About | Private Wealth Management | Arlo Group

About

Who we are

Established with a goal to be the market leader in client service, Arlo was created as a company with the aim of providing holistic, ethical financial planning for clients as they prepare for the twists and turns of life’s financial journey.

The Arlo Group has consistently strived to build and develop upon a watertight reputation for excellence and an unmatched level of service. The result is an impressive assembly of some of the best financial expertise available today. Although Arlo Group has grown, the core values remain the same.

“…a highly focused enthusiastic team player that provides excellent advice and service to all of his clients. A true professional that goes out of his way to ensure that his clients are serviced on a regular basis.”

How we can help you

We can help you to make, mobilise and bequeath your wealth.

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Investment Management
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02

Protection
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03

Wealth Planning
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04

Retirement Planning
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Private Banking
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More Expertise

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Meet the team

Our expert team will help you identify, secure and maintain your desired lifestyle.

MEET THE TEAM
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Graham Thornton

Private Wealth Director

Graham has over 45 years’ experience of working in Wealth Management and Banking.

He set out on his career working for the National Westminster Bank & The Royal Bank of Scotland for 29 years where he achieved Manager status, before moving into Financial Services as a Private Wealth executive providing clients with Investment and Retirement solutions.

When in 2004 he left The Royal Bank of Scotland to set up his own U.K. independent financial service company with a former colleague and that company is still running to this day. Having now joined The Arlo Group Graham remains passionate in providing his clients with clear and transparent advice.

Graham is also a member of the London Institute of Banking & Finance and holds a Diploma for Financial Advisers.

Outside of work, Graham enjoys spending time with his family, he enjoys travel and supporting his football team Liverpool.

Bob Symons

Private Wealth Director

Bob has been working in the Wealth Management and Banking Industry since 1990. He is an active member of the Chartered Insurance Institute and the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment, being one of their Chartered Members.

Bob started in financial services in 1990, initially with a UK bank, then in 1997 Joining a large UK I FA specialising in Portfolio Management, Inheritance Tax, and succession planning. Bob moved to the UAE in 2003 where he has built a very good reputation as an accomplished, ethical adviser. Working in key areas of wealth accumulation, management, and tax mitigation strategies for his globally mobile clients.

Bob joined Arlo-Group (UK) and AHR Private Wealth (UAE) in December 2019 bringing significant knowledge and experience to the companies. Bob will continue to work both in the UAE and UK on an ongoing basis.

Paul Shadbolt

Independent Financial Adviser

Having started in Financial Services in 1987, Paul has over 25 years experience in the industry. During that time he has worked for some of the biggest names in Private Banking as well as various Wealth Management firms.

Due to the nature of clientele within these firms, Paul has spent his career servicing HNW & UHNW clients and has specialised in dealing with UK Resident Non Domiciled clients. He has developed a clear understanding of their needs over an extended period of time, setting himself apart from advisors in the industry and very much making him one of the few advisors in London that clearly understands this very niche area. The majority of Paul’s clients continue to work in the Square Mile and many have worked overseas during their careers, as well as within the UK.

Due to this, Paul specialises in some of the more unique areas of financial advice. These areas include QROPS, QNUPS, International Pension Plans and EU annuities on behalf of clients of various nationality. Further to this, Paul specialises in wider areas of niche advice, including EIS, VCT’s and Inheritance Tax. His client book includes French, South African and US clients who are mainly employed at large investment banks, indeed, Paul works closely with the majority of the worlds largest investment houses and having built up a solid reputation over many years, Paul frequently conducts investor clinics within their offices building upon the long standing and trusted relationship they all enjoy.

Outside work, Paul is very much a family man and enjoys the support that his wife, Michelle gives him, also a finance professional. Paul taught judo for many years and enjoys watching F1, cooking and exploring new Wines.

Jesper Sommer

Independent Financial Adviser

Jesper earned his MSc in Finance from Central European University and was subsequently awarded a scholarship to study on an MBA course at IPADE Business School in Mexico City. Before joining Arlo International, Jesper worked for an extended period of time in both Asia and Switzerland providing international financial planning advice to affluent individuals.

The ability to explain complex financial concepts in a clear and understandable way is for Jesper an important factor in the advice process. His focus on 360-degree financial planning means that each and every client receives tailor-made advice, specifically designed towards each client’s personal situation and financial aspirations.

Originally from Denmark, many of Jesper’s clients are Scandinavians receiving expert advice on cross-border financial planning. Also a member of The Personal Finance Society and holder of the CII Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, Jesper asserts a rare skillset of UK qualifications, years of industry experience and local Scandinavian expertise.

Claire McCabe

Head of Operations

Claire graduated with an Honours Degree from Glasgow Caledonian University in Business and Information Management.

After graduating she began her career in the financial services sector, starting with Direct Line Insurance. Then followed a move to The Royal Bank of Scotland where she worked for 11 years. During this time, she undertook several roles and gained valuable experience in the financial services sector and provided first-class customer service.

As Executive Assistant, she assists the board of Directors and advisors with client support and administrative tasks. From her experience she brings a wide range of skills to the team.

In her spare time Claire enjoys live music, festivals and spending time with friends and family.

John Sands

Wealth Manager

John’s career in Financial Services started in 1997 when he took the role of Financial Adviser and Servicing Agent under the home service company, Royal London.

During his next three years he also saw service with Royal Liver Assurance and Britannic Assurance, where he achieved the FPC qualifications needed at the time to conduct financial advice. From these early days John built up sound client relationships, many of which remain to the present day.

In early 2000 John decided that his career path would be better served as an Independent Financial adviser and joined a company of two people who had just started out in the enterprise themselves. Although the very start was extremely tough, within four years the company had become the largest independent financial adviser company in South Yorkshire with 129 advisers. As well as running a branch of 10 advisers and becoming a Director of the company, John was able to carry on with his advising role and maintain client relationships. John helped source many local business and professional contacts with local companies including, his personal favourite, winning the contract to service Barnsley Football Club with financial advice. At this time John also achieved the Level 4 qualifications required to be a professional adviser covering Pensions, Protection, Investments and Savings as well as studying for his advanced certificate in financial planning.

In 2012, having had an offer from the Middle East, John decided that he would try advising in Abu Dhabi. When he came back to the UK for personal reasons, John returned to the company he had helped to set up before moving to The Arlo Group UK.

On a personal note, John served at home and abroad for over 5 years in the Royal Navy. He represented his ships and bases in various sports and was picked for the Navy’s swimming team. John likes to keep fit and frequently attends the gym. When he can, he also likes to watch his local football club, Barnsley. John likes DIY and gardening and loves countryside walks near his home and holidays both at home and abroad.

Lesley Vine

Paraplanner

Lesley’s career in finance started in the City of London when she left school at age 16 and has spanned many years in different environments. Initially starting as an Accounts Clerk for a commodity broker she then moved on to syndicated loans in the corporate banking sector.

Following a move to the north of England, Lesley took on various colourful work placements and gained experience in different professional environments, including legal, before settling back into the world of finance and studying for her financial planning exams.

Lesley enjoys spending time with family and friends and likes to put her dancing shoes on whenever possible! She also likes to offer support at a mental health awareness group.

Tony Morgan

Wealth Manager

With a career in UK Financial Services exceeding three decades, and providing regulated financial advice since 1996, Tony has a wealth of experience across the financial spectrum. This has served him well in fully understanding his Clients’ needs, and delivering appropriate, bespoke solutions.

Tony holds the Diploma in Financial Planning (Dip PFS), and the Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Planning (CeMap) qualifications, and takes great pride in providing a personalised, holistic, professional financial advice service for his clients. He is particularly proud of the willingness of his clients to make referrals.

Clients appreciate the clarity of Tony’s advice, his reliability, and his willingness to go the extra mile to help them achieve their financial objectives.

Away from work, Tony enjoys watching grassroots, women’s, and men’s football, while spending time with his family, and playing the occasional round of golf.

Finn Houlihan

Managing Director

Finn has over 20 years’ experience of working in Wealth Management and Private Banking. He set out on his international career working as an Analyst for Reuters in the Money and FX Team and Reuters Equity and Options Team. After 5 years at Reuters he made the transition over to Private Banking and Wealth Management at RBS Private Bank where he was responsible for the South West of England providing his clients with all their Private Banking and Advice needs and laterally at The Fry Group where he was responsible for The Middle East and Spain.

He is passionate in providing his clients with clear and transparent advice in often complex advice areas.

Finn is a member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investments, a Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of The Personal Finance Society, he has a degree in Economics from Queen Mary – University of London and a Masters in Finance and Investment from University of Exeter.

Outside of work, Finn enjoys spending time with his family, Sailing and supporting his local Rugby Club – Exeter Chiefs

Alison Webb

Director

Alison began her career in Financial Services in 2001 and progressed to a Manager/ Personal Assistant. It was natural progression to become a fully qualified IFA in 2013 and then a qualified mortgage adviser in 2015, following the managing directors’ intention to retire.

Alison continued to enhance her career within the industry.

Following the of sale of the previous company for whom she worked for many years, Alison was brought back onboard following a rebrand to Harrison Rowe Financial Planning Ltd in 2018 and now The Arlo Group UK Ltd.

As well as reintroducing herself to the existing clients, Alison has been actively building a strong, professional and approachable team who hold many years of experience and a wealth of knowledge giving a solid foundation for future growth within the Arlo Group.

Prior to working within Financial Services Alison began building a career within the fashion industry covering all aspects including commercial, retail and design and manufacturing, which led to International and UK travel.

One of Alison’s great passions is being able to help and support people, especially during difficult times. Alison loves spending time with her family and friends and having the countryside on her doorstep, means she loves to walk and explore her surroundings. Alison also has a love of Art and Design, travel and holidays in the UK and abroad.

Ben Barratt

Head of Investment

Ben completed an Economics degree in 2015 graduating with Honours, before moving into the world of international wealth management, where he spent a number of years working with UK expats on various aspects of their financial affairs.

Ben is particularly focused on delivering a high quality and personal service by ensuring he is always on hand to assist clients when needed and as a level 6 member of the chartered institute for securities and investments Ben has continued to add to his repertoire of professional knowledge and also holds a pension transfer specialist qualification.

In his spare time Ben enjoys watching football or rugby and likes to get out on the golf course when he can.

Paul Uings

Head of Wealth Planning and Strategy​

In a career that has spanned three continents, Paul has experienced a wide spectrum of financial advice services from undertaking a senior client advising role at a multi-national Private Bank in London to more recently heading up the International Tax and Trusts team at a boutique Financial Planning firm in the Middle East. Pauls innate desire to help people and a thirst for learning led him to study through to become a Chartered Financial Planner in the UK, and uses his experience in the International Financial Planning space to help clients and their families with wealth generation and preservation planning, and how best to manage structure their finances for the future.

Paul studied at Canterbury University and is a member of both the Chartered Insurance Institute and the London Institute of Banking and Finance. He has also studied international qualifications such as the Kaplan Diploma in Financial Planning in Australia and the Series 65 in the USA.

Toby Band

Head of Global Advice

Toby graduated with honours in Mathematics from The University of Nottingham and has since then lived and worked across the globe in financial services.

With a keen eye for detail and passion for problem solving, Toby found his dream job within International Financial Planning. Before joining Arlo International, Toby was the youngest ever Area Manager with one of the world’s largest international IFAs, managing 20 wealth managers and support staff. 

He is described as amicable, approachable and knowledgeable by his clients and holds a Diploma in Financial Planning and European Financial Adviser Qualification.

Outside of work Toby enjoys playing Tennis, Football, Rock Climbing, and Travelling.

Jonathan Hives

Managing Director

Jonathan’s passion for financial services dates back to his University days, where he studied B.A. (Hons) Finance and Investment Management. At the age of 23 he left the UK to begin his journey in International Financial Planning, and having lived and worked in three continents, he has first-hand experience when it comes to cross-border financial planning. Over the last 12 years he has built up invaluable experience by advising high net worth individuals and family estates, practising all areas of wealth and succession planning. Jonathan prides himself on the service he provides, which is highly personalised, proactive and bespoke to his clients objectives.

He is an active member of the Chartered Insurance Institute, where he holds the Diploma in Financial Planning. In addition, he holds Certificates in i) Discretionary Investment Management, ii) Financial Services and iii) Life and Pensions. He is also qualified as an Investment Adviser in the United States (Series 65) from his time working in New York.