Acquisitive law firm in position for IFA shake-up

By DOMINIC JEFF
Published on 01/10/2012 00:00

Scottish law firm Shepherd and Wedderburn (S&W) has acquired independent financial adviser (IFA) Muirfield for an undisclosed sum.

Shepherd and Wedderburn Financial will be headed by Muirfield founder John Mortimer, who will be supported by a team based at the law firm’s
Edinburgh offices.

S&W said the new division will improve the firm’s private client offering, particularly in terms of pensions and long-term financial planning.

Chief executive Stephen Gibb said: “Teaming up with Muirfield is a further important development for the firm in building on our commitment to clients in Scotland and the UK with high-quality, trusted independent advice.”

S&W has 61 partners and more than 350 staff at offices in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and London. Its move into financial advice coincides with changes in the IFA sector following a government review.

The shake-up, taking effect at the start of next year, is aimed at enhancing consumer confidence and trust when accessing financial advice.