Ep. 111 - From Property to Pounds: Frankie Smith’s £25M Community-Led Wealth Journey
In a profession shaped by tradition, Frankie Smith is offering something refreshingly different. At just 30, she has grown a £25 million wealth management firm by focusing on people, not products, and by challenging what success looks like in financial advice.
In a recent episode of Adviser 3.0 The Podcast, host Kate Phillips speaks with Frankie about her extraordinary journey from property agent to trailblazing business founder. Her story is one of innovation, resilience and bold thinking.
From Property to Planning: A Journey Fuelled by Insight
Frankie began her career in property at 22, where she quickly learned the importance of emotional intelligence in client relationships. Those early experiences shaped the foundation of Frankie’s Wealth Management, which today serves a client base that values connection, clarity and trust.
Within eight years, she had built a business managing £25 million in assets. One of the key drivers behind this growth was her decision to recruit outside the financial planning profession. By hiring team members with different perspectives, she created an environment that challenges norms and embraces innovation.
Redefining Luxury: Partnerships That Resonate
Frankie’s firm is also making waves with its branding and partnerships. Collaborations with names like luxury jeweller Boodles have helped attract a high-net-worth audience that appreciates both sophistication and authenticity.
These relationships are not about appearance. They reflect a deliberate strategy to position financial advice as something aspirational, not intimidating.
Community First: A Business Built on Trust
At the heart of Frankie’s model is community. Rather than leading with technical knowledge or investment products, she prioritises relationships and accessibility. Her clients are part of something bigger, and that sense of belonging has become a key part of her firm’s identity.
It is an approach that resonates with people who want advice they can relate to and trust they can rely on.
Real Talk: Grief, Growth and Genuine Leadership
The conversation also touches on personal grief and how it shaped Frankie’s resilience as a leader. Her openness and vulnerability are a powerful reminder that leadership in financial planning is not about having all the answers. It is about being human, consistent and present for your clients and your team.
What Advisers Can Learn from Frankie’s Story
Frankie’s experience offers inspiration to advisers across the profession. Whether you are building a business, refining your client experience or exploring new partnerships, her journey shows the value of staying true to your principles and having the courage to do things differently.
To hear more of Frankie’s insights, listen to the full episode of Adviser 3.0 The Podcast.
