Cardiff-Based Professional Advisory Firm EST, Launches Wealth Management Arm

The new venture will be regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and will be able to undertake regulated activities as part of EST Group, which already includes accountants, business advisers, chartered tax advisers, commercial finance brokerage and HR consultants.

Working across a range of sectors, the new arm will offer wealth management services for business owners, professionals and retired clients across South Wales, with its headquarters based in Cardiff.

The services will be available to existing clients of the group, as well as new clients, and will include all areas of wealth management such as investment planning, retirement planning, estate planning, life cover and shareholder protection offering clients a complete wraparound service.

Director of Wealth Management at EST, Chris Woods, said: “Businesses are often looking for a range of services from one place of expertise, so it’s great that we can work with directors and shareholders not only across the financial aspects of their business, but with their personal wealth management requirements too.”

“Our teams of experts are highly skilled and trusted by our clients, so it is a very natural fit for us to work with them on a personal basis. We look forward to working closely with our clients to provide a tailor made service that will enable them to grow and protect their personal wealth.”

Most recently, Chris was a Senior Wealth Manager at a partner practice of St James’ Place. 

Barry Esterhuizen, managing director at EST, said: “Expanding our wealth offering to our clients is a natural progression for EST which will enable us to offer a seamless service for the businesses we work with. Our wealth management arm will provide business owners and professionals with tailored advice to help them drive their personal goals forward.”

“We’re delighted to have Chris join the group as we continue to build on the business services that we offer. Our accountancy and HR teams do a great job in supporting businesses through thick and thin, and now we’re looking forward to being able to extend our operation to support individuals in growing their individual wealth.”