Next-Gen Tech-Driven Wealth Management Solutions

Nucleus Financial Platforms, a foremost UK adviser platform group managing over £80 billion in assets for 250,000 customers, has reached an agreement to acquire Third Financial, a rapidly growing investment platform and software provider renowned for its innovative technology and strong growth trajectory. Third Financial boasts a robust client base of discretionary wealth managers, multi-family offices, and adviser consolidators, supporting over £6 billion in assets under administration and an additional £40 billion through its Tercero software system.

This acquisition is set to revolutionise Nucleus’s offerings, allowing it to provide a full suite of platform solutions that cater to the evolving needs of advisory and wealth firms. The deal introduces an ‘adviser-as-platform’ capability, aiming to empower larger firms with the tools to offer their own bespoke platform services, thereby enhancing revenue, reducing risk, and improving operational efficiency.

Ian Partington, the existing Chief Executive of Third Financial, will continue to lead the company, ensuring its ongoing commitment to innovation and client service while benefitting from the broader capabilities and opportunities within the Nucleus group. This strategic move is subject to regulatory approval and underscores both companies’ commitment to providing exceptional value and service to their clients.

Ian Partington, Group Chief Executive of Third Financial added: “GP Bullhound’s deep sector knowledge, network and established relationships were key to driving the optimal outcome and in finding the right partner for Third, our team and our shareholders. I can recommend them as both sector specialists and experienced, hands-on advisors.”

The acquisition not only signifies a milestone for Nucleus and Third Financial but also represents a pivotal moment in the market, responding to the growing trend among advisory groups to establish their own platforms. 

Matt Stamp Partner at GP Bullhound added: “The Third team has built a unique technology platform that enables both wealth managers and advisers to automate their operations whilst providing a seamless customer proposition. Third, as part of Nucleus, is perfectly positioned to take advantage of consolidators’ strong demand for the ‘adviser-as-a-platform’ proposition. We are delighted to have advised the team on this deal and strongly believe Third and Nucleus will now firmly establish a best in market platform proposition.”

Upon completion, the combined group’s assets under administration are expected to reach approximately £90 billion, marking a significant step forward in Nucleus’s growth and expansion strategy.

For enquiries, please contact:
Matt Stamp, Partner, at Matt.Stamp@gpbullhound.com

About GP Bullhound
GP Bullhound is a leading technology advisory and investment firm, providing transaction advice and capital to the world’s best entrepreneurs and founders. Founded in 1999 in London and Menlo Park, the firm today has 14 offices spanning Europe, the US and Asia. For more information, please visit www.gpbullhound.com.