Absolute Financial Group has launched as a new IFA consolidator with £115m backing from Inflexion Private Equity, Tatton Asset Management and its management team. Led by CEO David Carter and chaired by Paul Hogarth, the group has agreed its first acquisition, Absolute Financial Management (£1.1bn AUA), subject to FCA approval, aiming to build a leading UK financial planning business.
A new Independent Financial Advice (IFA) consolidator, Absolute Financial Group (“Absolute”), officially launches today. The business enters the market with an equity commitment of £115 million from Inflexion Private Equity Partners LLP, Tatton Asset Management plc, and its management team.
The group is led by David Carter, Chief Executive Officer, formerly CEO of CMS Wealth, and supported by Paul Hogarth as Non-Executive Chairman. Hogarth is widely recognised as a long-standing advocate for the IFA profession and the founder of Tatton Asset Management plc and Perspective Financial Group.
Speaking on the launch, David Carter, CEO of Absolute Financial Group, said:
“We know there is concern amongst the IFA community about losing independence and a decline of client service standards when selling their business. We created Absolute to ensure that the ethics, integrity and legacy of an IFA’s business is maintained within a group that shares their values.
Whether business owners are seeking succession planning or simply looking to join a larger values-led organisation, we are confident we will be able to meet their requirements through a range of options, underpinned by deep sector expertise and robust financial backing.”
First Acquisition: Absolute Financial Management
As part of its launch, Absolute Financial Group confirms the exchange of its first acquisition: Absolute Financial Management, a well-established South East-based IFA firm headquartered in Ashford, Kent. The firm brings with it £1.1 billion in Assets Under Advice (AUA). The transaction remains subject to FCA change in control approval.
The acquisition positions Absolute Financial Management as the central hub for future deals, serving as the foundation for a single, unified national brand. Absolute’s strategy is to unite like-minded, high-quality advisory firms within a robust structure that prioritises adviser support, holistic financial planning, and sustainable long-term value for clients.
Paul Hogarth, Non-Executive Chair, added:
“I have always been passionate about the IFA sector and partnering with Inflexion, alongside a leadership team I trust, presents an exceptional opportunity to build a business that genuinely champions the IFA profession. Our ambition is not to commoditise advice, but to build lasting partnerships with client-focused firms, while supporting the long-term integrity and value of independent financial planning across the UK.”
Business Model and Strategic Focus
Absolute Financial Group aims to become one of the UK’s leading independent financial planning businesses. The company offers flexible acquisition structures, including both majority and minority sale options, designed to support business owners with succession planning or those seeking to join a larger, values-led organisation.
The focus is firmly on culturally aligned firms that maintain strong client relationships and share Absolute’s ambition to preserve the independence, integrity, and client-centric approach of financial advisers.
Andrea Bertolini, Partner and Head of Financial Services at Inflexion Private Equity Partners LLP, commented:
“We’re thrilled to partner with Absolute Financial Group and back an outstanding leadership team at such a pivotal moment. With a clear market differentiation and a bold vision, we have a unique opportunity to create one of UK’s leading financial planning businesses. This investment perfectly aligns with our strategy – backing ambitious financial services businesses with the capital and expertise to scale for the long term.”
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