Building for the long term with Glenn Urquhart as COO
Sustainable growth doesn’t happen by accident. As businesses scale, the difference between momentum and long-term success often comes down to the strength of the foundations beneath the surface. Strong foundations are underpinned by the systems, processes and leadership team that enable a firm to grow without losing what made it successful in the first place.
At Five Wealth, we see this stage as a natural part of our evolution. Having reached £1bn in AUM in 2025, our focus is increasingly on maturity, resilience and building a business designed to stand the test of time. At the end of last year, we were pleased to welcome Glenn Urquhart to the team as our new Chief Operating Officer.
Why foundations matter as a business matures
Growth can bring complexity. In wealth management, this often means more clients, more advisers, increased regulation and a growing technology footprint -all of which require operational discipline that evolves alongside the business. Without the right foundations in place, growth can become fragmented, reactive and difficult to sustain.
This is where the role of a Chief Operating Officer becomes critical. A strong COO provides the bridge between strategy and execution, ensuring ambition is supported by clear processes, scalable technology and a consistent operating model. Crucially, it allows leadership teams to focus not just on where the business is going, but on how it gets there.
Experience to help us scale with stability and longevity
Glenn brings over two decades’ experience in financial services operations, strategic planning and transformation. His background spans platform management, regulatory-aligned project delivery, data-led process improvement and supporting strategic change across both organic growth and transaction-led expansion. This breadth of experience will play a central role in helping Five Wealth scale in a structured and considered way.
Glenn will lead the design and implementation of operational frameworks that support sustainable growth – from process and technology transformation through to financial planning-focused programmes that improve efficiency and consistency.
Culture remains central to us, and Glenn will help to ensure that operational change enhances, rather than dilutes, the values and behaviours that define the business. He will also lead our approach to emerging technologies and team development, helping us to remain adaptable in a rapidly changing environment.
A shared perspective on growth
Reflecting on his appointment, Glenn said:
“I was drawn to the unique focus and ethos of Five Wealth that sets it apart from much of the industry. As businesses grow, having the right operational foundations becomes increasingly important. I’m looking forward to helping ensure the business continues to evolve in a way that supports both clients and colleagues over the long term.”
Steve Jordan, our director and co-founder, added:
“Reaching £1bn in AUM was a significant milestone, but it also sharpened our focus on what comes next. Long-term success depends on having the right leadership and structures in place behind the scenes. Glenn brings the experience and mindset needed to strengthen those foundations and support the next stage of Five Wealth’s journey.”
Looking ahead
With plans to continue growing through a blend of organic development, client referrals, selective recruitment and strategic acquisitions, Five Wealth remains focused on building a mature and resilient business. Glenn’s appointment reflects a deliberate investment in long-term thinking, ensuring that as we grow, we do so with clarity, consistency and purpose.