As we approach the close of 2025 and our 25th year of trading, I would like to take a moment to reflect on what has been an exciting and defining year for us all at Investment Quorum.
Back in March, we made the huge decision to digitally transform our business and evolve into a platform operator. We were advised many times not to do it, too many risks, but quite frankly, we couldn’t afford not to take action, given the massive technology development in FinTech this year, all powered by AI. That choice, the planning and commitment behind it, has shaped much of our year.
Alongside this, global stock markets have delivered a real “roller coaster ride”. From the volatility of Trump’s Liberation Day mayhem in April, to the aftermath of the market recovery witnessed in many global regions and sectors. Through it all, we have remained focused on our fundamental beliefs, rather than market noise. I am very proud to say that we have ended the year in a very strong position, with over £500 million of assets under advice and reflecting upon a near 20 year investment track record.
This year has demanded experience and judgement. Our investment team have navigated these difficult waters with skill, that is only earned by working through genuinely hard market cycles.
Key themes in our positioning included:
As we grow and change, we continue to be recognised for our disciplined investment management, thoughtful financial planning, and truly first-class client service.
Financial Times Top 50 Boutique Financial Advisers: Investment Quorum was named in the Top 50 boutique financial advisers for 2025.
Citywire NMA Regional Award for Greater London 2025 and Top 100 Firm: reinforcing our reputation as a leading boutique wealth manager in London.
Financial Times PWM Wealth Tech Award: Best Wealth Manager in the UK for Use of Technology - for our unified data layer enabling holistic asset views and optimisation. This award highlights technology's growing importance in attracting clients and advisers, bridging digital and human advice.
The judges specifically recognised IQ for our digital-first approach in this competitive awards program, which evaluates technology use for growth, client experience, and operational efficiency.
As we enter 2026 I feel proud not only of what we have achieved, but also of how we are achieving it.
This year’s FCA visit, following their wealth manager survey, endorsed the strength of our direction and governance and gave us, what I can only describe as, a clean bill of health. That matters. It reflects the seriousness with which we take stewardship, operational resilience, and client outcomes.
There is a clear and enduring market need for bespoke financial planning, excellent investment performance, and long-term outcomes, all backed up by a service that clients can genuinely feel.
I have said it many times, and I will say it again: what we achieve is never down to one person. It is about the collective. It is our culture.
This year, we strengthened our wealth management team, growing from five to six advisers. The team is led by Nick, alongside Richard, Melissa, Jack, and now Simran, who has been a great new addition and a real boost to our client-facing engagement.
And I want to recognise our client services team. Their work is essential. Two years ago, they were doing a lot of manual and repetitive heavy lifting that keeps a firm like ours safe, compliant, and operationally strong. With the use of technology, today, they are also delivering exceptional adviser support and helping ensure that every client interaction is handled with care and professionalism, whether it is cashflow planning, investment portfolio management, or tax planning.
They have delivered this whilst working within successive UK Budgets that have appeared to have put the fear of God into everyone, and yet the quality has not slipped. That is excellence under pressure.
So what does the future hold? It is uncertain, of course. There remains significant economic and political instability around the world.
But some things do not change. We are here to walk side by side with our clients — through the difficult days, the complex decisions, and the deeply human moments when clear financial planning advice is needed. Whether it is the complexities of old age, the sudden loss or sickness of a loved one, or the joy and responsibility of welcoming a new life into a family. We remain present and steady, through the good times and the hard times.
Much of 2025 has felt dominated by two forces: politics and AI.
We are committed to embracing AI thoughtfully and responsibly. We are empowering our staff to explore these tools and learn how to use them well. I do not believe the future is about machines taking over humans. It is about humans being augmented, so we can reclaim the most precious commodity of all: time.
Time to spend with clients. Time to spend at home. Time to live better, especially when the world can feel chaotic.
Used properly, AI helps remove the heavy lifting and the tasks that drain energy, allowing our people to focus on what matters most: human judgement, client care, strong relationships, and the culture of service that defines this firm.
As we end the year I want to commend every part of Investment Quorum:
They reflect real substance: the standards we hold, the outcomes we deliver, and the way we serve.
As in all years, our work is not always about planning for the future. Sometimes it is about helping people deal with the past.
At Christmas especially, we remember those clients and staff who are no longer with us. We think about their families, and we hope we have been able to walk alongside them with quiet strength and practical support at the times they needed it most.
To our clients and partners: thank you for your trust. If you are part of the IQ community in any way, I hope you share our pride in what this team has accomplished. We remain committed to first‑class service, first‑class investment management, and first‑class financial planning.
From all at IQ, we trust you had a peaceful festive period and enjoy a prosperous New Year,
Petronella
Chief Executive Officer
Investment Quorum
