Hargreaves Lansdown Enters New Era Following £5.4 Billion Private Equity Acquisition

Historic Takeover Marks New Chapter for UK’s Leading Investment Platform

Hargreaves Lansdown, the United Kingdom’s largest retail investment platform, has undergone a significant transformation in 2025. CVC, Nordic Capital and Platinum Ivy (a wholly-owned subsidiary of ADIA, managed by ADIA PED) announced the completion of the acquisition of Hargreaves Lansdown and the subsequent delisting of the Company from the London Stock Exchange in March 2025. This landmark deal, valued at £5.4 billion, represents one of the most substantial transactions in the UK financial services sector and marks the end of the Bristol-based firm’s 18-year tenure as a publicly listed company.

The acquisition consortium brings together major international investors with extensive experience in regulated financial services. Hargreaves back in August accepted a GBP5.44 billion offer from a consortium made up of CVC private equity funds, Nordic Capital XI Delta and Platinum Ivy B 2018 RSC Ltd, part of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. The deal received strong backing from shareholders, with 86.6% voting for and 13.4% against the proposal.

Record Growth and Client Milestone Achievement

Despite the ownership transition, Hargreaves Lansdown has demonstrated impressive business performance. HL has surpassed two million active clients for the first time and in the year to 30 June 2025, HL added a net 136,000 new clients, taking its total to 2.02 million. This milestone comes just eight years after the platform reached its first million clients, showcasing accelerated growth in the competitive UK wealth management market.

The financial metrics are equally compelling. AUA rose 11% from £155.3bn to £172.7bn, supported by a 43% increase in net new business to £6bn. These record assets under administration figures underscore the platform’s continued appeal to British retail investors seeking diversified investment solutions.

Strategic Appointments and Future Direction

The company has strengthened its leadership team with key strategic appointments. Hargreaves Lansdown has appointed Doug Abbott as its new chief product officer, a role created as part of the firm’s strategy to strengthen its platform offering. Abbott moves to Hargreaves Lansdown from Vanguard, where he is currently head of the UK client group, bringing extensive experience in product development and client relationships.

The Consortium brings extensive experience in supporting businesses undergoing transformation, and its members have strong track records of investing in regulated financial services companies to build better businesses and create better customer experiences. The new owners have committed to accelerating the platform’s transformation plan, with particular focus on technology infrastructure, digital channels and service enhancement.

Significance for UK Investors and Market Outlook

For the millions of British savers and investors using the platform, this transition represents both continuity and evolution. Hargreaves Lansdown is the UK’s market leading platform for retail investors with an impressive position and strong purpose in the attractive UK wealth market. The company’s commitment to making investing accessible remains central to its mission, with the new ownership structure potentially providing additional resources for innovation and expansion.

Looking ahead to 2026, Hargreaves Lansdown’s investment strategists have identified opportunities in bonds, emerging markets and quality stocks as attractive areas for investors navigating uncertain economic conditions. As the platform adapts to private ownership whilst maintaining its customer-focused approach, it is well-positioned to continue shaping the future of retail investing in the United Kingdom.