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Vision Financial Planning Nears GBP1 Billion in Assets Under Management

  //business-finance.news-articles.net/content/202 .. ars-gbp1-billion-in-assets-under-management.html
  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 6:07 GMT by The Irish News

Northern Ireland's Vision Financial Planning Poised to Hit £1 Billion in Assets Under Management

Vision Financial Planning, a Northern Ireland-based independent financial advice firm, is rapidly approaching a significant milestone: surpassing £1 billion in assets under management (AUM). The firm, founded in 2009 by CEO Kevin Strudwick, has experienced substantial growth in recent years, driven by a combination of organic expansion, strategic acquisitions, and a focus on providing holistic financial planning to a diverse client base. This article summarizes the key details of their success, future plans, and the current landscape of financial advice in Northern Ireland.

Rapid Growth & Key Strategies

The Irish News article highlights Vision Financial Planning’s impressive trajectory. Starting from humble beginnings, the firm has grown to manage assets for over 1,500 clients. This growth hasn’t been accidental. A core component of their strategy has been strategic acquisitions. In late 2023, they acquired Edinburgh-based Wallace Investment Management, adding approximately £150 million to their AUM and establishing a presence in the Scottish market. This acquisition, as detailed on Vision's website ([ https://www.visionfp.co.uk/news/vision-fp-acquires-wallace-investment-management/ ]), demonstrates a clear ambition to expand beyond Northern Ireland and diversify their geographical reach.

Prior to the Wallace deal, Vision had already completed several acquisitions, including firms in both Northern Ireland and England. These acquisitions are not simply about increasing AUM; the firm stresses the importance of integrating these businesses into their existing operational structure and maintaining a consistent level of client service. They emphasize a culture of collaboration and knowledge-sharing across their network of advisors.

Beyond acquisitions, organic growth remains crucial. Vision attributes its success to its commitment to comprehensive financial planning. They don’t position themselves as solely investment managers, but rather as partners who help clients navigate all aspects of their financial lives – from retirement planning and tax efficiency to estate planning and protection. This holistic approach appears to resonate with clients seeking long-term financial security.

A Changing Landscape for Financial Advice

The article also sheds light on the broader context of the financial advice sector, particularly in Northern Ireland. The industry is facing a number of challenges, including an aging advisor population, increasing regulatory demands, and the growing complexity of financial products. This has led to consolidation, with larger firms acquiring smaller practices. Vision Financial Planning is clearly positioning itself as a key player in this consolidation process.

The influx of new regulations, particularly those relating to suitability and transparency, are significantly increasing the costs of providing advice. This, in turn, is driving up fees for clients, and forcing some advisors to exit the market. The demand for qualified and trustworthy financial advisors remains high, however, particularly with an aging population increasingly concerned about securing their retirement.

Vision’s success suggests they are effectively navigating these challenges. Their focus on technology and efficient processes, combined with a strong emphasis on client relationships, appears to be a winning formula. They are also actively investing in training and development to ensure their advisors remain up-to-date with the latest regulations and industry best practices.

Future Plans & Expansion

CEO Kevin Strudwick states the firm is “on track” to surpass the £1 billion AUM mark in the coming months. Looking ahead, Vision Financial Planning has ambitious growth plans. They are actively seeking further acquisition opportunities, with a stated preference for firms that align with their values and client-centric approach.

The acquisition strategy isn't limited to geographical expansion. Vision also aims to broaden its service offering. The firm is actively exploring opportunities to expand into areas such as sustainable investing and later life advice, recognising the growing demand for these services. Their website highlights their commitment to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing, and demonstrates an understanding of the evolving preferences of modern investors.

Impact & Local Economy

Vision Financial Planning's success isn’t just good news for the firm itself. The growth of a thriving financial services sector contributes significantly to the Northern Ireland economy, creating jobs and attracting investment. The company currently employs over 60 people, and this number is expected to increase as they continue to expand. Their headquarters are located in Belfast, further bolstering the city’s reputation as a growing financial hub.

In conclusion, Vision Financial Planning’s journey to potentially managing over £1 billion in assets is a testament to strategic planning, a client-focused approach, and a willingness to adapt to the changing landscape of the financial advice industry. Their commitment to both organic growth and strategic acquisitions positions them well for continued success, not only in Northern Ireland, but potentially across the UK. They represent a significant force in the consolidation of the financial advice sector and demonstrate a proactive approach to meeting the evolving needs of their clients.