City Financial plans latest takeover as rival groups streamline

THE BIG INTERVIEW

Laura Dew talks to City Financial founder about RDR, M&A and how the firm still has room to grow.

As asset managers face growing pressure from both higher regulatory costs and the demands for clean share classes from platforms and other distributors, the reality is starting to bite for some that they cannot survive on their own. While M&A activity has yet to jump markedly in the UK, in the background more and more companies are being put up for sale. It is, undoubtedly, a tough time for some of the smaller players, but this environment provides opportunities for groups who are not afraid to open their cheque books. City Financial has been one such group that is not afraid to spend...