Benchmark Capital, a financial planning solutions provider part of the Schroders Group, has acquired the remaining minority stake in Oculus Wealth Management.

Harrogate-based Oculus is a boutique advice network operating an independent financial adviser (IFA) appointed representative (AR) model with 46 advisory firms.

Oculus has partnered with Benchmark since 2015, leveraging its integrated platform, practice management and client portal technology solutions to grow its client-centric advice business.

Benchmark acquired a majority stake in Oculus in December 2022, and the number of ARs in the network has grown 80% since, with the initial investment and assets under advice also growing strongly.

The Oculus management team and staff will remain with the business, Benchmark confirmed.

“We’ve worked with the team at Oculus for 10 years and have built a compelling proposition together that’s been highly successful in attracting advisers from wealth managers and private banks to set up their own practices,” commented Benchmark CEO, Ed Dymott.

“Adding Oculus, alongside our own financial planning business and award-winning network, allows us to support a suite of adviser models, both independent and restricted, all built on the same efficient technology platform and end-to-end solutions.”

Oculus managing director, Duncan Read, added: “Our partnership with Benchmark has helped accelerate Oculus’ growth through supporting advisers to start their own businesses with centralised technology, business administration and regulatory support.

“Together, we’ve helped them to grow their own businesses and careers whilst offering a structured pathway to exit. This deal cements those combined strengths, supporting advisers through their whole journey.”

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