Benchmark Financial Planning
Benchmark Financial Planning is a UK-based, Schroders-owned independent financial advisory firm serving individuals, business owners, and trustees through 13 offices with financial planning, investment management, pensions, mortgages, and corporate services delivered via a digital client portal.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersHorsham, United Kingdom
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Benchmark Financial Planning does
Benchmark Financial Planning is a UK-based independent financial advisory firm operating 13 office locations across England and Northern Ireland, headquartered in Horsham, West Sussex. The firm serves individuals, business owners, trustees, and professional connections (solicitors and accountants) with a comprehensive suite of services including financial planning, investment management, pensions, mortgages, protection and insurance, and corporate services. Benchmark Financial Planning is 100% owned by Schroders, one of the world's most-respected asset and wealth managers, and operates as an Appointed Representative of Best Practice IFA Group Limited under FCA regulation (registration 223112). It also holds Chartered Financial Planning status from the Chartered Insurance Institute.
The firm's core technology is an award-winning digital client portal hosted at secure.wealthplatform.com, providing 24/7 access to consolidated financial plans, policies, documents, and secure messaging with advisers, supported by FTSE 100-level security infrastructure. The group structure includes wholly-owned subsidiaries Best Practice IFA Group Limited, Bright Square Limited, Evolution Wealth Limited, and Fusion Wealth Limited, with Unique Financial Planning now integrated into the Benchmark brand following acquisition. Marketing and demand generation operate through a multi-channel mix of content (guides, webinars, quarterly newsletters, budget/tax updates), organic social, client testimonials, and a solicitor/accountant referral network.
Benchmark's revenue model is primarily recurring, based on tiered percentage fees of assets under management (0.85% up to £1m, 0.50% from £1m–£5m, 0.25% over £5m) plus a one-time initial advice fee of 1% of advised assets (minimum £1,500, maximum £25,000). Some simpler services, such as ISA advice, are charged at fixed fees from £250. Distribution is sales-led via dedicated advisers delivering in-person or virtual consultations across the office network, complemented by self-service through the client portal and inbound referrals from professional connections. The firm employs approximately 117 staff across the UK.
Benchmark Financial Planning firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Benchmark Financial Planning
- Legal name
- Benchmark Capital Limited
- Website
- https://benchmarkfp.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Benchmark Financial Planning is a UK-based, Schroders-owned independent financial advisory firm serving individuals, business owners, and trustees through 13 offices with financial planning, investment management, pensions, mortgages, and corporate services delivered via a digital client portal.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Benchmark Financial Planning industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Financial Advisory Services
- NAICS
- Portfolio Management and Investment Advice (523940), Portfolio Management and Investment Advice (52394)
- SIC
- Investment Advice (6282)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Comprehensive Financial Planning (FSAEAAAA)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Digital/Robo Financial Planning (FSAEAAAK)
Keywords
Where Benchmark Financial Planning is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Horsham
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices13 records
Markets served
Benchmark Financial Planning business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Percentage of Assets Under Management (AUM): Ongoing advice fees charged as a percentage of assets under management. Initial advice charged at 1% of advised assets, with ongoing fees tiered by asset level. This creates a recurring revenue stream tied to client asset values.
- Fixed Fee Services: Some simpler services charged at fixed fees, such as ISA advice starting from £250. Provides predictable revenue for straightforward advisory services.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | One time | Initial Advice: 1% of advised assets |
| Subscription | Annual | Ongoing Advice: Tiered percentage by asset level |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels8 records
Benchmark Financial Planning product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Benchmark Financial Planning is a UK chartered financial planning firm that provides personalized financial advisory services covering financial planning, investment management, pensions, mortgages, protection and insurance, and corporate services. It serves individuals, business owners, trustees, and professional connections through 13 UK offices backed by an award-winning digital client portal that consolidates plans, policies, documents and adviser messaging in a single secure platform.
Product overview
Benchmark Financial Planning offers a unified financial advisory service platform combining personalized financial planning with digital tools. Their core service offerings include Financial Planning, Investment Management, Pensions, Mortgages, Protection and Insurance, and Corporate Services, all delivered through a proprietary digital client portal that provides 24/7 access to plans, documents, and adviser communication. The platform is designed to serve individuals, business owners, trustees, and professional connections with both in-person and virtual advisory options.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Financial Planning Core financial planning service providing personalised advisory and strategic wealth management for individuals seeking to plan retirement, build wealth, protect family and pass on assets.
- Investment Management
- Pensions
- Mortgages
- Protection and Insurance
- Corporate Services
Quantifiable outcome
- Research shows people who work with advisers build more valuable assets than those who go it alone
Companies that use Benchmark Financial Planning
Customer profileSegments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Benchmark Financial Planning technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Benchmark Financial Planning partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Best Practice IFA Group LimitedcoreRegulatory network providing FCA-authorized status. Benchmark Financial Planning and Unique Financial Planning are both Appointed Representatives of Best Practice IFA Group Limited, which is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (registration number 223112). Provides compliance framework and regulatory oversight.
- SafecallminorExternal independent global reporting service providing confidential whistleblowing channel. Available 24/7 via online portal or phone. Supports multiple languages including English for reporting concerns about wrongdoing, impropriety, or unethical behaviour.
- Solicitors and Accountants NetworkminorExtended network of professional advisers including solicitors and accountants who collaborate on complex financial planning matters, particularly trust arrangements and estate planning. Refer clients requiring financial planning expertise.
- Unique Financial PlanningcoreAcquired firm now integrated into Benchmark Financial Planning. Former Unique clients continue to receive service from same advisers and teams. Integration provides expanded service capabilities and UK-wide coverage.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Benchmark Financial Planning competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- St. James's Place: UK's largest wealth manager with a national adviser network offering financial planning, investment management, and pensions to individuals and business owners. Directly comparable in target market and product mix, but materially larger and FTSE-listed with a partnership (self-employed) adviser model.
- Rathbones Group: FTSE-listed UK wealth manager providing investment management, financial planning, and advice to individuals, trustees, and charities. Comparable in HNW/trustee client focus and breadth of services, but operates at significantly greater scale and is publicly listed.
- Evelyn Partners (formerly Tilney Smith & Williamson): UK wealth management and professional services group providing financial planning, investment management, and tax services to HNW individuals, families, and trustees. Comparable in full-service advice to HNW/trustee segments; significantly larger with private equity backing.
- Quilter: FTSE-listed UK wealth manager with a national adviser network and platform business, offering financial planning, investment, and pension solutions to individuals and business owners. Comparable in product breadth and client segments; larger and platform-enabled.
Emerging players
- Cazenove Capital (Schroders): UK wealth manager within the Schroders group serving HNW individuals, family offices, and charities. Sister entity to Benchmark within Schroders' UK advice franchise, comparable in services and target client base but focused on the upper HNW/charity segment.
- True Potential: UK financial services and technology group offering wealth management, pensions, and protection via a digital platform and adviser network. Comparable in combining technology-led advice with personal financial planning, with a lower-cost hybrid model.
Regional players
- Hargreaves Lansdown: UK's largest direct-to-consumer investment platform serving retail investors with ISAs, pensions, funds, and shares. Comparable as a UK investment services provider targeting individuals, but operates a self-directed platform model rather than advice-led relationships.
Direct peers
- Brooks Macdonald: UK wealth manager providing investment management and financial planning to HNW individuals, intermediaries, and institutions. Closely comparable in size, UK-only footprint, target client base, and AUM-based fee model, making it Benchmark's most relevant direct peer.
- Raymond James Investment Services (UK): UK subsidiary of Raymond James providing financial planning and investment services to UK HNW individuals through a network of advisers. Comparable as a UK-focused advisory firm serving similar client segments with investment-led advice.
- Chase de Vere (now part of Lloyds Banking Group): UK independent financial adviser providing holistic financial planning, investment, pension, and mortgage advice to individuals and business owners. Closely comparable in service breadth, target segments, and adviser-led model.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Benchmark Financial Planning social profiles
Digital presenceBenchmark Financial Planning compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Benchmark Financial Planning financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Benchmark Financial Planning leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Benchmark Financial Planning subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries5 records
Benchmark Financial Planning funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Benchmark Financial Planning M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Benchmark Financial Planning
What does Benchmark Financial Planning do?
Benchmark Financial Planning is a UK chartered financial planning firm that provides personalized financial advisory services covering financial planning, investment management, pensions, mortgages, protection and insurance, and corporate services. It serves individuals, business owners, trustees, and professional connections through 13 UK offices backed by an award-winning digital client portal that consolidates plans, policies, documents and adviser messaging in a single secure platform.
Is Benchmark Financial Planning a public or private company?
Benchmark Financial Planning is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Benchmark Financial Planning founded?
Benchmark Financial Planning was founded in -1. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Benchmark Financial Planning based?
Benchmark Financial Planning is headquartered in Horsham, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Benchmark Financial Planning make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Percentage of Assets Under Management (AUM) is the primary driver. The others are fixed Fee Services.
Who are Benchmark Financial Planning's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are St. James's Place, Rathbones Group, Evelyn Partners (formerly Tilney Smith & Williamson) and Quilter. Emerging players are Cazenove Capital (Schroders) and True Potential. Hargreaves Lansdown is listed as a regional player. Direct peers are Brooks Macdonald, Raymond James Investment Services (UK) and Chase de Vere (now part of Lloyds Banking Group).
Does Benchmark Financial Planning have an API?
No public API is recorded for Benchmark Financial Planning.
What industry is Benchmark Financial Planning in?
Benchmark Financial Planning's product category is Financial Advisory Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSAEAAAA, Comprehensive Financial Planning, with a secondary code of FSAEAAAK, Digital/Robo Financial Planning. Its NAICS code is 523940 and its SIC code is 6282.