Sesame Bankhall Group (SBG) is to launch a exit consulting service this month to help advisers looking to sell their business.
The new consulting proposition will aim to support directly authorised advice firms through every stage of the sale journey – from preparing their business for sale to identifying aligned buyers.
The proposition’s initial focus will be on wealth firms, where a significant number of business owners have actively pursued acquisition opportunities.
According to the Financial Conduct Authority, the number of firms authorised to provide retail investment advice declined from 5,805 in February 2024 to 5,473 in February 2025 – a 6% decrease – with many smaller firms opting to join larger networks or transition through strategic exits.
SBG has brought in David Wright (pictured) from global reinsurance firm Compre Group to lead the new proposition.
There he was senior M&A associate and previously served as M&A associate at independent chartered financial planning and investment management group One Four Nine Group.
Earlier in his career, he spent four years with Ernst & Young.
Wright will report to Claire Cherrington, distribution director of PMS and Bankhall.
Claire Cherrington, director of PMS and Bankhall at Sesame Bankhall Group, said: “We’re delighted to welcome David.
“He brings a wealth of experience in M&A, succession planning, and financial services and joins our team as we prepare to launch a brand-new service for firms thinking about a potential exit.
“Our new exit consulting proposition is designed to support IFA business owners who are considering a sale – whether that’s in the next 12 months or five years away.
“David will be working side-by-side with firms, helping them get sale-ready, grow the right way, and maximise their business value.
“With an extensive directly authorised client base through PMS Mortgage Club and Bankhall, SBG is uniquely positioned to support firms navigating their next step.
“We’re committed to bringing together deep industry knowledge and hands-on support to help owners take control of their exit on their terms.”
David Wright, M&A director at Sesame Bankhall Group, added: “It’s a great time to be joining SBG as the business expands its support for directly authorised firms. There’s huge demand from both buyers and sellers – but many IFA firms aren’t prepared for a sale, which can limit their value and options.
“Our exit consulting proposition is different because we’ll be working directly with sellers – helping them maximise the value of their business through a targeted action plan focusing on areas such profitability, quality of data and compliance – before ultimately presenting a business that’s attractive and aligned to the right buyer.”
