European digital wealth manager Moneyfarm has agreed to acquire Willis Owen Limited – a longstanding provider of investment services in the UK.
The deal is subject to approval from the Financial Conduct Authority.
This acquisition, which brings Moneyfarm’s group total assets to over £5bn, is the firm’s third in the UK over the past three years.
It follows the successful integrations of Profile Pensions and Wealthsimple’s UK book of business, further strengthening Moneyfarm’s position in the UK direct-to-consumer investment market and supporting its group-wide growth ambitions.
Willis Owen is known for its accessible investment solutions and strong focus on client needs.
Its integration with Moneyfarm brings together two organisations committed to making investing straightforward, combining expert human guidance with cutting-edge technology.
The completion of the transaction is expected to be finalised in the first quarter of 2025.
Moneyfarm’s hybrid approach to wealth management, combining digital tools with expert human advice, aligns seamlessly with Willis Owen’s heritage of customer-centricity.
At a time when more people are seeking support to navigate the complexities of financial planning, this partnership offers Willis Owen customers access to Moneyfarm’s broader range of investment solutions and a more comprehensive wealth-management service.
Moneyfarm co-founder and chief executive Giovanni Daprà said the acquisition marks a “significant milestone” in the firm’s growth journey and “reinforces its mission to make investing simple and accessible”.
“Willis Owen’s strong reputation and dedication to its clients align closely with our hybrid model, which integrates expert guidance with advanced technology to meet the evolving needs of today’s investors,” he said.
Willis Owen chief executive Jason Chapman added: “We are delighted to join forces with Moneyfarm, a leader in digital wealth management.
“This partnership could not come at a better time, as more consumers seek digital-first solutions that retain the human touch to help their decision-making.
“Since the Retail Distribution Review, access to financial advice for affluent middle England has been shrinking, leaving a gap that Moneyfarm and Willis Owen are uniquely positioned to address.
“Over the years, we’ve worked with over 150,000 clients, offering them a range of investment options.
“By joining Moneyfarm, we ensure our clients have access to a wider suite of enhanced wealth solutions and the tools to comprehensively plan for their financial futures.
“We are confident they will benefit greatly from Moneyfarm’s innovative platform and investment solutions as we continue to support them as their wealth partners.”