Last Updated on: 13th October 2025, 05:30 pm
AFH Wealth Management has launched a pioneering white paper analysing the evolving landscape of Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) acquisitions, revealing that almost one in three IFAs are considering selling their business.
The publication draws on findings from an independent survey by Goodman Lantern, which gathered opinions from IFA owners, senior management and advisers across the United Kingdom.
Key findings include:
- Nearly 30% of IFAs are currently planning or exploring a sale.
- Two-thirds (66%) believe new regulatory developments will drive further sales within five years.
- 40% say higher operating costs are accelerating consolidation in the IFA market.
- 81% view consolidation as either a positive or necessary change for the sector.
- Only 16% believe selling could negatively affect clients.
Despite overall optimism, the survey also found that 96% of respondents have concerns about selling—especially regarding staff retention and wellbeing—while 48% admit they have no formal succession strategy in place.
Cultural fit emerged as one of the most critical factors in successful acquisitions, with 98% of participants rating it as very or somewhat important.
AFH Wealth Management CEO Alan Hudson said: “This white paper offers a timely and important snapshot of the IFA landscape. With a significant number of advisers considering succession or sale, it’s clear that cultural alignment, client care, and staff wellbeing must be front and centre in any acquisition strategy. At AFH, we’re committed to ensuring that consolidation benefits everyone involved – from advisers and their teams to the clients they serve. I hope that this paper gives advisers some food for thought when considering their future.”
The white paper goes beyond market sentiment, exploring how business expansion and succession planning are deeply connected to the growing consolidation trend.
It also shares key lessons from AFH’s more than two decades of experience acquiring IFA firms, featuring insights from CEO Alan Hudson and Commercial Acquisitions Director David James, alongside forecasts for the industry’s future direction.
The complete report, titled ‘Acquisitions in the IFA Sector: Examining a Consolidating Industry’, is now accessible via www.afhwm.co.uk/acquisitions/white-paper/.
