Wealth manager signals further Scottish growth after Edinburgh HQ move

“We look forward to strengthening our presence in Edinburgh and Scotland in the months and years ahead.”

LGT Wealth Management has signalled further growth at its Scottish operation after moving to new headquarters in one of Edinburgh’s largest office developments.

Following last year’s £140 million acquisition of Abrdn’s discretionary fund management business, LGT now has more than 50 people working out of its capital base, advising clients across Scotland. The firm has taken on more than 9,000 square feet of office space at Capital Square, including capacity for 72 workspaces, to accommodate up to 100 staff and six meeting rooms.

John Godfrey, head of Scotland at LGT Wealth Management, said: “In just over two years, we have grown rapidly in Edinburgh, we are committed to servicing our clients across Scotland and Capital Square gives our 50-strong headcount a fitting base from which we can continue our next phase of growth.”

Hope Cole, Jonathan King, John Godfrey, and Julie Hutchison of LGT Wealth Management. Picture: Stewart Attwood

Ben Snee, LGT Wealth Management’s chief executive, added: “We are dedicated to bringing exceptional service to clients and partners around the UK, and we look forward to strengthening our presence in Edinburgh and Scotland in the months and years ahead.”

The firm has also announced the hiring of Jonathan King from Barclays Wealth, where he was a director from 2018 and latterly its most senior private banker. Prior to that, King was an investment manager at Tilney Investment Management - now Evelyn Partners. He is reunited with colleagues he previously worked with at Barclays, including Hope Cole, a trainee wealth manager who joined the business in February 2023. Julie Hutchison, who joined LGT following the Abrdn deal in September 2023, has recently been appointed to an expanded role as technical director for philanthropy and charities.

Godfrey added: “Jonny has experience of looking after many successful entrepreneurs and business owners, individuals and families across Scotland, advising on all aspects of wealth management. I had the pleasure of working with him for many years at Barclays and believe he is an excellent addition in helping us to grow our client base and relationships with Scotland’s leading corporate advisors.”

LGT Wealth Management employs more than 650 staff and has offices in Edinburgh, Birmingham, Bristol, Jersey, Leeds, London and Manchester.