Financial Planning solutions provider Benchmark Capital, owned by Schroders, has acquired two advice businesses Caroline Banks & Associates (CB&A) and Verum Financial LLP (Verum).
Both firms have been long-term clients of Benchmark.
CB&A, headquartered in London’s Mayfair, adds three advisers and over £200m in client assets. The firm has partnered with Benchmark for 11 years.
Verum, based near Canterbury, brings a team of six advisers and over £250m in client assets. It has been a client of Benchmark for 11 years.
Both management teams and staff will join Benchmark as part of the integration into their Financial Planning business.
Both firms chose to sell to Benchmark in order to secure succession for when the founders look to exit.
Caroline Banks, founder of CB&A, said: “When considering the future, it was essential to me that we partnered with a team whose values aligned with ours and who could protect and enhance our reputation in the heart of Mayfair. From working with them over the years, Benchmark has consistently demonstrated that they share our passion for delivering the best possible client outcomes. Strengthening our partnership ensures long-term continuity and opportunity for both our clients and our staff.”
Benchmark has been busy on the acquisition trail in the last few years.
In April 2025 Benchmark bought the remaining minority stake in Harrogate-based Oculus Wealth Management for an undisclosed sum. Oculus is a boutique advice network operating an IFA appointed representative model. It has 46 advisory firms and £4bn in AUA (assets under advice).
In February 2025 it acquired £200m AUA Huddersfield-based adviser firm Robertson Baxter.
In December 2023 it acquired £111m AUM Hayward Heath-based Champain Financial Services for an undisclosed amount.
In July 2023 it acquired 32-adviser, £755m AUM Swindon-based Unique Financial Planning.
In March 2023 it bought Chartered Financial Planners Kennedy Independent Financial Advice (KFA) in Derry to expand its presence in Northern Ireland.
In November 2022 Benchmark acquired a 49% stake in West Midlands-based Chartered Financial Planning firm Chartered Independent. It also completed the 100% acquisition of Milton Keynes-based IFA Advison under the firm’s buy-out programme in 2022.