Who we are

About us

Our story

Global expertise with a local touch

Alexander Beard was founded in October 1987 by Paul Beard. We have since grown into a global financial services company known for delivering professional, dependable, and friendly service to companies and individuals.

Specialising in employee benefits, expat services, and international retirement planning, we’ve become trusted experts in these areas, helping thousands of globally mobile expatriates and companies plan for a better future.

Moving to a new country comes with challenges, especially when it comes to finding people who truly understand your needs. We do. With years of experience in cross-border finance, we provide solutions that bring clarity, confidence and peace of mind.

Global presence

Advice that goes beyond borders

Since our founding in 1987, we’ve grown from a one-man business into a large organisation with eight offices around the globe. Our head office is located just outside of the city of Chester in the UK. Internationally, we have authorised and regulated offices in the USA, South Africa, Ireland, and Australia.

Work in the community
We're equally committed to giving back and making a positive impact to people who need our help. Learn more about the organisations we support.

International connections
We've established relationships with a diverse network of global professional firms, allowing us to offer you a more integrated and seamless service.

Employee appreciation
We have many long-standing employees, therefore, we want to show our appreciation for the individuals who have served with the company for five years or more.

Watch and listen

Real experiences, just like yours

I have worked with Alexander Beard for more than 10 years, both in my corporate life and as a personal customer.

They have always been (and continue to be) highly professional, knowledgeable and customer-centric. Without doubt, they are my go-to employee benefits provider and pension adviser. I highly recommend them

Richard

Alexander Beard has advised me on pension savings for many years. I have felt well supported and all communication has been timely and personable.

The help they gave with securing a mortgage and remortgaging a property on return to the UK went above and beyond.

Mrs L. Prime

I have worked with Alexander Beard for more than 10 years, both in my corporate life and as a personal customer.

They have always been (and continue to be) highly professional, knowledgeable and customer-centric. Without doubt, they are my go-to employee benefits provider and pension adviser. I highly recommend them

Richard

My husband and I have been dealing with Alexander Beard for many years now. They always give excellent advice, and are prompt and courteous in their dealings with us.

Nothing is ever too much trouble and I highly recommended them.

T Drummond
94%0%

of clients believe working with us has helped or will help them achieve their financial goals

94%0%

who answered definitively said they'd recommend us to a family, friends, or work associates

67%0%

of those who said they'd recommend us said they have done so already in the last 12 months alone

Our history

A legacy of trust

May 2025

We opened a new office in Ontario, Canada.

November 2022

We opened a new office in Dublin, Ireland.

February 2020

We completed the acquisition of Abraxas Wealth Management in Johannesburg.

November 2019

Liz Evans joined us as finance director.

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May 2017

We acquired the Yorkshire-based IFA firm McGowan Associates.

October 2017

We celebrated our 30th anniversary.

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December 2014

We completed the acquisition of Lepretre and Partners, a City of London based wealth management and employee benefit advisory business.

November 2014

Our employee benefits division completed a merger with Netherlands-based Bogaard Pensioen Consultancy B.V.

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January 2013

We completed the acquisition of Brian Stone IFA, a Lancashire-based firm.

September 2012

Alexander Beard Group South Africa was authorised by the South African Financial Services Board (FSB).

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August 2011

Mike Shakespeare’s Bebbington based advisory business, was merged into our UK financial planning division.

September 2010

Alexander Beard Group South Africa was authorised by the South African Financial Services Board (FSB).

February 2008

We acquired the international schools business of Junos Ltd. The director, Lesley Stevens, joined our international schools division.

January 2007

We launched our international employee benefits division, based at our Head Office.

February 2006

Alexander Beard Australia launched in Sydney, following the granting of our Australian Financial Services Licence.

August 2005

We were granted our regulatory licence in the USA and launched Alexander Beard USA in San Francisco.

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August 2005

We completed the acquisition of Acquired Midian Investments, with sole rights to market the International Schools Retirement Plan.

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April 2005

We merged with Birkenhead-based Independent Investment Services. Their founder, John Croasdale, rejoined as associate director.

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January 2004

We acquired the client base of Manchester-based Bridgewater Life & Pensions.

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September 2003

We acquired the business of Stretton Life and Pensions, a Milton Keynes-based IFA practice.

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February 2002

We acquired Bankfield Financial Services, which merged into our Leeds office.

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January 1999

We acquired HN Financial Group, a Leeds-based IFA specialising in managing the affairs of professional sportspeople.

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January 1997

We acquired Norman K Ward & Partners, a Midlands-based IFA.

October 1987

Alexander Beard was founded as Alexander Beard and Company Ltd.

Alexander Beard
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