Fairstone Group has named Steven Cooper CBE as its new chief executive officer, subject to regulatory approval.
Cooper, who will take up the role later this autumn, brings more than 30 years’ experience in financial services.
He was most recently CEO of Aldermore Bank, where he oversaw a period of substantial growth, nearly doubling the size of the business after joining in May 2021.
His career also includes senior roles in the UK and abroad, including Group CEO of C. Hoare & Co, the UK’s oldest privately owned bank, and a number of leadership positions at Barclays.
His appointment supports Fairstone’s strategy to double in size by 2030 through a combination of strategic acquisitions and organic growth.
Cooper succeeds founder and longstanding CEO Lee Hartley, who becomes deputy board chair after 16 years leading the firm’s expansion into one of the UK’s largest chartered financial planning businesses.
Commenting on his appointment, Cooper said: “I am thrilled to be joining Fairstone. As well as being one of the fastest growing wealth advisory firms in the UK and Ireland, it is also one of the most trusted by its clients.
“What drew me here was the clarity of purpose – doing the right thing for clients, building long-term relationships, and supporting people to make confident financial decisions.
“That approach aligns closely with my own values. I’ve always believed that integrity, stewardship, and high professional standards are essential to building trust and delivering strong outcomes.”
Hartley added: “Fairstone has reached a significant point in its journey, and I’m pleased to be handing over to Steven as he takes on the next phase of leadership.
“His experience and values are well aligned with the business as it advances towards its 2030 goals.”
Independent chairman David Hickey welcomed the appointment, saying Cooper brings “invaluable insight to the group”.
“With these appointments, we have ensured Fairstone has the right leadership in place to guide clients through this transition and deliver on our long-term goals,” he said.
Fairstone has more than 125,000 clients and annual revenues of over £175m. Earlier this year, it reached £20bn in client assets under management (AUM) and completed its 100th partnership through its Downstream Buy-Out (DBO) model.
The firm now aims to double AUM to £40bn by the end of 2030.
