Lonsdale Named FT Adviser Top 100 Financial Adviser for 2026

Monday 12 October, 2026

We are delighted to announce that Lonsdale Services Limited has been recognised among the FT Adviser Top 100 Financial Advisers for 2026, an achievement that reflects the experience, commitment and hard work of our team, as well as the long-standing relationships we have built with our customers.

The FT Adviser Top 100 brings together some of the leading financial advice businesses from across the UK. The 2026 rankings recognise firms that demonstrate strong performance and sustainable development, with the assessment drawing on data from ISS Market Intelligence alongside measures including a firm's longevity, financial data and professional qualifications and accreditations.

For us, being included is about much more than a position on a list. It is recognition of the way we have built Lonsdale over many years, putting customers first, investing in our people and continuing to develop a business that can provide high-quality independent financial advice for the long term.

Simon Hawker, Managing Director & Financial Adviser, St Albans said 

“We are extremely proud to see Lonsdale Services recognised among the FT Adviser Top 100 Financial Advisers for 2026. It is a reflection of the hard work and commitment of our whole team, but also of the trust our customers place in us. We have always believed that successful financial advice is built around long-term relationships, understanding our customers and helping them plan confidently for the future.”

What does it take to become an FT Adviser Top 100 firm?

Being recognised among the FT Adviser Top 100 Financial Advisers is not simply about how much a business has grown. The methodology considers a range of factors designed to identify strong and sustainable financial advice businesses.

These include financial performance, how long a firm has been established, and professional qualifications and accreditations, alongside other indicators which help demonstrate how firms are developing and supporting their customers.

That makes the recognition particularly meaningful to us.

Lonsdale was established in St Albans in 2003 and has steadily developed from its original base into a wider team of independent Financial Advisers working throughout the UK. The business has grown significantly over the years while retaining its focus on individual customer advice and teamwork.

We have also continued to invest in our people and the future of the profession. Developing new talent, including through apprenticeships and training, is an important part of ensuring that customers can continue to benefit from knowledgeable, experienced and committed Financial Advisers for many years to come.

At the same time, we have worked hard to retain the customers who have trusted us with their financial planning. Many of the relationships we have built are long-standing, with customers continuing to work with us as their circumstances, priorities and financial goals change.

That commitment to lasting relationships has always been central to the way Lonsdale operates.

Independent advice, backed by experience

Lonsdale is proud to be a team of Independent Financial Advisers.

Being independent means we are not tied to a particular financial provider. Our advisers can therefore consider solutions from across the market when providing advice, helping us focus on what is appropriate for each customer's individual circumstances, objectives and attitude to risk.

Our team has also continued to grow. As well as experienced Financial Advisers, Lonsdale has developed the next generation of advisers, combining many years of knowledge and expertise with new talent entering the profession.

This is important because financial planning is rarely about a single financial decision. Customers may need advice at different stages of their lives, whether they are planning for retirement, reviewing their investments, considering protection, managing pensions or thinking about their estate.

Having a team with a breadth of experience and specialist knowledge allows us to support customers as their needs evolve.

Our Financial Advisers also include individuals with specialist professional qualifications and accreditations, adding further depth of knowledge and expertise to the service we provide.

Why does this recognition matter to our customers?

An accolade such as the FT Adviser Top 100 is encouraging, but what really matters is what it means for the people who choose to work with us.

Our customers want to know that they are dealing with a business that is established, experienced and committed to providing a high standard of service. They also want confidence that their Financial Advisers understand their circumstances and will continue to be there as their financial needs develop.

That is why our approach has always been centred around long-term relationships rather than simply providing one-off advice.

Lonsdale provides independent financial advice on an ongoing basis, with customised investment planning designed around individual circumstances and objectives. Our core values include integrity, reliability and providing fair value to customers.

We also actively seek feedback from our customers. Our published customer questionnaire results include responses from more than 1,600 customers, helping us understand what we are doing well and where we can continue to improve.

So, while the FT Adviser recognition is something we are very proud of, it also reinforces something we have believed from the beginning: good financial advice is about people, relationships and trust.

Continuing to invest in the future

One of the things that makes this recognition particularly special is that Lonsdale continues to evolve.

We have grown our team and expanded our presence while maintaining the personal approach that has always been important to us. We have invested in developing new talent and apprenticeships, while continuing to support experienced Financial Advisers as they develop their knowledge and professional expertise.

This balance matters.

Financial planning is a long-term relationship. Customers may work with their adviser for many years, through changing circumstances, new financial priorities and important life decisions. Having a strong team behind that relationship means we can continue to provide continuity, experience and support.

Our aim is not simply to grow bigger. It is to grow in a way that allows us to maintain the quality of our advice and customer service.

A recognition of the whole Lonsdale team

The FT Adviser Top 100 recognition belongs to everyone at Lonsdale.

From our experienced Financial Advisers and the colleagues developing their careers, to our administration, technical and customer service teams, every person plays an important role in delivering the experience our customers receive.

It is also recognition of our customers, who have trusted us over the years and continue to recommend us to friends, family and colleagues.

As we look ahead, we want to continue building on this achievement rather than simply celebrating it. That means continuing to develop our people, invest in the future, listen to our customers and maintain the standards that have helped Lonsdale establish so many long-term relationships.

Simon Hawker continued 

“Being recognised in the FT Adviser Top 100 is a fantastic milestone for Lonsdale, but our focus remains firmly on our customers. We want to continue developing a business where people receive independent financial advice from experienced advisers who take the time to understand what really matters to them. We are proud of how far the business has come, and equally excited about what we can achieve together in the years ahead.”

Being recognised among the FT Adviser Top 100 Financial Advisers for 2026 gives the whole Lonsdale team another reason to celebrate, while motivating us to continue doing what matters most: providing independent financial advice that helps our customers make informed decisions and work towards their long-term financial goals.

If you are considering your financial future and would like to find out how our experienced Financial Advisers could help, we offer an initial free financial planning consultation with no obligation. It is an opportunity to discuss your circumstances, understand how we work and see whether our approach is right for you.

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