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Fairstone Ireland has announced its first strategic partnership of 2026 with All Financials, continuing the momentum from a record-breaking year of growth in 2025 and reinforcing its ambitions for further national expansion.
The latest deal follows Fairstone’s final pre-Christmas partnership with Fortitude Financial Planning and represents another step in the firm’s strategy to build a scaled, integrated financial planning business across Ireland.
The partnership will see All Financials transition to the Fairstone brand while retaining its existing leadership team and staff.
Fairstone said this approach ensures continuity for clients while giving the firm access to its technology platform, investment solutions, regulatory expertise and national infrastructure.
With assets under management now exceeding €2.7bn, Fairstone Ireland said demand continues to grow for its Downstream Buy-Out (DBO) model among established advisory firms seeking long-term stability, operational support and a client-first operating model.
Paul Merriman, CEO of Fairstone Ireland, said: “It’s hugely encouraging to begin 2026 with another high-calibre firm like All Financials joining the Fairstone family.
“This partnership reflects the strength of our proposition and the confidence that advisory businesses have in our long-term vision.
“We are building something truly distinctive in Ireland an integrated, client-first national firm that empowers advisers at every stage of their journey.”
Fran Cooke, managing director of All Financials, said the firm saw a strong alignment of values with Fairstone from the outset.
“From our first conversations with Fairstone, it was clear that our values and ambitions were strongly aligned.
“We were looking for a partner that would protect our independence, enhance our capabilities, and ultimately allow us to deliver even better outcomes for our clients.
“Joining Fairstone gives us the best of both worlds: the strength of a national firm combined with the personal relationships and culture that define our business,” he said.
Anthony O’Driscoll, head of M&A at Fairstone Ireland, said the company’s growth strategy was focused on quality rather than scale alone.
“Our growth is not about scale for scale’s sake. It’s about bringing together like-minded firms that share our commitment to professionalism, independence, and exceptional client outcomes.
Fairstone Ireland is led by CEO Paul Merriman
“This first partnership of the year sets the tone for what we expect will be another record-breaking year, with a strong pipeline of high-quality firms already in discussion,” he said.
Fairstone Ireland said it expects to announce further strategic partnerships during 2026 as it builds on the strong performance of last year, with the aim of redefining best-in-class financial planning in Ireland by combining trusted local advisory relationships with the reach and resources of a national platform.
Photo: Paul Merriman and Fran Cooke