violinist Nataliia is particularly fitting, and we know everyone attending will be in for a fantastic evening from these wonderful musicians.”

There are still tickets available for the 40th anniversary concert.

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AAB Wealth hits key milestones on 10 Year Anniversary

Anderson Anderson & Brown Wealth Ltd (AAB Wealth), one of Scotland’s leading independent financial planning firms has marked its 10 year anniversary by reaching 400 clients, with the firm’s Assets Under Advice (AUA) totalling more than £400m.

AAB Wealth have experienced year-on-year growth in AUA since launched in 2011 and have grown from a team of 4 to a team of 20 operating across Scotland, with advisors based in Aberdeen and Edinburgh. A graduate training programme has contributed to team growth, whilst also demonstrating the team’s commitment to investing in the future leaders of the profession.

Enhanced by technology, and with awesome client experience at the heart of everything at AAB, AAB Wealth brings together financial planning and specialist tax advice which enables clients to have all of their affairs aligned and illustrates the value individuals and families place on this collaborative approach.

Graeme Allan, AAB Chief Executive commented “There have been many standout moments for our Wealth team in the last 10 years, and it’s great to be able to reflect back on these at the same time we reach two very key milestones which are a testament to our team and the first-class service they provide.

We help individuals and families plan for the future with confidence, which has undoubtedly been challenging in the last year with volatile world markets widely reported. However, we are pleased that our diverse rules-based approach to investing, focusing on each unique financial planning journey, and preparing a long-term strategy has helped our clients navigate some of these challenges.

Looking ahead, our team will build on the success we have achieved in the last decade whilst continuing to enhance our services to meet our clients’ needs, develop our team and grow our business.”

Pictured: Graeme Allan with AAB Wealth Directors Andrew Dines, Vikki Venerus and Ian Campbell