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, a leader in financial planning & wealth management, celebrates a significant milestone with the establishment of its fifth strategic partnership in Ireland with Killeen Financial Services Ltd trading as Cleere Life & Pensions. This achievement not only highlights Fairstone Ireland’s relentless pursuit of innovative financial solutions but also marks a significant leap forward in its growth trajectory as Fairstone Ireland surpasses €1 Billion of assets under management (AUM) since entering the market in 2022.
Under the leadership of CEO Paul Merriman, Fairstone Ireland now have four additional Financial Brokerages into their Irish operation, Carey Financial, Murray & Spelman Financial Services, Premier Financial as well as Cleere Life & Pensions.
Paul Merriman, CEO of Fairstone Ireland, commented “Our partnership with Cleere Life & Pensions not only exemplifies our commitment to become the leading wealth management firm in Ireland but also accelerates our growth momentum. Together, we aim to enhance our capabilities, foster mutual growth, and set a new benchmark of partnership excellence in wealth management, building stronger relationships with Financial Brokerages across Ireland. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with Gearoid and the entire team at Cleere Life & Pensions.”
Cleere Life & Pensions, a reputable financial planning firm headquartered in Kilkenny since 2015, is renowned for its client-centric approach and comprehensive range of financial services. The partnership with Fairstone opens up exciting prospects for Cleere Life & Pensions and their clients, to utilise Fairstone’s vast resources, expertise, and cutting-edge solutions.
Gearoid Cleere, Managing Director of Cleere Life & Pensions expressed excitement about the partnership: “Our partnership with Fairstone Ireland marks an exciting new chapter for Cleere Life & Pensions. Fairstone’s innovative model ensures that we can uphold our commitment to delivering top-tier financial services whilst leveraging Fairstone’s scale and expertise. This strategic move positions us for sustained growth and innovation in the dynamic financial landscape.”
Anthony O’Driscoll, Head of Mergers & Acquisitions at Fairstone Ireland added “We are very excited to partner with Cleere Life & Pensions via our unique Downstream Buy Out (DBO) model which allows the owners of ambitious financial advisory and wealth management firms to secure a liquidity event for themselves, whilst continuing to grow their business and benefit from the resulting upside”.
Fairstone remains dedicated to offering high-quality financial advice and exceptional service, perfectly aligning with Cleere Life & Pensions ethos. The partnership reaffirms Fairstone Ireland’s commitment to revolutionising the financial services sector and serves as a beacon of a new era of partnerships, emphasising teamwork, innovation, and a shared focus on client success. Fairstone Ireland are actively seeking to partner with other growing firms.
