Hugo Bedford

Spear’s Review

Hugo Bedford, CEO of JM Finn, cites his extensive experience in investment management as equipping him with the necessary understanding to serve clients whose needs are evolving from pure portfolio management to something wider.

‘Someone described me as a player-manager,’ says Bedford, who joined JM Finn in 2005 from HSBC. ‘I think it’s a powerful message for clients to know that you’ve got a practitioner who is actually managing the business.’ JM Finn has expanded its initial focus on private client broking, he says, to portfolio management and now wealth management and planning – a move that is being echoed in many other firms. 

JM Finn has also benefited from a strong balance sheet – funds under management and administration rose to £11.1 billion as of end-June 2025 – meaning the firm has room to consider possible takeovers and entice new talent. 

‘Lots of people are interested in coming to work for us, but we don’t just want to hire whoever happens to be around,’ Bedford said in a 2025 interview with Citywire. ‘Our plan continues to be very much focused on organic growth.’

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