What's Happening?
Broadstone, an independent financial services consultancy, has appointed Andrew Walton as its new actuarial director. Walton, who brings nearly 20 years of experience in the pensions industry, will be
based in Broadstone's Birmingham and Redditch offices. His role will be client-facing, focusing on developing Broadstone's consulting services, particularly in Guaranteed Minimum Pension (GMP) equalisation. Walton has a history of advising trustees and corporate sponsors on scheme management, journey planning, member option exercises, valuation strategy, and full scheme buyouts and wind-ups. His appointment is part of Broadstone's strategy to expand its services and enhance client outcomes.
Why It's Important?
The appointment of Andrew Walton is significant for Broadstone as it seeks to strengthen its position in the financial services sector. Walton's extensive experience in the pensions industry is expected to add substantial value to Broadstone's offerings, particularly in the area of GMP equalisation, which is a complex and critical aspect of pension management. His expertise will likely benefit Broadstone's clients by providing them with more efficient and effective consulting services. This move also reflects Broadstone's commitment to growth and its focus on delivering high-quality outcomes for its members and stakeholders.
What's Next?
Broadstone is poised for continued growth, particularly in the Midlands region, where it is expanding to a larger office in Birmingham. The company is strengthening its team with experienced industry talent, which suggests further expansion and enhancement of its consulting services. Walton's appointment is expected to facilitate this growth by leveraging his expertise to attract new clients and improve service delivery to existing ones. As Broadstone continues to expand, it may explore additional opportunities to enhance its consulting capabilities and client offerings.
Beyond the Headlines
Walton's appointment may have broader implications for the financial services industry, particularly in the area of pension management. His focus on GMP equalisation could set a precedent for other firms to prioritize this aspect of pension consulting, potentially leading to industry-wide improvements in how pension schemes are managed and equalized. Additionally, Broadstone's growth strategy could influence other consultancies to adopt similar approaches to expand their market presence and enhance client satisfaction.
