LGT Wealth Management has strengthened its presence in Scotland by appointing Kirsty Thomson as a wealth planner in its Edinburgh office. This move, announced on August 18, 2025, comes amid growing demand for expert advice on retirement planning, inheritance tax, and wealth structuring for high-net-worth individuals across the UK.
Background on the New Appointment
Kirsty Thomson joins LGT Wealth Management with more than 15 years of experience in the financial sector. She started her career as a solicitor in 2009 and has since built a strong reputation for helping wealthy clients manage complex financial needs.
Her previous roles include serving as divisional director at RBC Brewin Dolphin in Edinburgh, along with positions at PwC and Turcan Connell. These experiences have equipped her with deep knowledge in areas like pension planning and tax strategies.
This hire aligns with recent UK policy shifts that are reshaping how families and business owners handle wealth transfer. Changes in pensions and inheritance tax rules have created new challenges, making specialized advice more crucial than ever.
Why This Matters for Scotland’s Financial Landscape
Scotland’s financial services sector continues to thrive, with Edinburgh standing out as a key hub outside London. LGT Wealth Management’s expansion taps into this talent pool, responding to increased client needs driven by economic uncertainties.
The firm now employs over 50 specialists in Scotland, following its relocation to new headquarters in Edinburgh’s Capital Square in May 2024. This growth reflects broader trends where wealth managers are investing heavily in regional teams to provide personalized services.
John Godfrey, head of Scotland at LGT Wealth Management, highlighted the timing of the hire. He noted that many clients, including entrepreneurs and family businesses, are reassessing plans due to budget announcements that impact business property relief and tax thresholds.
- Rising demand for bespoke wealth planning in Scotland, fueled by UK-wide tax reforms.
- Focus on intergenerational wealth transfer, with more families seeking strategies to minimize tax burdens.
- Expansion of services to cover retirement solutions amid volatile market conditions.
Expertise Kirsty Thomson Brings to the Table
Thomson’s expertise centers on retirement and pension planning, where she helps clients navigate options like defined benefit schemes and self-invested personal pensions. Her legal background adds value in structuring wealth to optimize tax efficiency.
She has a track record of supporting high-net-worth individuals through major life events, such as business sales or inheritances. This skill set is particularly relevant now, as UK inheritance tax thresholds remain frozen until 2028, potentially affecting more estates.
In her new role, Thomson will collaborate with LGT’s team to deliver tailored financial strategies. This includes advising on investment portfolios that balance growth with risk management in a high-inflation environment.
Clients can expect practical guidance on recent changes, like the reduction in capital gains tax allowances, which dropped to 3,000 pounds annually in 2024. Her approach emphasizes long-term goals, ensuring families build sustainable wealth.
| Key Areas of Expertise | Description | Relevance in 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Retirement Planning | Strategies for pensions and savings | Addresses policy shifts like lifetime allowance changes |
| Inheritance Tax | Minimizing liabilities through trusts | Crucial amid frozen thresholds and rising property values |
| Wealth Structuring | Legal frameworks for asset protection | Helps business owners with succession planning |
LGT’s Broader Strategy in Scotland
LGT Wealth Management, part of a global group managing over 220 billion pounds in assets, has been steadily building its UK footprint. The Scotland office opening in 2022 marked the start of this push, followed by key hires and acquisitions.
Last year’s 140 million pound purchase of abrdn’s discretionary fund management business boosted its Edinburgh operations. Today, the firm serves a diverse client base, from private individuals to institutions, emphasizing sustainable and family-oriented wealth management.
This latest hire signals ongoing investment in talent. With Scotland’s economy showing resilience post-pandemic, wealth managers like LGT are positioning themselves to capture growth in sectors like renewable energy and technology.
The move also counters concerns about talent migration due to tax differences between Scotland and England. Recent data shows net inflows of high earners to Scotland, bringing in over 200 million pounds in taxable income annually since 2017.
Impact on Clients and the Industry
For clients, Thomson’s arrival means access to more personalized advice at a time when financial planning feels overwhelming. Many are dealing with the aftermath of the 2025 budget, which introduced tighter rules on business reliefs.
Industry experts see this as part of a trend where firms prioritize regional expertise. Scotland’s financial sector, valued at over 9 billion pounds in annual economic contribution, benefits from such expansions.
Looking ahead, LGT plans further team growth to meet rising demand. This could include more hires in areas like sustainable investing, aligning with global shifts toward green finance.
The appointment underscores how wealth management is evolving to address modern challenges, blending legal insight with financial acumen.
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