Fairstone builds on Scottish presence with new DBO signing 336 Financial Management Limited

Fairstone has welcomed Edinburgh based 336 Financial Management Limited as the latest firm to join its market leading Downstream Buy-Out (DBO) programme.

The deal takes Fairstone to a milestone 29 new partnerships across the UK and Ireland over the last 24 months, collectively adding a total of £4.1bn AUM and 177 new advisers into the Group. Fairstone now has £18 billion funds under management, reinforcing its position as the most trusted wealth management firms across the UK and Ireland.

Scotland continues to be a key focus for Fairstone, which now operates or partners with over 20 locations across the country. The addition of 336 Financial Management, a well-established firm in Edinburgh, enhances Fairstone’s foothold in the capital, a city offering significant growth opportunities.

And with a commitment to expanding its office hubs in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen, and a 2030 UK wide target of £40 billion AUM, Fairstone is dedicated to expanding its national footprint. As part of its broader growth strategy, the firm is also establishing regional operational centres designed to serve 95% of the local population within an hour’s reach. These hubs will eventually mirror the functions of its head office, providing closer, full-service  support for local teams and their clients

Commenting on the DBO, Lee Hartley, Chief Executive of Fairstone said:

“336 Financial Management’s excellent reputation and client-first approach make it an excellent fit for Fairstone. The team will play a pivotal role in building our presence in Edinburgh, the heart of  Scotland’s financial services industry and a key location in the broader plan to drive continued growth throughout Scotland.”

Fairstone’s DBO programme provides ambitious IFA firms who have no desire to sell in the immediate future, the ability to release capital on day one of partnership and then work towards a full sale at a future date of their choosing. Fairstone provides access to investment, resource, and new clients during the partnership period to ensure that each business reaches its optimal value at the date of full acquisition.

Douglas Young, Director at 336 Financial Planning, added:

“Fairstone’s reputation as the UK’s largest and most trusted independent, wealth advisory firm was a huge factor in our decision.  Joining Fairstone will allow us to work with the excellent Fairstone Investment team and to offer bespoke investment solutions at the best value for our clients.”

Elaine Walker, Director at 336 Financial Planning said:

“We are delighted to have joined Fairstone. The support and resources available are  outstanding, and we feel confident that joining Fairstone will be hugely beneficial for both our business and our clients. Being part of a national firm with such scale and expertise allows us to enhance our offering while maintaining our client-focused approach.”

The DBO model remains a compelling choice for ambitious firms pursuing sustainable growth and improved client outcomes. In 2025, Fairstone aims to further solidify its national presence, building on well over a decade of successful deal making, during which time it has welcomed a total of 87 new firms into the group. Maintaining that level of deal activity over such a long period of time clearly demonstrates the dynamic nature of the DBO model and the firm’s ability to adapt to ever changing market conditions over a sustained period of time.

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