Wren Sterling has expanded into Northern Ireland with the opening of its eighth office.
The nationwide independent financial planning business has opened an office in Belfast which will be headed by Will Grier, an IFA with nearly 20 years’ experience.
Paul Chafer, Wren Sterling’s chief commercial officer said: “Recruiting Will has allowed us to open an office of strategic importance to Wren Sterling.
“Firstly, we’re able to service clients acquired through our deal with First Trust Financial Services last year on a face-to-face basis, not just through our telephone advice hub.
“Secondly, we’re able to demonstrate to our corporate clients that we have the truly national reach that they’re looking for when delivering large-scale financial advice projects to their employees.”
In December Wren Sterling bought the client bank of First Trust Financial Services Limited, a subsidiary of AIB Group (UK) plc.
The transfer of around 17,000 policies came after AIB Group decided to focus on banking and took Wren Sterling’s assets to more than £2bn.
Mr Grier has previously worked for other national IFAs, Ulster Bank and Danske Bank.
He specialises in pension and investment planning and holds qualifications that allow him to work with both corporates and private individuals.
Until 2015 Wren Sterling was called Towergate Financial but rebranded following a management buyout with Palatine Private Equity.
damian.fantato@ft.com
