St James Wealth Management announces key appointment

St. James’s Place Wealth Management has strengthened its Aberdeen team with the appointment of Gary MacFarlane in the role of financial consultant.

Mr MacFarlane joins the business from Royal Bank of Scotland where he has served as a specialist financial advice manager with the 73 per cent state-owned lender for almost four years.

He brings experience garnered over a seven year career in financial planning and will report to St James’s principle representative in the Granite City, Steven McKnight, during a period of strategic expansion for the firm.

Mr McKnight and his team provide specialist wealth management advice to clients throughout the north-east, with expertise in areas including inheritance tax and estate planning, retirement and pensions, investment planning, trust planning and contractor services.

Mr McKnight said: “I am delighted to welcome Gary to the team and look forward to working with him to build on the strong foundations we have in place. His knowledge, dedication and commitment to fostering excellent client relationships are a perfect fit with our ethos.

“For 20 years I have worked tirelessly to establish a reputation for not only the best advice but also efficiency and a holistic approach to client requirements. That mix will continue to be at the heart of the business as we embark on an exciting new chapter, retaining our focus on our loyal existing clients whilst embracing new opportunities.

“I am ambitious for the future of the business and are continuing to evolve and innovate. I have a very strong team around me and Gary’s appointment is another indication of our intention to continue moving forward.”

Since Mr McKnight established it in 1995, the business has grown steadily. St. James’s Place Wealth Management, a FTSE 100 company, has in excess of £55.5 billion of client funds under management and continues to experience strong demand for services in and around Aberdeen. Steven McKnight was appointed as Principal Representative in Scotland in September 2011.

Mr MacFarlane said: “This is a fantastic chance for me to join a forward thinking business and I’m relishing the prospect of playing my part in the months and years ahead. I share Steven’s passion for the highest standards of service, as well as the client relationships which are at the core of our sector, and it is a role I’m very enthusiastic about.”