Mr Kirkwood is based in Belfast but will serve clients across the country.

He holds a Diploma in Financial Planning from the Personal Finance Society, an honours degree from Belfast University, and has more than 30 years of experience.

He also holds ISO 22222 certification, the global benchmark for information, skills, experience and ethical values.

He has a particular specialism in working with wealthy clients who are also business owners.

Mr Kirkwood said: “Continuum is a growing team, but they remain independent. This means that the help and advice that I provide can be independent too.”

Martin Brown, managing partner at Continuum, said: “We have set out to provide the very highest standards of financial advice, and Michael can help us ensure that we do it in what is a new and important location for us.”

He said Mr Kirkwood’s combination of qualifications and experience will be a valuable addition to the team.

“We believe that by creating a 3-way partnership between Continuum, the adviser and the client, we also create an environment where each party can only succeed and grow if the other parties also succeed and grow,” he said.

“I know that Michael is looking forward to demonstrating that approach to people across Northern Ireland.’’

Mr Kirkwood will be the 63rd adviser to join the firm.

Continuum reported turnover growth of 12% in 2022 with assets under influence rising 7% year-on-year to £1.6bn.

The firm, set up in 2014, was acquired by fund manager and wealth manager M&G in August for an undisclosed amount.

M&G plc agreed to take an initial 49.9% stake in the Plymouth-based Financial Planning focused company with an agreement to acquire the remainder over the following two years. The deal is subject to regulatory approval.