Financial Advisor Oxfordshire
Patronus is a leading financial advisor with offices near Oxford and in London. Spear's Magazine 'Top 10 Wealth Managers in the UK’ (James Barton).
A Leading Financial Advisor near Oxford
Patronus was founded in 2015 on the realisation that large financial advice companies are often sub-optimal for clients.
Patronus is an increasingly rare example of a genuinely independent, unconflicted, staff owned financial advisor in Oxfordshire.
Our clients benefit from our team’s experience working for large banks, hedge funds and investment firms but prefer a more intimate, friendly and client focused boutique financial advice firm.
We prefer to stay small, independent and optimal for a limited number of clients.
What we do
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We structure our client’s investment portfolios as tax efficiently as possible.
We monitor changes in government legislation to make sure that our clients remain as tax efficient as possible and give ongoing advice on this.
We do not charge initial fees for financial advice.
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A changing investment environment requires adaptation, innovation, and focus. As a boutique wealth management firm, we are able to offer a flexible investment style, in order to capitalise on the ever changing macroeconomic environment.
We can actively position portfolios, whatever the evolving investment landscape, and, as we are an independent boutique wealth management firm, we are entirely free to invest in an unconflicted way, with no “in-house” products. You can read some of our latest research here.
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Some of our clients also use our execution only trading and custody service, enabling them to have all of their investments under one roof.
Our traders work on behalf of various, hedge funds and family offices. Our private clients are able to benefit from institutional quality trading, settlement and custody.
“We are all escapees from large firms and feel that clients no longer want the bland industry stereotype but prefer a smaller firm whose interests are aligned with theirs. The industry is ever- homogenising and unfortunately seems to focus more on shareholders than on clients".
— James Barton, Spear’s magazine.
The Unspoken Truth…
is that large pension advice firms are often sub-optimal for their clients.
As an independent pension advisor we are not constrained by being tied to our own in-house funds, looking after too many clients and nor are we under relentless shareholder pressure for revenue growth – all of which are detrimental to clients.
Our clients receive truly independent advice about their pensions in an unbiased way.
We only ever offer what we believe to be the best in class in order to deliver the best outcome for our clients.
"Patronus’ from the original Latin, is a person who stood as a protector to another, who was called his ‘client’. It struck a chord with us.”
— Paul Kavanagh CEO
Why invest with an independent financial advisor near Oxford?
Independence
We are employee owned with no shareholder pressure to deliver ever increasing revenue targets, which are often to the detriment of the client.
Freedom
We are not constrained or conflicted by the issues many pension advice firms face such as being tied to their own ’in-house’ funds and static portfolios. We are free to invest in what we believe will give the best outcome.
Performance
Whilst we cannot guarantee that past performance will be repeated, since inception, our portfolios have performed better than the industry benchmark.
Experience
Most members of our team have over 20 years’ experience looking after the investments for private clients and working in senior positions of larger firms.
Close Relationships
We deliberately have fewer clients so that they can benefit from an intimate relationship with the firm and have direct access to our whole team in Berkshire and London.
Fees
We do not charge initial fees for our advice just a clear annual fee, only payable once you start to invest with us.
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![Smiling man wearing glasses and a white shirt sitting in a room with a blurred background.]()
Paul Kavanagh
Director
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![A man in an office setting working at a computer with multiple monitors displaying financial data and graphs.]()
Jeremy Steinson
Director
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![Smiling woman sitting in an office with a blurred background.]()
S-J Kavanagh
Operations
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![Man wearing glasses sitting at a table with abstract art in the background.]()
James Barton
Investment Director
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![Person smiling in a meeting with a laptop and glass of water visible in the foreground.]()
John Prior
Director, CIO
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![Two men in an office setting, one is gesturing with his hands while discussing, wearing glasses and a white shirt.]()
Kareem Khouri
Director, COO
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![Bald man smiling in a white shirt against a plain background]()
Dan Dowding
Head of Wealth Management
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![Black and white selfie portrait of a woman outdoors with a blurred background of trees and sky.]()
Penny Rooney
Head of Compliance
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![Portrait of a smiling man in a suit and white shirt, black and white photo.]()
Richard Griffiths
Trading Manager
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![Black and white portrait of a smiling woman with long hair]()
Harriet Harrison
Operations
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![Black and white portrait of a man in a suit with a neutral expression.]()
Jonathan Jackson
Head of Research
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![Black and white portrait of a man in a suit]()
James Blackmore
Trader
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“One of the top 10 Wealth Managers in the UK. Barton is a dichotomy... An affable bonhomie, but with a sharp, disruptive, forward-thinking mind. His preference for questioning the rules, combined with his friendly nature, is why clients seek his insightful advice and why he is regarded as one of the top practitioners in the industry"
— James Barton Investment Director Review in Spear’s
Berkshire
1650 Arlington Business Park, Reading, Berkshire. RG7 4SA
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Managing your finances with confidence requires more than just good intentions – it demands expertise, planning, and ongoing guidance. Working with a professional Financial Advisor in Oxford or Oxfordshire ensures you have the support you need to make informed decisions and achieve long-term stability.
Why Work with a Local Financial Advisor?
Oxford and Oxfordshire combine world-class education, thriving business sectors, and historic charm. This mix presents both opportunities and challenges in financial planning. A local advisor understands:
The academic and professional landscape of Oxford.
The needs of families and individuals in market towns and rural Oxfordshire.
How to create strategies that balance today’s priorities with tomorrow’s ambitions.
Whether you’re planning for retirement, buying property, investing, or protecting your family, local expertise makes a difference.
What a Financial Advisor Can Offer
Tailored Financial Planning
From savings and investments to pensions and estate planning, your adviser will create a personalised roadmap tailored to your goals, risk profile, and circumstances.
Independent Advice
An independent financial advisor (IFA) can recommend products from across the whole market, ensuring advice is unbiased and in your best interests.
Wealth Management
For clients with more complex needs, financial advisors also provide wealth management services, covering investments, inheritance planning, and tax-efficient strategies.
Clarity and Support
A financial advisor translates complex jargon into clear options, giving you peace of mind and helping you make decisions with confidence.
Choosing the Right Advisor in Oxfordshire
When selecting a financial advisor, consider the following:
Qualifications and regulation – Look for Chartered status and ensure the adviser is FCA regulated.
Experience – Choose someone with a track record relevant to your stage of life and financial needs.
Communication – A good adviser will be clear, responsive, and transparent.
Fee structure – Understand upfront how fees are charged to avoid hidden costs.
Life in Oxford & Oxfordshire: Local Context
Oxford is one of the UK’s most dynamic cities, boasting a world-renowned university, a strong publishing and technology sector, and a vibrant cultural scene. Beyond the city, Oxfordshire offers a beautiful countryside, including the Cotswolds and the Chiltern Hills, as well as historic sites such as Blenheim Palace.
This combination of academic prestige, innovation, and rural lifestyle makes the county a desirable place to live – and a smart place to plan your financial future.
FAQs – Financial Advice in Oxfordshire
Do I need a financial advisor if I already have a pension and savings?
Yes. A financial advisor helps you optimise what you have, ensuring your savings, pensions, and investments work together towards your goals.What’s the difference between an IFA and a restricted advisor?
An IFA can recommend products from the entire market, while a restricted advisor only offers solutions from specific providers. Independence often provides greater flexibility.How often should I review my financial plan?
Annual reviews are recommended, with additional check-ins if your circumstances change significantly (such as moving house, starting a family, or nearing retirement).Are financial advisors regulated?
Yes. Advisors in the UK must be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Always check an adviser’s status before committing.Can a financial advisor help with tax planning?
Yes. While they don’t replace an accountant, many financial advisers provide guidance on tax-efficient investing, pension contributions, and estate planning to help you minimise your tax liabilities.When is the right time to get a financial advisor?
There’s no set age or stage — it depends on your circumstances. Many people seek advice when buying property, starting a family, building investments, or planning for retirement.Useful Resources
For impartial information and local context:
Take the Next Step
Your finances deserve expert guidance. With the support of a trusted Financial Advisor in Oxford and Oxfordshire, you can take control of your future, protect what matters most, and plan with confidence.
Start today – book a consultation and begin building the financial future you want.
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