Key facts: London
- Active companies, SIC 66190 (activities auxiliary to financial intermediation), London registered office
- 3,233
- Counted
- 18 October 2026
- Rank among the 11 London professions on this site
- 5th
Count from the Companies House register, 18 October 2026.
Advice firms registered in London
On 18 October 2026, 3,233 active companies with a London registered office gave SIC 66190, activities auxiliary to financial intermediation, as their business activity. That puts advice firms 5th of 11 London professions here, behind architecture practices (5,848) and ahead of law firms (2,933).
SIC 66190 is used by many advice firms but also by other financial support businesses, so the count is broader than advice firms alone. A registered office is also not always where a firm trades.
Regulation and what lenders check
Advice firms are authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, and a change of control needs FCA approval before completion.
Lenders look at recurring income from ongoing advice fees, client retention, the advisers in post and the firm's FCA record.
What London advice firms usually fund
Firms usually borrow to buy a client book or another firm, fund succession or spread the PII renewal.
Acquisitions dominate: recurring fee income on an acquired book is what lenders lend against, so the change of control timetable sets the completion date.
Premises and security in London
A freehold for a advice firm bought in England is subject to Stamp Duty Land Tax on non-residential rates. Any premises loan is secured by a legal charge registered with HM Land Registry. Where the premises are leased, the remaining term and any break clause limit how long a loan can run.
Lenders for London advice firms
Which lender suits a London case depends on the advice firm and the deal, not the postcode. We search the whole market each time. Fees depend on the lender, and nothing is due upfront.
Common questions
How many advice firms are there in London?
Companies House lists 3,233 active companies with SIC 66190 and a London registered office (18 October 2026). Partnerships and sole traders are not included.
Does buying an advice firm need FCA approval?
A change in control of an FCA-authorised firm needs FCA approval before it takes effect, so build that into the timetable.
Can you arrange finance for a London advice firm?
Yes. We are a whole-of-market broker, not a lender, and search the market for lenders whose criteria suit the advice firm. Fees depend on the lender; nothing upfront.
