Ben is the Managing Director of Retiring IFA and leads on larger IFA transactions nationwide. With a background in financial services and investment banking, he has a strong track record in helping regulated firms scale and achieve successful exits. Ben works closely with business owners to deliver strategic, value-driven deals that protect clients, teams, and stakeholders.
Over nearly two decades, Ben and the Retiring IFA team have built a deep network of trusted acquirers — from national consolidators to high-quality regional firms. He places great emphasis on thoroughly diligencing every buyer to ensure retiring advisers leave their businesses in safe, long-term hands.
Alongside his work in the IFA market, Ben is an active property investor and backs early-stage UK startups in proptech and financial services. Outside work, he spends most of his time with his young family, fitting in the occasional trip to the rugby pitch, tennis court, or golf course.
Ed Thorpe has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions within the IFA sector, specifically in the midlands and south of the country. He has worked on hundreds of transactions with a range of clients, from smaller regional businesses to national, private equity backed firms.
After graduating from Durham University with a Distinction in his MSc Economics degree, Ed transitioned into M&A where he strives to achieve the best possible outcome for his clients in whatever their objectives are. The priority is always to ensure long term success for the firm, its staff, and their clients on both sides of the deal.
Byron is our Regional Director of the North and has worked in the Financial Services M&A Sector for over 10 years, he is our most experienced consultant advising on hundreds of transactions over the years. With a background of corporate and commercial contract experience from a career as a Solicitor & business owner, Byron has a particular set of skills that helps bring the right businesses together and guide them to a positive and transparent outcome for both parties.
As Regional Director at Retiring Group, I lead strategic M&A initiatives across the North & Midlands, with a focus on helping business owners in the financial sector transition, grow, or exit with confidence.
With a proven track record in guiding firms through complex succession and acquisition strategies, I partner with financial professionals, practice owners, and advisory firms to design and execute deals that align with both short-term value and long-term vision.
Whether it's optimizing valuation, structuring win-win transitions, or identifying the right buyer or seller, I bring deep industry insight, a strong deal-making network, and a practical, results-driven approach to every engagement.
If you're a financial practice owner thinking about retirement, growth through acquisition, or navigating succession
