Fairstone Ireland has continued its rapid expansion with the announcement of its 12th strategic partnership, welcoming ERA Financial Planning Ltd. into its growing national network. This milestone coincides with the achievement of €2.5 billion in assets under management (AUM), further cementing Fairstone’s position as Ireland’s fastest-growing provider of independent financial planning and wealth management.
Based in Birr, Co. Offaly, ERA Financial Planning is a respected, family-run advisory firm led by Managing Director Aidan O’Neill. Known for its trusted, personalised approach and long-standing client relationships, ERA will transition to the Fairstone brand under the agreement while retaining its leadership and team. This ensures clients continue to benefit from the firm’s relationship-driven service, now enhanced by Fairstone’s scale, infrastructure, and investment expertise.
With 12 partnerships in Ireland and more than 100 across the UK and Ireland, Fairstone continues to execute its proven Downstream Buy Out (DBO) model, enabling high-quality advisory firms to grow sustainably while preserving their client-first ethos.
Paul Merriman, CEO of Fairstone Ireland, commented:
“We’re delighted to welcome Aidan and the ERA team into Fairstone. Reaching €2.5 billion in AUM is a major milestone, and this partnership strengthens our mission to build a truly national, client-centric advice business that delivers the very best financial solutions to individuals and families across Ireland.”
Aidan O’Neill, Managing Director of ERA Financial Planning, added:
“Joining Fairstone represents an exciting next chapter for us. We are dedicated to helping clients achieve their financial goals. Partnering with Fairstone allows us to enhance that commitment with greater resources and expertise, while maintaining the personal service our clients know and trust.”
With ERA Financial Planning joining the group, Fairstone Ireland continues to expand its nationwide footprint, combining local expertise with national strength to deliver exceptional outcomes for clients and redefine standards within Ireland’s financial planning sector.
Fairstone has accelerated its growth with the announcement of its 11th strategic partnership, welcoming Everlake into its national network. This milestone coincides with the launch of Fairstone Funds and the achievement of €2.5 billion in assets under management (AUM), underscoring Fairstone’s position as the fastest-growing provider of financial planning and wealth management in Ireland.
Based in Dún Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Everlake’s team of advisers brings a strong client-first ethos and an evidence-based approach to financial planning and wealth management. Under the agreement, Everlake will transition to the Fairstone brand while retaining its leadership and staff, ensuring clients continue to receive personalised service backed by Fairstone’s scale, infrastructure, and investment expertise.
Paul Merriman, CEO of Fairstone Ireland, said:
“We’re thrilled to welcome Gerry, Marc, and the Everlake team. With the launch of Fairstone Funds and the achievement of €2.5 billion in AUM, our focus is on building a truly national, client-centric financial advice business that delivers the very best solutions to individuals and families across Ireland.”
Marc Westlake, Managing Director of Everlake, commented:
“This partnership combines Fairstone’s scale with our shared commitment to client-first, evidence-based planning. Together, we can raise standards across the profession and deliver the highest-quality advice to clients nationwide.”
Gerry Murphy, Chairman of Everlake, added:
“Joining Fairstone is an exciting next step. Our mission has always been to provide transparent, honest and holistic financial advice that aligns with client’s goals. Partnering with Fairstone allows us to strengthen that mission with greater scale and resources, while maintaining the personal service our clients rely on.”
With Everlake on board, Fairstone Ireland continues to expand its nationwide presence, setting new benchmarks in financial planning by combining local expertise with national strength.
Fairstone Kilkenny is proud to announce the appointment of Michael Fennelly as Head of SME, a newly created role designed to accelerate growth and deliver hands-on financial guidance to small and medium-sized enterprises across Kilkenny and beyond.
For business owners, this appointment is more than just news, it’s an opportunity. Michael combines the financial acumen of a former business banker with the mindset of a high-performance leader. With five years in finance, over a decade as a lecturer at Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), and two years as performance lead with Kilkenny GAA, he knows exactly how to help businesses unlock growth and perform at their best.
In his new role, Michael will work directly with SME owners to design and implement tailored strategic plans that strengthen financial resilience, create sustainable growth, and free business leaders to focus on what they do best. He will continue his academic post alongside his work with Fairstone.
Speaking about the appointment, Gearoid Cleere, Director at Fairstone Kilkenny, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Michael to the Fairstone Kilkenny team. His combined background in banking and elite performance makes him a perfect fit for supporting SMEs in achieving their financial goals. This appointment strengthens our commitment to Kilkenny’s business community, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact Michael will bring.”
Michael Fennelly shared his excitement about the role:
“Helping local businesses succeed is a genuine passion of mine. I know the challenges SME owners face like balancing growth with stability, managing risk while chasing opportunity. At Fairstone Kilkenny, we have the tools and expertise to guide SMEs toward real, lasting success. I’m excited to roll up my sleeves and work side by side with business owners to make that happen.”
Fairstone Kilkenny remains dedicated to empowering local businesses and providing strategic, long-term solutions that support financial resilience and success. Michael’s appointment marks a significant step in advancing that mission.
Dublin, Ireland – September 18, 2025
Fairstone Ireland is set to transform the way families and individuals approach financial planning with the unveiling of the Fairstone Funds at its Annual Fairstone Conference on September 18th, 2025, at the Intercontinental Hotel, Dublin.
This landmark event comes on the back of a defining year for Fairstone Ireland. In November 2024, the company announced the creation of 100 new jobs nationwide, building on 35% year-on-year revenue growth and cementing its position as one of the most dynamic players in the Irish financial services market.
The highlight of this year’s conference will be the launch of the Fairstone Market Funds, designed to provide investors with globally diversified, expertly managed portfolios.
The funds provide blended strategies combining active oversight with efficient passive funds and tailored options to suit different risk appetites:
In tandem with this launch, Fairstone Ireland is pleased to announce the appointment of Bernard Walsh as its new Head of Investments & Pensions. With deep expertise in portfolio management and global markets, Bernard will lead Fairstone’s investment strategy and play a pivotal role in ensuring the continued growth and success of the Fairstone Funds.
Bernard Walsh, Head of Investments & Pensions Fairstone Ireland, said:
“I am delighted to join Fairstone Ireland at such an exciting time, with the launch of the Fairstone Market Funds. This is a unique opportunity to help shape how we bring smarter, more accessible investment solutions to clients across Ireland.”
Paul Merriman, CEO of Fairstone Ireland, said:
“The launch of the Fairstone Funds represents a major milestone in our growth journey. These funds deliver globally diversified, professionally managed investment solutions designed specifically for Irish clients. At the same time, the appointment of Bernard Walsh as our new Head of Investments underscores our commitment to building a best-in-class leadership team. Together, these developments mark an exciting new chapter for Fairstone Ireland.”
Fairstone Ireland is pleased to announce the appointment of Derek Delany as Managing Director, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to becoming Ireland’s most trusted name in financial planning and wealth management.
Derek’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as Fairstone focuses on delivering first-class financial planning solutions to clients. With extensive industry experience and a strong commitment to client-first advice, Derek is ideally positioned to support the development of Fairstone’s advisor model and help shape a new benchmark for the industry.
Derek will lead the development of Fairstone’s advice model, helping the company expand in new regions and build the systems needed to support its network of financial planners across the country. Fairstone has outlined a bold roadmap, including the establishment of 30 regional hubs and the management of over €5 billion in client assets by 2027.
Commenting on his appointment, Derek Delany said:
“This is an exciting time for financial advice in Ireland, and I’m proud to be part of a firm that’s committed to doing things differently. My focus is on building from the ground up, leading a team where planners are supported, clients are prioritised, and long-term trust is earned through action, not just words.”
Paul Merriman, CEO of Fairstone Ireland, added:
“Derek’s leadership will have a significant impact, and his insight, experience, and values are a strong match for the direction we’re heading. I’m confident he’ll continue to guide our team and our partners with clarity and purpose.”
Fairstone Ireland is building a new model for financial advice that is collaborative, transparent, and client-focused. The appointment of Derek Delany marks another step forward in delivering that vision.
Fairstone Ireland has announced its latest strategic partnership with DMFS, a highly regarded financial advisory firm based in Thurles, Co. Tipperary. This marks Fairstone’s tenth partnership to date — and its fourth in 2025 — further solidifying the firm’s position as Ireland’s fastest-growing provider of financial planning and wealth management services.
This new partnership closely follows Fairstone’s recent partnership with Gilroy Gannon Financial Services in Sligo and forms part of its ambitious national expansion strategy. Renowned for delivering high-quality, independent financial advice, Declan has built a strong regional presence over the past two decades, with particular expertise in retirement planning, investment management, and tailored financial strategies.
Under the terms of the partnership, DMFS will adopt the Fairstone brand and operational model, ensuring a seamless transition that retains the firm’s leadership and staff. Declan Maher will continue to lead the Tipperary-based team, delivering the same personalised client service—now enhanced by Fairstone’s extensive national infrastructure and support systems.
Paul Merriman, CEO of Fairstone Ireland, commented:
“We’re delighted to welcome Declan and his outstanding team to Fairstone. This partnership strengthens our presence in Munster and aligns with our vision of building a unified, client-focused financial services network across Ireland. We’re not just expanding, we’re elevating the standard of financial planning nationwide.”
The addition of DMFS brings Fairstone Ireland’s assets under management to over €1.9 billion — a key milestone that highlights the firm’s rapid growth trajectory. The deal also reinforces the continued success of Fairstone’s distinctive partnership model, which is designed to empower advisory firms while delivering enhanced value for clients.
Declan Maher, Managing Director of DMFS Group, said:
“Partnering with Fairstone is a natural evolution for our firm. Our clients will now benefit from broader resources and a deeper bench of expertise, without sacrificing the independent, personalised service they know and trust.”
Anthony O’Driscoll, Head of Mergers & Acquisitions at Fairstone Ireland, added:
“Declan Maher is a respected and ambitious business leader in the financial services sector who shares our positive vision for the industry. We are delighted to be able to support Declan in driving the next phase of growth for DMFS, whilst also allowing him to unlock value that he continues to build in his business over time via our Downstream Buy Out (DBO) programme. We have now partnered with over 100 firms across the UK & Ireland, demonstrating our proven track record of helping quality firms to scale sustainably while maintaining their client-first ethos.”
As Fairstone charts an ambitious path through 2025 and beyond, this latest partnership underscores its mission to redefine what it means to deliver a truly client-centric, nationwide financial advice firm by firm, region by region.
Fairstone Ireland is delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Kelly as Director of Brokerage, a strategic move that highlights his exceptional contributions to the company’s rapid growth and positions Fairstone for its next phase of expansion.
A visionary leader in the financial services industry, Paul co-founded ClearChoice in 2015, transforming it into a leading brokerage services firm. Following its acquisition—alongside Broker Assist and Pax Asset Management—by Fairstone in 2022, Paul played a key role in integrating advanced technology, optimising business processes, and strengthening a robust brokerage network. His leadership has been instrumental in positioning Fairstone Ireland as a dominant force in the market, attracting top-tier partners through its innovative Downstream Buyout (DBO) model.
In his new role as Director of Brokerage, Paul will lead Fairstone’s strategic brokerage initiatives, leveraging his extensive industry expertise to drive the company’s ambitious expansion plans
Commenting on his appointment, Paul Kelly stated:
“I am incredibly excited to take on this new role at Fairstone Ireland. The brokerage sector is evolving rapidly, and our goal is to provide brokers with the tools, technology, and support they need to thrive in this dynamic environment. By fostering strong partnerships and leveraging innovation, we are well-positioned to set new benchmarks in the industry.”
Fairstone Ireland is on an aggressive growth trajectory, with plans to partner with 20 additional brokerages over the next three years. Two major partnerships are set to be announced in 2025, reinforcing the company’s commitment to fostering strong, like-minded partnerships.
Paul Kelly continued:
“The Irish financial advice market, over the decades, has tried & failed to build a cohesive M & A strategy that is built on growth, succession planning and enhancing the financial planning experience for Brokerage owners, their staff & most importantly their clients. Fairstone Ireland is ready to drive towards 30 regional offices with assets under management of €5 Billion + by 2027. There has never been a model like this in Ireland, and I am excited to enhance my role with Brokerages by bringing them into this partnership”
Fairstone Ireland has announced its third strategic partnership of 2025, joining forces with Gilroy Gannon Financial Services (GGFS), a leading financial planning and wealth management firm based in Sligo. This milestone marks Fairstone’s ninth partnership in Ireland, reinforcing its status as a powerhouse in the financial services industry.
Following the recent partnership with BRM Financial Services, this latest expansion underscores Fairstone’s momentum in delivering best-in-class financial solutions across Ireland. Gilroy Gannon Financial Services has cultivated a strong reputation for excellence over more than two decades, offering tailored financial planning, retirement strategies, and wealth management services. Through this strategic partnership, GGFS will rebrand under the Fairstone name, seamlessly integrating into its client-centric model while maintaining the same trusted team and high-quality, independent financial advice. Greg McGreal will continue to lead the firm, supported by the entire GGFS team.
Notably, this partnership applies exclusively to Gilroy Gannon Financial Services and does not extend to Gilroy Gannon Chartered Accountants (GGCA), which remains an independent entity. GGCA will continue to provide accountancy, audit, taxation, and business advisory services without any changes to client operations.
Paul Merriman, CEO of Fairstone Ireland, remarked: “We are thrilled to welcome Greg and the team at Gilroy Gannon Financial Services to Fairstone. This partnership represents another significant step in our growth journey, reinforcing our ambition to be Ireland’s leading financial planning and wealth management firm. Expanding into Sligo strengthens our ability to support clients across Ireland with top-tier financial solutions.”
Building on a highly successful 2024 – during which Fairstone partnered with three financial planning firms – this latest partnership elevates Fairstone Ireland’s total assets under management (AUM) beyond €1.8 billion, marking another milestone in its expansion.
Commenting on the partnership Greg McGreal, Managing Director of Gilroy Gannon Financial Services commented: “Joining forces with Fairstone is an exciting new chapter for our firm. Our core mission has always been to empower clients in achieving their financial goals, and this partnership enables us to enhance our bespoke financial planning offerings through Fairstone’s vast resources and expertise.”
Anthony O’Driscoll, Head of Mergers & Acquisitions at Fairstone Ireland, highlighted the strategic value of the partnership: “Gilroy Gannon Financial Services perfectly aligns with Fairstone’s approach to professional, client-focused wealth management. Our partnership model provides financial advisory firms with the backing of a dynamic corporate partner while delivering enhanced benefits for both clients and firms. We look forward to working closely with Greg and the entire GGFS team.”
This latest partnership cements Fairstone Ireland’s commitment to redefining the financial planning and wealth management sector. With ambitious growth strategies and an unwavering focus on client success, Fairstone continues to set new standards for excellence in 2025 and beyond.
Fairstone Ireland continues growth with another strategic partnership with BRM Financial services, a leading provider of financial advisory firm based in Dublin. This marks Fairstone’s second strategic partnership for 2025, eighth overall, and reinforces its position as a leading provider of financial planning services in Ireland.
Following closely on the heels of its partnership with Financial Architects in January 2025, this latest milestone further strengthens Fairstone’s reputation as a dynamic and influential presence in the financial planning & wealth management industry. BRM Financial services has built a strong reputation for excellence, offering tailored financial planning and mortgage services. Through this partnership, Fairstone and BRM will enhance their ability to provide innovative financial solutions to individuals and businesses, ensuring continued growth and value for clients.
Paul Merriman, CEO of Fairstone Ireland, said “We are delighted to welcome Tom, Cathal and the team at BRM Financial Services to the Fairstone family. This partnership represents a pivotal step in our journey to become Ireland’s premier financial planning firm. Expanding into North Dublin enables us to serve even more clients with exceptional financial planning solutions while solidifying our presence in key areas across the country.”
This partnership builds upon the momentum of a highly successful 2024, during which Fairstone partnered with Three brokers, firmly establishing its position as a pioneer in the Irish financial services landscape. With this latest development, Fairstone’s total Assets Under Management (AUM) now exceeds €1.8 billion—a significant milestone in its growth trajectory.
Commenting on the partnership Tom Kennedy said“Joining Fairstone is an exciting opportunity for our team and clients. Our mission and purpose are to help individuals, and their families take a wide view of their financial values and goals to help them create the life they want and put their money to work for them. With Fairstone’s extensive resources and expertise, we can enhance our bespoke financial planning offerings and deliver even greater value to the clients we serve.”
Anthony O’Driscoll, Head of Mergers & Acquisitions at Fairstone Ireland, emphasised the strategic significance of the acquisition “The growth-focused mindset and the team aligns perfectly with Fairstone’s model of providing support and investment to our Partner Firms to assist them in achieving their growth objectives. Our Downstream Buy Out (DBO) model allows the owners of financial advice firms, to leverage the benefits of a highly supportive partner to optimise their business performance and capture an enhanced valuation. We look forward to working with the entire team.”
This partnership further establishes Fairstone Ireland as a key influencer shaping the future of financial planning and wealth management in Ireland. With ambitious growth strategies and a steadfast commitment to its clients, Fairstone continues to set a benchmark for excellence in 2025 and beyond.
Dublin, Ireland – January 22nd, 2025
Fairstone Ireland has commenced the new year with a significant announcement: the partnership with Financial Architects, a prominent financial planning firm based in Meath. This marks Fairstone’s seventh strategic partnership and underscores its commitment as a leading provider of financial planning services in Ireland.
Following closely on the heels of its partnership with John F. Loughrey Financial Services, this latest milestone bolsters Fairstone’s reputation as a dynamic and influential presence in the financial planning & wealth management industry. Financial Architects has established itself as a trusted provider of personalised financial solutions, earning acclaim for its client-focused approach and tailored services. This alignment with Fairstone’s ethos of innovation and prioritising client needs makes the partnership seamless.
Paul Merriman, CEO of Fairstone Ireland, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Derek, Michelle and the team at Financial Architects to the Fairstone family. This partnership represents a pivotal step in our journey to become Ireland’s premier financial planning & wealth management firm. Expanding into Meath enables us to serve even more clients with exceptional financial planning solutions, while solidifying our presence in key regions across the country.”
This partnership builds upon the momentum of a highly successful 2024, during which Fairstone partnered with six brokers, firmly establishing its position as a pioneer in the Irish financial services landscape. With this latest development, Fairstone’s total Assets Under Management (AUM) now exceeds €1.6 billion—a significant milestone in its growth trajectory.
Derek Maguire, Managing Director of Financial Architects, added:
“Joining Fairstone is an exciting opportunity for our team and clients. With Fairstone’s extensive resources and expertise, we can enhance our bespoke financial planning offerings and deliver even greater value to the clients we serve.”
Anthony O’Driscoll, Head of Mergers & Acquisitions at Fairstone Ireland, emphasized the strategic significance of the acquisition:
“Partnering with Financial Architects reinforces our presence in Meath and strengthens our position in the Irish market. As we expand, we are committed to addressing the evolving needs of clients in an increasingly complex financial landscape.”
This partnership further establishes Fairstone Ireland as a key influencer shaping the future of financial planning and wealth management in Ireland. With ambitious growth strategies and a steadfast commitment to its clients, Fairstone continues to set a benchmark for excellence in 2025 and beyond.
