New offering to support advisers planning to sell their businesses
Sesame Bankhall Group (SBG) has named David Wright (pictured) as mergers and acquisitions (M&A) director to lead its new exit consulting service, designed to support directly authorised advice firms planning to sell their businesses.
Wright, who reports to Claire Cherrington, director of PMS and Bankhall, brings experience from Compre Group, where he served as senior M&A associate, and One Four Nine Group. He also spent four years at Ernst & Young.
The new service, set to launch this month, will offer guidance to advice firms throughout the sale process, from preparing for market to identifying suitable buyers. SBG said the seller-focused model aims to distinguish its approach in a sector seeing increased consolidation.
We're thrilled to welcome David Wright as M&A Director to lead our new exit consulting proposition, helping directly authorised firms get sale-ready and exit on their terms.
— Sesame Bankhall Group (@SesameBankhallG) July 15, 2025
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“We’re delighted to welcome David,” Cherrington said. “He brings a wealth of experience in M&A, succession planning, and financial services and joins our team as we prepare to launch a brand-new service for firms thinking about a potential exit.
“Our new exit consulting proposition is designed to support IFA business owners who are considering a sale – whether that’s in the next 12 months or five years away. David will be working side-by-side with firms, helping them get sale-ready, grow the right way, and maximise their business value.
“With an extensive directly authorised client base through PMS Mortgage Club and Bankhall, SBG is uniquely positioned to support firms navigating their next step. We’re committed to bringing together deep industry knowledge and hands-on support to help owners take control of their exit on their terms.”
The initial focus will be on wealth management firms, where many owners are exploring acquisition or exit opportunities. According to Financial Conduct Authority data, the number of firms authorised for retail investment advice fell by 6% over the past year, as smaller businesses increasingly join larger networks or pursue strategic exits.
“It’s a great time to be joining SBG as the business expands its support for directly authorised firms,” Wright said. “There’s huge demand from both buyers and sellers – but many IFA firms aren’t prepared for a sale, which can limit their value and options.
“Our exit consulting proposition is different because we’ll be working directly with sellers – helping them maximise the value of their business through a targeted action plan focusing on areas such profitability, quality of data and compliance – before ultimately presenting a business that’s attractive and aligned to the right buyer.”
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