Justin Urquhart Stewart, one of the founders of platform 7IM and a well known TV and radio financial commentator familiar onscreen for his red braces, retired recently from 7IM. But instead of hanging up his boots at 65 he has thrown his weight behind a new SME investment start up called Regionally where he is chairman. Financial Planning Today editor Kevin O’Donnell interviewed him via video call about the new business and its plans.

Financial adviser Frenkel Topping is to shift its acquisition strategy away from the IFA market due to a lack of “suitable” targets.

Platform and SIPP firm James Hay has appointed former LV= group CEO Richard Rowney as its new chief executive to replace Alastair Conway.

Independent Wealth Planners has acquired Southern-based Financial Planning firm Hunter Hammond Daniel Associates to establish its first presence in Sussex.

Schroder’s Cazenove Capital business is to acquire London-based UHNW family office Sandaire in a drive to expand its wealth management business globally.

Wealth manager and Financial Planner Kingswood is to acquire Surrey-based Chartered Financial Planner firm Regency Investment Services for £3.45m.