Benchmark Capital (“Benchmark”), a leading provider of financial planning solutions and part of the Schroders Group, has acquired the remaining minority stake in Harrogate based Oculus Wealth Management.

Oculus is a boutique advice network operating an IFA appointed representative model with 46 advisory firms.

Oculus has partnered with Benchmark since 2015, leveraging their integrated platform, practice management and client portal technology solutions to grow their client-centric advice business.

In December 2022, Benchmark acquired a majority stake in Oculus. The number of appointed representatives in their network is up 80% since the initial investment and assets under advice have grown strongly.

The Oculus model focuses on establishing new advice firms for advisers looking for an environment in which to deliver a high-quality advice proposition. Its centralised adviser services extend to the end-to-end provision of both business administration and regulatory support, broadening Benchmark’s solutions for advisers looking to set up and run their own practice.

The Oculus management team and staff will remain with the business.

Benchmark carefully selects high-quality partners to support firms with well-managed, secure, growth finance and succession planning that appreciates the range of different routes and options that are possible.

Ed Dymott, CEO, Benchmark, said:

“We’ve worked with the team at Oculus for ten years and have built a compelling proposition together that’s been highly successful in attracting advisers from wealth managers and private banks to set up their own practices.

Adding Oculus, alongside our own financial planning business and award-winning network, allows us to support a suite of adviser models, both independent and restricted, all built on the same efficient technology platform and end-to-end solutions.”

Duncan Read, Managing Director, Oculus said:

“Our partnership with Benchmark has helped accelerate Oculus’ growth through supporting advisers to start their own businesses with centralised technology, business administration and regulatory support. Together, we’ve helped them to grow their own businesses and careers whilst offering a structured pathway to exit. This deal cements those combined strengths, supporting advisers through their whole journey.” 

 

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