Shelley McCarthy: The new head of the Bamford advice empire

Plans to ‘drive efficiencies’ at the firm

clock • 3 min read

Informed Choice's new managing director Shelley McCarthy tells Claire Tyrrell she has promised to continue the Bamford family legacy, but that does not mean she will shy away from introducing modern touches to the IFA firm

Shelley McCarthy, 41, replaced Martin Bamford as head of the Cranleigh-based company this month after 10 years at the firm and, most recently, as its financial planning director.  As the only female and non-family member to head Informed Choice, founded by Martin Bamford's parents Nick and Andrea in 1994, McCarthy knows she has big shoes to fill. Nick and Martin Bamford will still work with Informed Choice, though they are taking a step back from the operations of the company. "It's a 25-year-old company and it's almost like a baby in that way, so it's about letting go and about drivi...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

WIFA entry tips from the judges: Insight into what makes a standout entry

WIFA entry tips from the judges: Insight into what makes a standout entry

Gillian Hepburn and Sam Slator in the studio

Professional Adviser
clock 10 June 2026 • 1 min read
Small firms to file accounts with Companies House from 2028

Small firms to file accounts with Companies House from 2028

Must file profit and loss accounts but can opt out of publication

Sophia Panayi
clock 10 June 2026 • 2 min read
FCA deputy CEO: Regulator cannot scale financial inclusion initiatives alone

FCA deputy CEO: Regulator cannot scale financial inclusion initiatives alone

FCA deputy CEO Sarah Pritchard speaks to Treasury Committee

Sophia Panayi
clock 09 June 2026 • 3 min read