Ascot Lloyd has hired Jade Connolly from Thomas Miller Investment to the newly created role of head of advice.
She will be responsible for a strategic review of Ascot Lloyd’s advice process, which the firm stated would improve operational efficiency to add value for clients.
Another initiative will be developing a panel of best-of-breed products and platforms to reduce risk and improve client outcomes.
Ms Connolly will also be establishing a new technical unit supporting Ascot Lloyd’s current service offering as well as new business lines, such as cash flow modelling and Court of Protection work.
Ian Balgarnie, business development director at Ascot Lloyd, said: “Jade’s understanding of the financial advice process and extensive experience leading paraplanning teams will play a significant role in enhancing Ascot Lloyd’s advice proposition.
“Jade will lead a number of strategic initiatives to grow the business organically and will support our ambition to become the UK’s leading IFA firm.”
Ms Connolly will also be involved in creating a suite of advice tools to ensure better risk management, consistency and scalability of Ascot Lloyd’s proposition.
She was head of paraplanning at Thomas Miller Investment for more than two years and started her career in financial advice as a researcher at Ring Associates before joining Ashcourt Rowan as a paraplanner.
Ms Connolly said: “Ascot Lloyd is a fantastic business with an exciting growth strategy.
“I look forward to working closely with its advisers and business development team to strengthen its advice offering and build upon the high quality of service it delivers to clients.”
damian.fantato@ft.com
