The Finli acquisitions completed during the second quarter of 2026 demonstrate that buyer appetite remains strong across the financial planning sector. By acquiring seven advice firms and adding approximately £269m of assets under management, Finli continues to expand its national presence while reinforcing its focus on adviser succession.

The latest transactions follow six acquisitions completed during the first quarter of the year. Together, they show that well-funded buyers continue to pursue growth through acquisition, although the market has become increasingly focused on quality, cultural alignment and long-term sustainability.

Finli acquisitions add seven advice firms

The Finli acquisitions completed during the second quarter include seven financial planning firms located across England and Scotland.

The businesses joining the group are Simply Advice in Tiverton, David Pinder in Nottingham, Ashley Phillips in Beverley, Griffin Wylde in Birmingham, Stellar FP in Flitwick, Croesus in Edinburgh and John Robinson in Littlehampton.

Collectively, the acquisitions add approximately £269m of assets under management. Combined with the six firms acquired during the first quarter of 2026, Finli has added more than £520m of assets this year, increasing total assets under management to more than £8.7bn.

Succession planning remains a key driver

The Finli acquisitions also highlight one of the strongest themes currently influencing transaction activity.

According to Finli, many owners are looking for more than a financial transaction. They want to find a trusted home for their clients while protecting the relationships they have built over many years.

This reflects a wider shift across the market. Succession planning is increasingly centred on adviser continuity, cultural fit and client outcomes rather than simply agreeing a purchase price. Buyers that can demonstrate a proven integration process and a long-term commitment to clients are often well placed to attract high-quality acquisition opportunities.

Consolidation continues, but buyer expectations are evolving

The Finli acquisitions reinforce the fact that consolidation remains an important feature of the financial planning market. However, buyer priorities continue to evolve.

In our experience, active buyers are becoming more selective about the firms they pursue. Strong client relationships, recurring income quality, adviser continuity and operational readiness all play an increasingly important role when assessing opportunities.

This means businesses that appear similar on paper can achieve very different outcomes. Preparation, strategic positioning and the ability to demonstrate sustainable long-term growth have become key drivers of buyer interest and valuation.

What this means for business owners

The Finli acquisitions provide another reminder that there remains a healthy market for well-prepared financial planning businesses.

However, completing a successful transaction is about much more than identifying an active buyer. Business owners should understand how their firm will be viewed by different acquirers, what factors influence value and which buyers are the best strategic fit for their objectives.

At Gunner & Co., we regularly see that owners who begin succession planning early have greater flexibility and achieve stronger outcomes. Early preparation provides time to strengthen the areas buyers value most, consider a wider range of options and identify a partner that offers the right balance of cultural alignment, client continuity and long-term opportunity.

As consolidation continues, owners who understand the market and prepare in advance are likely to be in the strongest position when the time comes to make their next move.