Anderson Anderson & Brown Wealth Ltd (AAB Wealth), one of Scotland’s leading financial planning firms, has announced the appointment of Benny Higgins as its non-executive chairman.
Higgins has held senior roles in the financial services industry over the last 30 years. He was CEO of Tesco Bank for 10 years, prior to this he was CEO of RBS and NatWest, Retail Banking, which included their wealth management offering. His current portfolio sees him holding roles including Executive Chairman of Buccleuch and Strategic Advisor to the First Minister of Scotland on the creation of the Scottish National Investment Bank.
Asked what attracted him to the non-executive chairman role, Higgins explained: “AAB Wealth is a highly respected professional firm with ambitious growth plans, a highly able executive team and, most importantly, a real focus on serving clients well with adherence to strong values. I consider the potential to nurture this business to a level where it is considered one of the best providers of financial planning in the country is palpable.”
Fraser Porter, CEO of AAB Wealth, commented: “I’m delighted to welcome Benny to AAB Wealth. His depth of experience, strategic vision and extensive network will be invaluable to the Board. It’s an exciting time for the business as we now have an established presence in the central belt, a first-class team and a good platform to grow across Scotland.”
In addition to several recent new hires, AAB Wealth has created a senior leadership team which is tasked with the day-to-day running of the business, enhancing the service proposition and implementing the growth strategy.
Porter is clear about how the firm wishes to grow: “It’s not just about hitting financial targets, it’s about growing a valuable, sustainable business in the right way.
“This is borne out by our client retention rate which exceeds 97% and the business continuing to add significant new client levels at a rate of one new client per week.”
AAB Wealth, part of the Anderson Anderson & Brown group, has Assets under Advice (AuAs) approaching £350million. The firm is targeting income in excess of £3million for the financial year.
Fraser Porter, Benny Higgins