Fairstone is strengthening its presence in Northern Ireland with the launch of a new office hub in Belfast, driven by the region’s economic growth and increasing demand for financial services.
As the UK’s fastest-growing regional city and forecasted to experience the highest economic growth rate among cities in devolved nations*, Belfast has firmly established itself as a centre for financial and professional services.
Fairstone, the UK and Ireland’s most trusted wealth advisory firm, overseeing more than £18bn in Funds Under Management for over 125,000 wealth and mortgage clients, has an established footprint across Northern Ireland, further enhanced by the recent partnership with Ferguson Hill Asset Management. Now, with the opening of its first dedicated Northern Irish hub, Fairstone is bringing together its teams from earlier acquisitions in Lisburn and Belfast into a modern, open-plan workspace designed to foster collaboration and innovation.
This strategic move unites two highly skilled teams, creating a powerhouse of experienced financial advisers. The new hub will offer clients streamlined access to wealth advice, investment management, and mortgage services, while also opening up new career development opportunities for staff. The site will evolve into a fully equipped operational centre, mirroring the capabilities of Fairstone’s head office, enabling future growth at scale.
Haydn Gibson, Firm Principal, commented: “Demand for financial advice across Northern Ireland, and particularly in Belfast, is at an all-time high, driven by the region’s thriving economy. Establishing a larger presence here allows us to expand the range of services we offer, including a new web portal, app, video conferencing, and of course, face-to-face meetings and annual reviews throughout Northern Ireland, ensuring clients receive expert advice all year round.”
He added: “But this hub isn’t just about enhancing client services; it’s also about investing in our people. We’re committed to attracting and developing the best talent Northern Ireland has to offer, providing clear pathways for career progression and ensuring our teams feel supported and rewarded.”
The new Belfast hub is part of Fairstone’s wider strategy to create regional operational centres that serve 95% of the UK and Ireland’s population within an hour’s reach. These hubs will eventually replicate head office functions, providing comprehensive, localised support for advisers and their clients.
Shona Lowe, Managing Director North at Fairstone, added: “Regional expansion is a core pillar of Fairstone’s growth strategy. Our new Northern Ireland hub reflects our commitment to bringing a full suite of financial services directly to local communities, while maintaining the personalised, client-first approach that sets us apart.”
With this significant investment, Fairstone is not only reinforcing its commitment to Northern Ireland but also positioning itself at the forefront of the region’s booming financial services sector.