The ownership structure of a wealth management firm shapes the way it operates – from the priorities it sets to the direction it takes and how it evolves over time.
Killik & Co is an independently-owned Partnership. For clients, this means our priorities can be shaped around their needs rather than those of an external parent company, supporting long-term relationships and continuity of service. At a time of sustained consolidation across the sector, that distinction has become increasingly meaningful to us and our clients.
What does “independently owned” mean?
Independent ownership describes the way in which a business is owned and governed. Killik & Co operates as a Limited Liability Partnership owned by its Partners, without external shareholders. Founder Paul Killik remains the Senior Partner of the business.
The firm is not controlled by a bank, private equity investor or other external parent company. Decisions about Killik’s direction and development can therefore be made within the Partnership, by people with a direct understanding of our clients and a lasting interest in the firm’s future.
This should not be confused with “independent financial advice”, which has a specific regulatory meaning. Independent ownership describes how a firm is owned; independent financial advice relates to the range of products and providers considered when advice is given.
Why independent ownership is increasingly rare
The UK wealth management landscape has shifted considerably in recent years. Sustained merger and acquisition activity has seen many firms become part of larger financial groups or private equity-backed businesses. Recent figures underline the continuing pace of this change: EY recorded 61 publicly disclosed UK wealth and asset management deals in the first half of 2026, up from 47 during the same period in 2025 (EY, 2026).
There can be sound reasons for firms to seek greater scale, and a change of ownership does not necessarily affect the service clients receive. It can, however, alter a firm’s priorities, culture and direction if decisions become subject to the objectives of a wider group.
Against this background, remaining independently owned represents more than continuity of name. It preserves Killik & Co’s ability to determine its own direction, decide where to invest in the business and develop its services with clients’ long-term needs in mind.
If your wealth manager has recently changed ownership, it is reasonable to ask whether your Adviser, investment approach or service might change as a consequence – and whether the firm’s priorities remain aligned with your own.
Why our ownership matters to clients
Without an external parent company, we are not required to shape our services or advice around its commercial priorities or product range.
This reduces the potential for certain ownership-related conflicts of interest and allows us to set priorities more closely aligned with the needs of our clients, while taking a long-term view of the support they may require.
How independent ownership shapes our services
That autonomy also extends to how our services evolve and the capabilities in which we invest. This includes a continued emphasis on Adviser recruitment, internal training and promotion from within the firm, supporting Adviser continuity and long-term client relationships.
Alongside investment management and wealth planning, clients can draw upon expertise in areas including personal taxation, trusts, wills and lasting powers of attorney, as well as our Family Office service for more complex needs. This breadth allows us to support individuals and families at any age and every stage – from immediate priorities to longer-term, multi-generational goals.
Explore our Wealth Management, Wealth Planning and Family Office services.
Capital at risk
Capital at risk
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.
Other reasons clients choose Killik & Co
Founded in 1989, Killik has more than three decades of experience supporting clients and their families.
In June 2024, we became a certified B Corporation. B Corps are businesses verified by B Lab as meeting standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.
Our certification followed an assessment lasting almost a year and covering nearly 250 questions across five areas: Governance, Workers, Community, Environment and Customers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Killik & Co independent?
Killik & Co is an independently-owned wealth management Partnership. This describes the ownership and governance of the firm and is distinct from “independent financial advice”, which has a specific regulatory meaning.
Is Killik & Co partner-owned, and who owns it?
Yes. Killik is a Limited Liability Partnership owned by its Partners, without external shareholders. Founder and Senior Partner Paul Killik retains majority ownership. The firm is not controlled by a bank, private equity investor or other external parent company.
What does “independently owned” mean for me as a client?
It means that decisions about Killik & Co's direction and services can be made within the partnership rather than by an external parent company. This allows us to set our own priorities and develop our capabilities with clients’ long-term needs in mind.
Does independent ownership affect the advice I receive?
Independent ownership does not determine the regulatory classification of the advice you receive. It does mean that we are not required to promote the products or fulfil the strategic priorities of an external parent company and can draw upon our expertise according to your circumstances.
When was Killik & Co founded?
Sources
EY, 2026. UK financial services M&A deal value up eight-fold in H1 2026.
https://www.ey.com/en_uk/newsroom/2026/07/ey-financial-services-m-and-a-analysis
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