Specialist IFA Frenkel Topping has launched an accountancy joint venture to provide in-house tax planning for its clients.
The advice firm, which specialises in asset protection for clients who have been awarded compensation payments through personal injury or clinical negligence, has previously outsourced this type of service.
The Equatas service, a joint venture with Forth’s Accountancy, is expected to assist with accounting, auditing, bookkeeping and tax returns for Frenkel Topping clients.
Frenkel Topping said the joint venture was a bid to offer clients "full transparency" through the settlement process, including the exact costs involved.
Richard Fraser, chief executive at Frenkel Topping Group, said: "We’re passionate about making our clients’ lives as easy as we can – many of them have suffered life-changing injuries and so we want to protect their assets in the most hassle-free, straightforward way possible.
"We want to take the stress and responsibility off their shoulders and give them a safe pair of hands.
"Launching Equatas will help us to do just that, safe in the knowledge that we’re offering our clients an exceptional level of service at a highly competitive rate."
Frenkel Topping is currently actively looking to acquire advice firms in the market, adding to the company's £92m in assets under management.
In its annual report for 2018 Mr Fraser said the company was looking to target introducers for asset growth, predicting its introducer model would be a key driver of future client growth.
Earlier this year Frenkel Topping also reported its new "expert witness" business, which comes through recommendations from lawyers and other trust professionals, had grown by 33 per cent last year.
rachel.addison@ft.com
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