Meet the Investment Influencers: Chelsea FS's Darius McDermott

Our regular video series continues

clock • 1 min read

The fund selection and fund research markets are a major part of the multi-trillion pound investment industry but who are the key players within it?

In the latest of our series of video interviews with the most respected individuals who select funds, decide ratings or otherwise influence the allocation of investor fund flows, we meet Darius McDermott, managing director of Chelsea Financial Services.

McDermott joined Chelsea's training scheme after graduating from Birmingham University with a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry. He gained experience in all the firm's departments before being made managing director in 2000. As well as managing the business and being part of the research team, he has an active role in the financial media and is regularly quoted in both national newspapers and more specialist financial publications.

McDermott is also managing director of fund research business FundCalibre, a joint venture between Chelsea and Albemarle Street Partners launched in 2014, and chairman of the Association for Independent Discount and Non-Advisory Brokers. This organisation represents the views and interests of the discount broking, execution only and non-advised sales community to the regulator, fund groups, platforms and the general public.

The Investment Influencers series, which has most recently featured John Husselbee of Liontrust, Michelle McGrade of TD Wealth International and Peter Elston of Seneca Investment Managers, will continue over the coming months, offering insights into how key industry players see the world of investing and expect to deal with such challenges as increased regulation, greater market volatility and a growing trend towards short-termism.

If you would like to put yourself or a colleague forward to take part in the Investment Influencers series, please email Georgina Walters.

More on Investment

IFAs look to boost clients' private markets exposure

IFAs look to boost clients' private markets exposure

Expect increase in stock market volatility

Jen Frost
clock 02 July 2025 • 2 min read
Winds of change: Private markets access for retail investors

Winds of change: Private markets access for retail investors

Investing in LTAFs, accessibility aside, needs careful consideration

Dorian Hughes
clock 02 July 2025 • 5 min read
Stock pickers call for caution over rapid return to US equities

Stock pickers call for caution over rapid return to US equities

Quilter's WealthSelect boosts fixed income and reduces equity exposure

Linus Uhlig
clock 01 July 2025 • 1 min read

In-depth

Why Gen Z still trusts financial advisers in the age of finfluencers

Why Gen Z still trusts financial advisers in the age of finfluencers

A digital generation with a human touch

Sahar Nazir
clock 23 June 2025 • 4 min read
QROPS class actions: What next for frustrated UK expats?

QROPS class actions: What next for frustrated UK expats?

Calls for reform across the board as insurers fight back in IoM

Isabel Baxter
clock 29 May 2025 • 7 min read
AI on trial: FCA's Live Testing opens new path for advisers

AI on trial: FCA's Live Testing opens new path for advisers

Offering regulated firms a controlled space to trial advanced technologies

Sahar Nazir
clock 21 May 2025 • 7 min read