Court of Protection business grows with three new hires

We are pleased to announce that we have come to an agreement with Brown Shipley to add its Court of Protection (CoP) team to our existing team. This will add further scale to our well-established CoP business and support future growth in this specialist area. This strategic decision is aligned with Brown Shipley’s increased focus on growing its core private banking business.

Richard McGregor, Robert Farnworth and Holly Bellerby – will transition from Brown Shipley to our seven-strong CoP team at the end of October. Richard and Robert join as Director of Private Clients and Court of Protection, and Holly as Investment Manager's Assistant at Charles Stanley.

Charles Stanley's Court of Protection team was formed over 30 years ago and became one of two panel brokers recommended by the Office of the Public Guardian for the investment of money on behalf of vulnerable clients of the Court of Protection.

The addition of Richard, Robert and Holly will provide further expertise in this specialist area and continuity of service for their clients, who will benefit from our substantial resources including its expansive research capabilities.

Ian Sackfield, Managing Director of Investment Management Services said:

“With over 30 years’ experience in the field, this arrangement adds to our already well-established CoP business and provides an excellent platform for growth in an area where we see plenty of opportunity.

All three new joiners bring with them a wealth of experience in the field, strong client relationships, and share our commitment to ensuring that each CoP client is financially secure over their lifetime.

All relevant court-appointed deputies and personal injury trusts are being informed of the opportunity to transition to Charles Stanley. I’m confident that we provide the right home given our strong credentials in this area, and that the team will continue to deliver exceptional service to court-appointed deputies and personal injury trusts.”

Calum Brewster, Chief Executive Officer at Brown Shipley, said:

“As wealth management has evolved over the last decade, we have seen CoP become a specialism, and seen this service consolidate across fewer wealth managers. Given our increased focus on growing our core private banking business, we have taken a strategic decision to exit the market.

Following an in-depth review process, we identified Charles Stanley as the best-equipped firm to take the business forward, given its commitment to help each Court of Protection client achieve their objectives. We continue to work closely and collaboratively with Charles Stanley to ensure the smoothest possible transition for clients.

This is an important step forward as part of our broader strategy that will facilitate increased investments in our core business and accelerated organic growth. We wish Richard, Robert and Holly all the best on the next stage of their professional journey.”

More about our new hires

• Richard McGregor is a Chartered Wealth Manager and Head of Court of Protection and Personal Injury at Brown Shipley. He has over 20 years’ experience as a wealth manager specialising in Court of Protection clients. Prior to Brown Shipley, Richard held roles at Arbuthnot Latham & Co., Barclays Wealth Management, Towry and Chase de Vere.

• Robert Farnworth started his career as a financial planner in 2006. He is currently Director, Client Advisor at Brown Shipley working with Richard on the Court of Protection team. Prior to Brown Shipley, Robert held roles at Tilney, following its acquisition of Towry, and Frenkel Topping.

• Holly Bellerby joined Richard and Robert as an Investment Manager Assistant at Brown Shipley in 2022. Prior to this, Holly worked in client support at Chase de Vere and has held a number of administrative roles in Australia and New Zealand.