Alex Shields
Alex has worked in financial services since graduating from Exeter University with an honours degree in Economics in 2008. He has experience across the full range of financial planning services with a particular focus on pensions. He also supports clients with tax planning, cash management and investment advice.
Alex believes the ever-changing legislative landscape offers an opportunity for financial advice to add real value to the circumstances of clients and their families. He has lent his expertise to publications such as The Times, FT Adviser and the Mail on Sunday. As a result of the valuable support he offers his clients, he has been a VouchedFor top rated adviser for the past few consecutive years.
Alex holds several qualifications including an Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning, a Certificate in Life & Pensions and he is a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society.
When he is not advising clients, Alex enjoys music and sports.
- Fellow of the Personal Finance Society
- Chartered Financial Planner
- Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning
- Diploma in Financial Planning
- Financial Planning Certificate
- Certificate in Life & Pensions
- Award in Pensions Update
- Fellow of the Personal Finance Society
- Working in financial services since 2008
- Featured contributor to The Times, FT Adviser, Investors Chronicle, The Guardian and others
- Affiliate Member of STEP (The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners)
Meet our expert team
Our team members have extensive experience in the UK financial and investment industries. From specialists to support members, The Private Office is home to some of the finest Chartered independent financial advisers in the UK.
What people say about me
Although I was feeling somewhat trepidatious before our meeting, Alex was very relaxed yet professional in his approach. He was diligent in explaining what could, on occasion, appear to be complex themes, especially to someone without investment experience. He was friendly and ensured I understood every concept before moving on to the next; by the end, I had learned much and had found it far more interesting than I expected to. I look forward to continuing and developing our working relationship.
May 2024
Alex is very knowledgeable, courteous and professional when he talks to you. He listens to you very carefully and is able to quickly grasp what your needs are and explains the various options available to you. I would recommend Alex to you for your financial advice.
August 2024
Donna Buffham
Donna’s experience covers financial planning for later life, long term care, retirement and inheritance tax. She is also one of our leading equity release specialists within the firm and has supported several families in London and the South East to use their property wealth to meet their financial needs.
Donna has developed high levels of technical knowledge and has specialist qualifications for later life planning, including the Accreditation of Training Excellence for Later Life Advisers by the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA).
Due to the valued support she provides to her clients, Donna has been a VouchedFor top rated adviser for the past few consecutive years. She was a finalist for ‘Woman of the Year – Retirement Planning’ three years in a row at the Professional Adviser Women in Financial Advice Awards (2021, 2022 and 2023), which is testament to her expertise and experience.
When she is not assisting her clients with wealth planning, Donna enjoys spending time with her family and going on holidays where they can see animals living in the wild.
- Chartered Financial Planner
- Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning
- Diploma in Financial Planning
- Accreditation of Training Excellence for Later Life Advisers by the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA)
- SOLLA Retirement Advice Standard
- The STEP Certificate for Financial Services (Trusts & Estate Planning)
- Certificate in Equity Release
- Certificate in Life & Pensions
- Certificate in Financial Planning & Lifetime Mortgage Activities
- Certificate in Financial Planning & Long Term Care Insurance
- Certificate in Mortgage Advice
- Award in Long Term Care Insurance
- Award in Financial Administration (Pensions)
- Award in Pensions Update
- Financial Planning Certificate
- Specialist in equity release
- Chartered Financial Planner
- Working in financial services for over thirty years
- SOLLA accredited
Meet our expert team
Our team members have extensive experience in the UK financial and investment industries. From specialists to support members, The Private Office is home to some of the finest Chartered independent financial advisers in the UK.
What people say about me
Donna has managed my pension savings and investments for a long time, including making recommendations for income once I retired. Recently, I sold a rental property and she has advised me on how best to invest the proceeds to provide future income. She is always approachable, friendly and thorough.
August 2024
Donna has offered a constant source of reliable information and advice. She combines this with an excellent understanding of our family dynamics and their impact on financial organisation and planning, and the ability to explain in language that is clear and accessible.
July 2024
George Hicks
With experience advising across a range of areas for clients who have a variety of financial requirements, George’s expertise include investments, pension advice and protection planning. He works with some of our Family Office clients, helping to manage the financial affairs of wealthy individuals and their families. He believes that lifetime cash flow modelling is an important tool to help develop strategies for wealth accumulation, preservation, and retirement and uses it to map out his clients’ financial futures as their circumstances evolve over time.
George has worked in financial advice since joining TPO in 2017, prior to that he served as an Infantry Officer in the British Army for seven years. The valuable support he provides to his clients is recognised in his client reviews and he has been a Vouched For Top Rated Adviser several times over the last few years.
In addition to being a Chartered Financial Planner he is working towards becoming a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society and a Certified Financial Planner. He keeps up to date with financial planning legislation as part of his ongoing professional development.
Outside of work, George plays football and cricket at weekends, is a keen student of history, and enjoys spending time with his wife and young children.
- Chartered Financial Planner
- Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning
- Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning
- Certificate in Pension Transfer Advice
- Certificate in Discretionary Investment Management
- Chartered Financial Planner
- Working in financial advice since 2017
Meet our expert team
Our team members have extensive experience in the UK financial and investment industries. From specialists to support members, The Private Office is home to some of the finest Chartered independent financial advisers in the UK.
What people say about me
George was affable, knowledgeable and took the time to understand my situation. My specific requirements were discussed in detail, George was professional throughout and I felt like a valued client.
February 2025
I am incredibly grateful for the exceptional service provided. His kindness and genuine concern for my financial well-being were evident from our very first meeting. He took the time to thoroughly understand my needs and goals, offering knowledgeable and insightful advice that was tailored specifically to my situation.
July 2024
Steffan Alemanno
Steffan has a wealth of experience in helping clients navigate the complexities surrounding pensions. He also guides his clients with issues such as inheritance tax planning, protection planning, and maximising tax allowances.
Working in financial services since 2014, Steffan has had a number of client facing roles, ranging from providing premier banking services for one of the world’s largest banks and their clients to providing independent protection advice for clients on an individual and corporate basis. He has been a regulated financial adviser offering independent financial advice since 2017.
Steffan provided commentary to The Telegraph in 2023, and he also shares his knowledge with our internal adviser training programme to support those in the process of becoming financial advisers.
When he is not advising clients, Steffan enjoys following the Italian football league (Serie A) and specifically Juventus, which he says is a by-product of having Italian parents. He can also be found attending the many music concerts and gigs that London has to offer.
- Chartered Financial Planner
- Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning
- Certificate in Discretionary Investment Management
- Certificate in Pension Transfer Advice
- Diploma in Financial Planning
- Certificate in Financial Services
- Chartered Financial Planner
- Working in financial services since 2014
- Featured contributor in The Telegraph
Meet our expert team
Our team members have extensive experience in the UK financial and investment industries and our in-house specialists can help with matters such as safeguarded benefit pension transfers, long-term care or equity release. From specialists to support members, The Private Office is home to some of the finest Chartered independent financial advisers in the UK.
What people say about me
Steffan has looked at our financial situation in great detail and given us advise on how to maximise our retirement income. His advice has meant that we now have our retirement funds in an investment portfolio best suited to our personal circumstances. We have regular reviews of our investment portfolio with Steffan.
August 2024
Communication has been brilliant from the start, Steffan has a very warm and friendly approach that respects his position with transparency and integrity, and he has been very swift in keeping us updated which has been very much appreciated.
February 2024
Kirsty Stone
Her expertise allows her to be able to advise on all aspects of financial and strategic planning, including inheritance tax planning, maximising tax allowances and pension advice. She provides support to a wide range of clients, including some of our Family Office clients, managing the financial affairs of wealthy individuals and their families.
Kirsty has previous experience working with the Citizen’s Advice, where she delivered one-to-one guidance to the general public on the 2015 legislative changes to pensions. This experience honed her ability to relay complex technical information without the need for industry jargon and has driven her to ensure that her approach to advising clients is always as clear and concise as possible.
With regular features in the press, Kirsty has lent her expertise to publications such as The Times, The Telegraph and The Guardian, and has appeared on BBC Money Box and BBC 1 - Morning Live. She is also involved in our internal adviser training programme, sharing her knowledge and providing support to those in the process of becoming financial advisers.
As well as being a Chartered Financial Planner, Kirsty also has qualifications including certificates in Discretionary Investment Management and Securities Advice and Dealing. She holds a Law degree from Bournemouth University.
- Chartered Financial Planner
- Advanced Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning
- Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning
- Certificate in Securities Advice and Dealing
- Certificate in Discretionary Investment Management
- Chartered Financial Planner
- Featured on BBC 1 - Morning Live and BBC Radio 4
- Published contributor to Sky News, Professional Adviser and Personal Finance Professional
- Previous experience as an Investment Manager and Paraplanner
Meet our expert team
Our team members have extensive experience in the UK financial and investment industries and our in-house specialists can help with matters such as safeguarded benefit pension transfers, long-term care or equity release. From specialists to support members, The Private Office is home to some of the finest Chartered independent financial advisers in the UK.
What people say about me
Kirsty is a very friendly, professional and knowledgeable adviser, who is on top of her brief in an ever changing financial world. Reviews and advice given are thorough and detailed, covering all aspects of financial management in the retirement years.
December 2024
I feel I’m getting genuine, independent financial advice from Kirsty. She’s very open, honest and up front which is welcoming for someone like me who’s not had a financial advisor before.
June 2024
Tony Padgett
Tony takes time to truly understand a client’s background, what is important to them, where they are in life and where they want to be. This forms the strong foundations to create a clear, bespoke, and realistic financial planning strategy to help achieve his clients' goals both now and in the future. He finds it particularly rewarding to be able to explain complex financial issues to clients in a way that they can relate to and understand in order to empower them to make informed and confident decisions surrounding their wealth throughout their lives.
Tony specialises in providing advice on pensions, investments, protection, and inheritance planning for a broad range of clients. He joined TPO in January 2014 following a successful early career at other independent financial planning firms and has over ten years’ experience in financial services. He has strong technical knowledge from his previous experience working as a Paraplanner which gives a solid foundation to the advice he provides.
In addition to being a Chartered Financial Planner, he holds qualifications in Pension Transfer Advice and a Certificate in Life & Pensions. He has a degree in Finance and Investment from Sheffield Hallam University.
When he is not advising clients, Tony likes to keep active and can be found running, rock climbing, playing golf, or road biking.
- Chartered Financial Planner
- Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning
- Certificate in Life & Pensions
- Diploma in Financial Planning
- Certificate in Pension Transfer Advice
- Chartered Financial Planner
- Over 10 years' experience in Financial Planning
- Prior experience at independent financial planning firms
Meet our expert team
Our team members have extensive experience in the UK financial and investment industries and our in-house specialists can help with matters such as safeguarded benefit pension transfers, long-term care or equity release. From specialists to support members, The Private Office is home to some of the finest Chartered independent financial advisers in the UK.
What people say about me
Tony has advised us on several financial related matters over the years, including inheritance tax planning, retirement planning and investments. He is always available at the end of the phone/email and is quick to respond to offer his advice. He's also extremely patient, explaining the processes, and answering any questions we may have. We highly recommend his services.
March 2025
Tony has been a solid and reliable Advisor and really gives the impression he cares for you and your financial planning.
May 2024
Matthew Cole
As an advocate of lifestyle financial planning, Matthew specialises in using financial forecasting to show clients what their wealth means both now and in the future. Building the foundations of a financial plan using cash flow modelling creates a strong base upon which a clear, bespoke and realistic financial planning strategy can be developed, enabling clients to achieve their goals and objectives. His expertise also includes inheritance tax planning, maximising tax allowances, and income protection.
Since joining TPO, Matthew has progressed quickly from working as part of the technical team through to a Partner and Adviser Manager within the business, where he provides direct support and guidance to a team of advisers. During this time he has also attained Chartered Status and has been listed in New Model Adviser’s Top 35 Next Generation Advisers for three years running. He has also provided commentary to The Telegraph in an article about private banking. As a result of the valuable support he offers his clients, Matthew has been a VouchedFor top rated adviser for the past few consecutive years.
Matthew has a number of qualifications, including a certificate in Pension Transfer Advice and an award in Long Term Care Planning, and he keeps up to date with financial planning legislation as part of his ongoing professional development.
When Matthew is not continuing his professional development, he enjoys seeing live music and watching the Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club.
- Chartered Financial Planner
- Advance Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning
- Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning
- Certificate in Pension Transfer Advice
- Award in Long Term Care Planning
- Chartered Financial Planner
- Named in the NMA Top 35 Advisers under 35 lists for three years running
- Published contributor in The Telegraph
- VouchedFor Top Rated Adviser 2021-2024
Meet our expert team
Our team members have extensive experience in the UK financial and investment industries and our in-house specialists can help with matters such as safeguarded benefit pension transfers, long-term care or equity release. From specialists to support members, The Private Office is home to some of the finest Chartered independent financial advisers in the UK.
What people say about me
Built confidence from the start, very approachable; and I followed his advice which was to move my pension. Since then, my pension has performed very well and I really value the regular updates as I approach retirement.
January 2025
Matthew provided me with a superb presentation of my financial position. Clearly set out and easily digestible, his reports showed in infinite detail every aspect of my funds’ performance. He gave me a very well informed and comprehensive explanation of my portfolio and market conditions and followed up with an excellent report of what we discussed. He took great care in discussing my personal circumstances and advising on the way ahead. It is very reassuring to know my finances and best interests are in such excellent hands.
July 2024
Alex Kyprianou
He supports his clients by using cash flow modelling technology to help them visualise their financial futures and empower them to take control of their finances. Alex uses this holistic approach to financial planning to better inform the advice process and create a benchmark for clients to ensure they remain on track as they work towards their objectives.
Alex has experience across the spectrum of financial planning needs, including supporting clients with their investments to grow their portfolio, complex tax planning, mitigating inheritance tax and, more often than not, a combination of all the above. He supports our Financial Planning Academy, helping to train the next generation of TPO Financial Advisers and sharing his knowledge and expertise.
In addition to his Chartered Financial planner status, Alex has gained further qualifications in areas such as complex pension transfer advice and investment management. He keeps up to date with financial planning legislation as part of his ongoing professional development. In 2023 he was named as one of the Citywire NMAs Top 35 Next Generation Advisers. As a result of the valuable support he offers his clients, Alex has also achieved VouchedFor top rated adviser status in 2021, 2022 and 2024.
- Advanced Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning
- Certificate in Discretionary Investment Management
- Certificate in Pension Transfer Advice
- Certificate in Securities Advice & Dealing
- Award in Financial Administration
- Chartered Financial Planner
- Experience gained across wealth and accountancy sectors
- Named as one of the Citywire NMA Top 35 Next Generation Advisers 2023
Meet our expert team
Our team members have extensive experience in the UK financial and investment industries and our in-house specialists can help with matters such as safeguarded benefit pension transfers, long-term care or equity release. From specialists to support members, The Private Office is home to some of the finest Chartered independent financial advisers in the UK.
What people say about me
Alex provided me with first class advice. He was was extremely knowledgeable and trustworthy.
March 2024
We were delighted with the detailed practical knowledge that Alex clearly had concerning financial matters. We were happy with every aspect of what he prepared and recommended for our finances going forward.
December 2023
Susan Tait
Her experience includes working with Trusts and trustees and lay and professional deputies, and since 2003 Susan has specialised in advising individuals and families where a client has suffered catastrophic personal injury or clinical negligence. She understands the needs of her clients and the value of supporting their team of professionals.
Susan’s technical skills adopt the use of cash-flow modelling to empower clients to take control of their financial future and achieve financial independence across Yorkshire and the North. Whether this be for an inheritance tax liability or pension planning, this can offer clarity and a strong foundation for a bespoke financial plan.
With over twenty years of experience advising on all aspects of financial planning, Susan is a Chartered Financial Planner and manages a team of advisers in the firm. She has several financial planning qualifications and keeps up to date with financial planning legislation as part of her ongoing professional development. As a result of the valuable support she offers her clients, Susan has been a VouchedFor top rated adviser for the past few consecutive years. Susan is also a Dementia Friend, an initiative from the Alzheimer's Society to raise awareness and understanding so that she and others can support people living with dementia.
Outside of providing advice to her clients, she enjoys all sports - mainly football - helping with her local cubs, traveling and spending time with her family.
- Chartered Financial Planner since 2010
- Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning
- Diploma in Financial Planning
- Financial Planning Certificate
- Founding Partner at the Private Office
- Specialist in financial planning for catastrophic personal injury or clinical negligence settlements
- Over 20 years of experience in financial planning
- Vouched for Top Rated Adviser 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024
Meet our expert team
Our team members have extensive experience in the UK financial and investment industries and our in-house specialists can help with matters such as safeguarded benefit pension transfers, long-term care or equity release. From specialists to support members, The Private Office is home to some of the finest Chartered independent financial advisers in the UK.
What people say about me
Susan’s knowledge, expertise, advice and ability to explain in detail to me how my portfolio is progressing has always helped me greatly.
April 2025
Now that we have retired, we find that we have a very comfortable lifestyle and are very happy with the advice Susan has given us over the past years.
November 2024
Roger Clarke
With over thirty years’ experience in the financial services industry, Roger’s expertise includes cashflow modelling, pension advice, planning for retirement and inheritance tax mitigation for high net-worth clients. He started his career at Bowring Financial Services and then Thomson's (now AWD Chase) before co-founding PQR Financial Services in 2004, which was purchased by TPO in 2016.
Roger has lent his expertise to publications such as The Telegraph, the Mail on Sunday and This is Money, providing commentary and financial planning insights to finance articles. As well as being a Chartered Financial Planner, Roger has several financial planning qualifications and keeps up to date with financial planning legislation as part of his ongoing professional development. As a result of the valuable support he offers his clients, Roger has been a VouchedFor top rated adviser for the past few consecutive years.
When he is not providing support to his clients, Roger can be found playing golf, tennis, or his bassoon in a local orchestra.
- Chartered Financial Planner
- Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning
- Diploma in Financial Planning
- Financial Planning Certificate
- Award in Pensions Update
- Certificate in Discretionary Investment Management
- Certificate in Financial Services
- Chartered Financial Planner
- Over 30 years’ experience in financial services
- Co-founder of PQR Financial Services in 2004
- Published contributor in the Mail on Sunday, Independent Eagle and The Telegraph
Meet our expert team
Our team members have extensive experience in the UK financial and investment industries and our in-house specialists can help with matters such as safeguarded benefit pension transfers, long-term care or equity release. From specialists to support members, The Private Office is home to some of the finest Chartered independent financial advisers in the UK.
What people say about me
Roger was very helpful and answered all of my questions in a clear and concise manner. He was very easy to engage with and he has an affable manner about him. I would gladly use Roger again for inheritance tax advice (or more general investment advice too).
April 2024
I have been advised by Roger for about 20 years. I was in need of retirement income advice, and Roger was recommended by my accountant. Having got to know Roger and worked with him over the years, I have complete confidence. Having not been in a position to put enough aside in my pension "pot" during my working life, Roger has advised and managed to "stretch" my pension pot.