Howden expands Irish wealth arm with Thomond acquisition
Insurance broker Howden continues its Irish wealth management roll-up by acquiring Limerick-based Thomond Asset Management, bringing its advisory headcount past 80.
Howden has agreed to acquire Thomond Asset Management, a Limerick-based financial advisory practice, as the insurance brokerage continues to assemble a wealth management network in Ireland. The nine-person team advises individuals and business owners on financial planning, pensions, investments and estate planning. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, and the deal remains subject to approval from the Central Bank of Ireland.
The acquisition demonstrates how large insurance intermediaries are increasingly moving into direct wealth management to capture long-term client capital. For Howden, integrating Thomond provides immediate scale and technical expertise without the friction of organic hiring. The target operates under the trading name Folk Asset Management and was founded by Tom Fitzgerald, Neal Kelly and David O'Neill.
This deal is the latest step in a swift consolidation play. Howden’s financial advisory division was only launched last year but has already surpassed 80 professionals across Ireland. The Thomond acquisition follows two previous additions this year: Maven Financial Planning in April 2026 and Opes Wealth Trust in May 2026.
Dermot Gaskin, managing director of Howden Financial Advisory, highlighted the strategic alignment. "Thomond Asset Management has built a strong wealth management business in Limerick City, with values that closely align to our own. Thomond's focus on long-term client relationships, built on trust and openness, mirrors our commitment to putting clients at the centre of everything we do."
"This acquisition will offer their clients an even wider range of services, while ensuring they continue to access expert advice close to where they are based. I am delighted to welcome Tom, Neal, David and the wider team to Howden." The Thomond founders framed the sale as a way to access broader resources.
