Brooks Macdonald Group's discretionary assets soar

Integrated wealth management firm Brooks Macdonald Group posted Friday a 23 per cent increase in discretionary assets under management (AUM) in the fourth quarter of last year.

The AUM results totalled £4.62bn at December 31st, up from £3.75bn the previous quarter.

The acquisition of Channel Islands discretionary firm Spearpoint in November drove results higher as it brought with it £686m worth of assets along with £357m of advisory assets and gave the group access to the expanding international pensions market.

Brooks will rebrand the business Brooks Macdonald International and has completed its integration.

AUM from the funds business rose £148m to £323m, including an £80m gain from the former Spearpoint Funds. The reconstruction of Spearpoint Funds was completed just before Christmas, which led to a 'modest redemption of £7.0m and the launch of two new income funds.

The group's property arm, Braemar Estates, saw AUM rise from £865m at the end of June to £885m at the end of the year.

The company's investment administration service exceeded £100m in the third party funds under administration, following its launch in April.

"The half year has been a successful period of growth across the group, culminating in our acquisition of Spearpoint in November," said Chief Executive, Chris Macdonald.

"We are excited about the enhanced capabilities this gives to our group offering and the opportunities going forward."

RD