Adviser platform Nucleus has expanded its advisory board by appointing appointed NextWealth founder Heather Hopkins as chair. 

The board’s remit has been expanded to also include advisers using the James Hay platform. 

Heather Hopkins is managing director of wealth consultancy NextWealth.

The data and research expert has worked in Toronto, Boston, Tokyo and London, specialises in the UK financial adviser and retail wealth management markets.

She will work closely with Nucleus chief executive Richard Rowney and chief commercial officer Alex Kovach to develop engagement among the cross-section group of 12 advice firms.

The advisory board has helped the Nucleus executive team make key strategic and propositional decisions over the last 16 years.

Ms Hopkins said: “I’ve long admired Nucleus’ approach to involving advisers in its strategic thinking via this board, and I’m now pleased to have been asked to play an active part in it.

“It’s vital platforms deeply understand both the views of advisers on the market and what they need from their partners, along with what specifically the Nucleus group can do to support them.”

Richard Rowney, Nucleus chief executive, said: “The Advisory Board has played a pivotal role in helping our team understand what’s important to advisers, shaping the platform’s strategic direction and the development of the proposition.”

In August 2021, James Hay Partnership acquired Nucleus Financial Group plc and combined both businesses to create the Nucleus Group. Major shareholders in the Nucleus Group are private equity firms HPS and Epiris. Epiris sold a majority stake in the Nucleus Group to private equity firm HPS.

In January Nucleus bought SIPP and SSAS provider Curtis Banks for £242m in an agreed cash offer.