Gloucester investment firm makes senior appointment
A Gloucester-based investment manager and tax adviser has a made a senior appointment.
Blackfinch Group has appointed Nicholas French as its new chief distribution officer.
French brings over 25 years’ experience to Blackfinch, following a three-year stint with Marlborough Group as head of adviser solutions and chief executive of the Select Platform.
He previously spent over 12 years at Russell Investments where he was managing director.
He has also been involved in consulting, mergers and acquisitions and had various roles at Zurich and Skandia Life (Old Mutual) throughout his career.
The move comes as Jerry Prices stands down from the position after many successful years with the group.
He will continue to work for Blackfinch and will be supporting Nick with strategic initiatives.
French said: “I’m excited to be joining Blackfinch at such an important time. With the new Consumer Duty requirements adapting our outlook on advice, and government legislative changes putting tax thresholds within the reality of increasing amounts of society, we have the opportunity to show advisers that by combining investment and tax planning solutions even more we can help adviser businesses continue to thrive over the coming years”
Richard Cook, chief executive of Blackfinch Group, said: “I am absolutely delighted Nick has joined so we can accelerate our ambitious growth plans.
“The range of tax and investment solutions offered by Blackfinch means we are ideally positioned to support advisers as the world of financial advice continues to change. It is my belief that Nick’s experience in strategically supporting adviser businesses to evolve and increase their value multiples over time significantly enhances the overall Blackfinch proposition.
“I look forward to sharing our plans with advisers in the coming months. I would also like to place on record my thanks to Jerry for his crucial role in the establishment and growth of the Group over the last 10 years.”
Blackfinch Group has grown extensively in recently years. Recent expansions across the energy, ventures and property teams have led to the growth in the business.
