MarshBerry Releases 2024 UK Investment Sector and Wealth Management Market Trends Report

Report analyzes all UK investment sector M&A transactions announced during the year

March 6, 2025

London, UK – MarshBerry, a leading investment banking and consulting firm serving the insurance distribution and wealth management industries, has released its much-awaited 2024 M&A Annual Review, providing an in-depth analysis of mergers and acquisitions across the UK investment sector. This year’s report leverages proprietary data to examine all announced transactions valued at £5 million or more, with a particular focus on the evolving structure of the wealth management market—an area that continues to present strong M&A opportunities.

The report highlights yet another year of high deal activity, though with greater quarterly fluctuations than in recent years. These variations reflect shifting buyer and seller behaviors, as acquirers and investors adopt a more selective approach due to increasing regulatory pressures from Consumer Duty and higher capital costs. Many firms opted to further scale their businesses before pursuing transactions, while others have faced intensified due diligence scrutiny.

Despite these headwinds, overseas buyers—particularly from North America—remained active in the UK market. Private equity (PE) played a slightly less dominant role compared to prior years, though PE-backed portfolio companies continued to drive deal flow.

“As the industry moves into 2025, market confidence remains strong, with continued opportunities for growth and value creation,” said Fred Hansson, Managing Director. “With deep industry expertise, global reach, and a track record of successfully guiding firms through complex transactions, MarshBerry stands ready to help firms navigate the evolving M&A landscape and capitalize on emerging opportunities.”

In 2024, MarshBerry advised on 173 global transactions, more than any other advisory firm. With a presence in the U.S., UK, and Europe, MarshBerry continues to provide unparalleled market intelligence and deal execution expertise, helping firms capitalize on both domestic and global opportunities.

The report is available at https://www.MarshBerry.com/EU/Insights/.

If you have questions on how MarshBerry helps insurance broking firms create a path forward, in the U.S. or across Europe, or would like to discuss report findings further, please contact us today.

MarshBerry – Helping Clients Learn, Improve & Realize Value

MarshBerry is a global leader in Merger & Acquisition (M&A) advisory services, corporate finance solutions, and strategic consulting for insurance brokerages and firms in the wealth management industry. Our mission is to help firms in insurance distribution amplify value and chart strategic courses towards a future rife with opportunities. With a legacy spanning over 40 years, MarshBerry expanded its footprint to Europe in 2019 and now boasts four locations specializing in Corporate Finance Advisory (M&A Advisory; Capital Raising), and Business Planning (Strategic Planning; Business Valuations; Perpetuation Planning). MarshBerry’s deep industry expertise, innovative solutions, and client-first philosophy support European financial service providers in optimizing their business strategies and achieving long-term success. For more information, visit www.MarshBerry.com/EU.