Benchmark Capital Expands Its Financial Planning Business Through the Acquisition of Caroline Banks & Associates and Verum Financial

Benchmark Capital Expands Its Financial Planning Business Through the Acquisition of Caroline Banks & Associates and Verum Financial

(IN BRIEF) Benchmark Capital has acquired two established financial advice firms, Caroline Banks & Associates and Verum Financial LLP, both long-standing users of its technology and compliance platform, adding nine advisers and over £450 million in combined client assets to its financial planning business. The acquisitions, which integrate the firms’ management teams and staff into Benchmark, reflect a deepening of existing partnerships built over many years and align with Benchmark’s strategy to support advisory firms through growth, operational efficiency, and succession planning. Senior leaders from Benchmark, CB&A, and Verum emphasised the cultural alignment, shared commitment to client outcomes, and the benefits of Benchmark’s integrated platform in driving efficiency, stability, and long-term continuity for clients and employees. The deals further strengthen Benchmark’s position within the Schroders Group as a leading consolidator and supporter of independent financial planning businesses across the UK.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 5-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Benchmark Capital, a leading provider of financial planning solutions within the Schroders Group, has completed the acquisition of two established advisory firms, Caroline Banks & Associates (CB&A) and Verum Financial LLP (Verum). Both businesses have been long-standing users of Benchmark’s technology and compliance platform, and their integration marks a significant step in Benchmark’s ongoing strategy to support the growth and succession of independent financial planning firms across the UK.

CB&A and Verum have worked closely with Benchmark for over a decade and more than six years respectively, during which time they have leveraged Benchmark’s award-winning digital infrastructure, investment solutions, and regulatory support to strengthen their client proposition and drive sustainable expansion. Their transition into Benchmark’s financial planning business will see their leadership teams and advisers join the organisation as part of a structured integration process.

Verum, based near Canterbury, brings six experienced advisers and more than £250 million in client assets, while CB&A, headquartered in Mayfair, contributes three advisers and over £200 million in assets under management. The combined acquisitions further enhance Benchmark’s presence in key regional and high-net-worth markets, reinforcing its position as a consolidator and strategic partner for advisory firms seeking long-term stability and continuity.

Ed Dymott, Chief Executive Officer of Benchmark, welcomed the acquisitions, emphasising the depth of the relationships already established with both firms. He noted that their decision to join Benchmark reflects confidence in the firm’s long-term vision, operational model, and commitment to client service. Dymott also highlighted that the move provides a clear and structured succession pathway for business owners while creating opportunities for future growth within the Benchmark ecosystem.

Caroline Banks, Managing Director of CB&A, described the acquisition as a natural progression of an already strong partnership. She explained that safeguarding the firm’s reputation in Mayfair and ensuring continuity for clients and staff were key priorities in selecting a partner, and that Benchmark had consistently demonstrated aligned values and a shared commitment to delivering high-quality client outcomes.

Lee Giles, Partner at Verum, echoed this sentiment, stating that Benchmark’s integrated platform, client portal, investment solutions, and practice management support had already played a crucial role in improving efficiency and scalability within Verum. He added that joining Benchmark formalises a trusted collaboration and provides greater certainty for the future of both clients and employees.

These transactions form part of Benchmark’s broader strategy to support financial planning firms at every stage of their lifecycle, from start-up and growth to operational efficiency and eventual succession planning for business owners.

About Benchmark

As an award-winning wealth management business, we empower advisers throughout every stage of their business lifecycle, starting-up, running efficiently, growing successfully, and planning a smooth exit. We’ve also been helping individuals find peace of mind for over 30 years, through our own financial planning business.

Headquartered in Horsham, West Sussex, Benchmark has £20 billion of assets on its proprietary platform and £6 billion in model portfolio solutions on behalf of over 1000 financial advisers (as at 31.12.25) and employs over 550 staff.

Issued by Benchmark Capital Limited, Registered Office: Broadlands Business Campus, Langhurst Wood Road, Horsham, West Sussex, England, RH12 4QP. Registered in England and Wales No 09404621

www.benchmarkcapital.co.uk/en-gb/uk/local

Benchmark Capital Limited is part of the Schroders plc Group

Schroders is a global investment manager which provides active asset management, wealth management and investment solutions, with £776.6 billion (€906.6 billion; $1064.2 billion) of assets under management at 30 June 2025. As a UK listed FTSE100 company, Schroders has a market capitalisation of circa £6 billion and over 5,800 employees across 38 locations. Established in 1804, Schroders remains true to its roots as a family-founded business. The Schroder family continues to be a significant shareholder, holding approximately 44% of the issued share capital.

Schroders’ success can be attributed to its diversified business model, spanning different asset classes, client types and geographies. The company offers innovative products and solutions through four core business divisions: Public Markets, Solutions, Wealth Management, and Schroders Capital, which focuses on private markets, including private equity, renewable infrastructure investing, private debt & credit alternatives, and real estate.

Schroders aims to provide excellent investment performance to clients through active management. This means directing capital towards resilient businesses with sustainable business models, consistently with the investment goals of its clients. Schroders serves a diverse client base that includes pension schemes, insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds, endowments, foundations, high net worth individuals, family offices, as well as end clients through partnerships with distributors, financial advisers, and online platforms.

Issued by Schroder Investment Management Limited. Registration No 1893220 England. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.  For regular updates by e-mail please register online at www.schroders.com for our alerting service.

Media Contacts:

Charlotte Banks, Public Markets Media Relations Lead
+44 20 7658 9063
Charlotte.Banks@Schroders.com

Kirsty Preston
PR Executive
+44 20 7658 1961
Kirsty.Preston@Schroders.com

SOURCE: Schroders