Moray Financial will serve new clients with mortgage and protection needs, as well as being on-hand for Moray Group’s existing legal and property brands and customers.

Father-of-one Michael Wales, 39, has experience working with RBS, Adam & Co and latterly as a self-employed mortgage and protection adviser and will also lead on the new brand’s immediate growth plans – with a target of £300,000 turnover in new business in its first year.

Haddington-based, Mr Wales will operate between Moray Group bases across Scotland, with a view to having teams of dedicated advisers by mid-2022 in both Simpson & Marwick and Esson & Aberdein.

Michael Wales said: “The opportunity before us is immense. Immediately I’ll be on-hand to serve clients with the group’s successful legal brands.“Following early meetings with the senior team I can see the task in front of us and it’s hugely exciting. Their ambition and drive match my own.

“I’m under no illusions there will be a need to roll our sleeves up over the coming months. We must quickly establish ourselves and deliver the excellence and service levels that are expected of the Moray Group brands.

“At the same time I’ll be delivering on a plan to grow the Moray Financial brand while we seek to employ like-minded advisers and support staff. We’ll be going on a recruitment drive soon, but would welcome contact from potential candidates immediately.”

As well as adopting the latest technology to improve client service and access, Moray Financial will operate on a no-fee basis on the vast majority of cases, meaning that costs will be incorporated into preferential rates.

Rob Aberdein, chief executive and founder of Moray Group, said: “Mortgages and protection was the clear and obvious next step for our business given how much we have been referring elsewhere.

“Michael is an exceptional talent and the perfect candidate to be at the helm of this new brand, with a potent mix of energy and high-level experience.”